Frankenstein (TV 2007)

I watched a movie for television called Frankenstein(2007) clearly based on the novel by Mary Shelley who wrote her story in the early 1800s. I was hesitant to watch yet another movie about Frankenstein, but this was surprisingly interesting and I enjoyed the acting of Helen McCrory who played a scientist interested in stem cell research and grieving over the death of her son. The movie more or less follows the theme of the novel that there can be unintended consequences that come with experimentation and new procedures. I liked the movie, it was fun, but I think I liked the movie because I enjoyed the novel and was comparing and remembering the written story. Sometimes no matter what you do, there is no substitute for the imagery of a well written novel.

Horror props and memorabilia at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas...

The other day I showcased props from sci-fi and fantasy movie props on display at the Planet Hollywood Cafe in Las Vegas, today it's the turn of props from cult and iconic horror movie favourites.

Skeleton Guard prop from Wishmaster on display

First up is this imposing Skeleton Guard prop used in Wes Craven's 1997 fantasy horror featuring a demonic wish granting djinn.

Wishmaster movie poster

In Stanley Kubrick's iconic 1980 horror movie, The Shining, Shelley Duvall as 'Wendy Torrance' uses this kitchen knife to defend herself from her insane husband, famously played by Jack Nicholson.

Actual knife prop used in The Shining

The Shining movie poster

Next up, I'm not sure I'd want to be sitting too close to this realistic King Cobra model from 1990's horror sequel, The Exorcist III, whilst eating at the Planet Hollywood Cafe, but it is a cool prop to have on display.

King Cobra snake prop from The Exorcist III

The Exorcist III movie poster

In 1991's movie adaptation of the Thomas Harris bestseller, The Silence of the Lambs, Ted Levin used this Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver as psychopathic serial killer and kidnapper, Jame 'Buffalo Bill' Gumb.

Gun prop from The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs movie poster

In addition to sadistic killers and creepy villains with sharp knives, clowns often feature prominently in horror movies as portents of evil. No more so than this scary clown doll that comes to life and terrorizes Heather O'Rourke's young character in Poltergeist, 'Carol Anne Freeling'.

Original clown doll from Poltergeist

Poltergeist movie poster

Next up may not seem like much, but this torch prop was used in the original 1933 black and white King Kong classic, starring Fay Wray, and so is an important piece of cinematic history.

Original torch prop from King Kong

1933 King Kong movie poster

Finally for this installment of original props and models are the special effects appliances used in Turner Network Television's 1994 adaptation of Frankenstein, starring Randy Quaid under the make-up of the classic horror monster.

Frankenstein's special effects make-up appliances on display

And that's all for today folks, check back soon for more original props used in action, historic epics, comedies, romance and western movies on display at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on April 7, 2011.

Planet Hollywood Cafe Las Vegas

If you like these, be sure to check out more film props and costumes on display at the Planet Hollywood store at Walt Disney World in Florida.