Midnight Marquee and Longthrow Multimedia International presents

The Fanex Files - AIP Producer Samuel Z. Arkoff (2007)

Reviewed by Robert Long II (2009)

Produced by Gary Svehla, Susan Svehla, Jeff Herberger

Running time: 91 minutes - Color and Black & White

One of AIP’s founding fathers was Samuel J. Arkoff, who in the 1950s helped launch the low budget independent film into the mainstream theatres. He was the first to exploit a valuable demographic – teenagers with money to spend. This company single-handedly created the teenage movie market back in the 1950s when it produced teenage beach party, monster, and juvenile delinquent movies.

There are some wonderful interviews with Bill Littman (Film Historian), Richard Dyzsel (Television’s Count Gore De Vol), Polly Lynn (Fanex Staff Member), Roger Cormen (Producer and Director), Barry Murphy (Actor), Leanna Chamish (Actress and Scream Queen), Robert Tinnell (Producer), Gary Svehla (Publisher), and Samuel Z. Arkoff himself.

Fantastic original trailers to AIP’s movies are included, among them FROGS, HOUSE OF USHER, WILD ANGELS, THE THING WITH TWO HEADS and many more. There are plenty of photo stills and nostalgia working in this disc’s favor as well, and there is never a dull moment.

The footage of Samuel Arkoff talking to his fans is from a Fanex convention that was held in 2000. Though visibly frail and a little bit slow in his speech, Arkoff had fire in his eyes and a great sense of humor as he addressed the audience in attendance. This lawyer-turned-producer goes into detail of his experiences working with Vincent Price, Annette Funicello, Roger Corman, Jack Nicholson, and his arguments with Walt Disney.

Midnight Marquee and Longthrow Multimedia International have produced a DVD that they should be very proud of. It is a fun, insightful, and nostalgic look into the career of a pioneer in the entertainment industry, and is incredibly polished and professionally presented as well. Big kudos to everyone involved. Those with a love of the B-movies from the 1950s through the 1970s will love it.

9/10 stars - get it now!

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