Hosts Livio Merino from Kansas City and Jim Towns from Los Angeles humbly bring to you thorough, exciting, and fun reviews of all your vintage horror movie favorites. Our #1 focus, besides having a total blast talking about horror, is researching and delivering to the listeners little known and obscure facts about their favorite movies. The hosts have a special fondness for the Universal Studio films from the 1920's to the 1950's. This podcast is extremely interactive with the listeners thru ...
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Horror artist and writer Audrey Rose aka @madmonsterlady joins Jim Towns to discuss 1933's The Ghoul!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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Watch the skies!! And while you do, pop in some headphones and listen to Jim & Livio discuss Howard Hawk's 1951 classic "The Thing From Another World". A team of scientists and military officers discover a crashed frozen UFO in Alaska - and it's survivor. We tackle the impact of this film, the production, the nuances in the filmmaking, James Arness…
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Come aboard the SS Altair: it's all smooth sailing, except for the fact that its Captain is a homicidal maniac! Jim Towns and returning guest host David Ullman get to the bottom of this Val Lewton-produced RKO thriller from 1943, starring Richard Dix, Russell Wade, Edith Barrett and the great Skelton Knaggs!…
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The Human Monster AKA Dark Eyes Of London
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Jim & Livio know NOTHING about insurance, and neither do the customers of Dr. Orloff. The Human Monster is a 1939 British horror film starring Bela Lugosi (originally titled the Dark Eyes Of London). One of Lugosi's more popular 'poverty row' films, he plays a dual role of Dr. Orloff and the meek and blind Professor Dearborn. Jim & Livio discuss Lu…
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Author and educator David Bowles joins Jim Towns to discuss this Val Lewton-produced masterpiece of suspense and horror: 1945's Isle of the Dead, starring Boris Karloff!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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A Creature movie where the original incarnation of the Gill-Man appears for around 2 minutes! Jim & Livio tackle the third and final film of the Creature From The Black Lagoon series. In this film, a group of scientists (and their marital drama) do their best to change the Gill-Man into human form. Although this isn't the most action-packed movie, …
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Jim & Livio are back to discuss Tod Browning's unique, cult classic Dracula follow up: Freaks. This is a true one of a kind film, with a good story that boasts a great cast. In this episode we tackle the impact and legacy of this film, as well as the plot and inner workings of Tod Browning.By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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One hundred and four years ago, John Barrymore stepped off the stage and before the cameras to help bring Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novella (and its titular dual lead characters) to life. One hundred and four years later, Jim Towns and David Ullman dissect this trailblazing piece of classic horror cinema.…
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Tony and Jim raid again! Join us for part two of our discussion of the 1954 Toho Studios masterpiece Godzilla!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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Kaiju connoisseur Tony Salvaggio returns to the Borgo Pass to discuss the original 1954 monster masterpiece Godzilla! (part 1 of 2)By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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Sherlock Holmes and the Scarlet Claw
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Follow along as The Borgo Pass Horror Podcast investigates this great gothic mystery made by Universal Studios in 1944, which features many Universal Horror talents both in front and behind the camera! Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) and Dr. John Watson (Nigel Bruce) find themselves in Canada, on the trail of a murdering ghost!…
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Which one's the dead guy?? Join Jim and Livio and they tackle this in their review of the 1955 film Abbott and Costello Meet The Mummy. A later film in the A&C series, but not without humor, charm, and a bit of spookiness!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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Returning co-host David Ullman joins Jim Towns for a foray into the esoteric world of Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1932 gothic masterpiece Vampyr!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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Mantan Moreland, Lionel Atwill, Anne Gwynne, Shemp Howard, Samuel S. Hinds, A gorilla suit, fish bowl glasses, more plot twists than you could ever hope for - This is just some of the lunacy that Jim and Livio tackle as we discuss 1942's Strange Case of Dr RX. This is a 'deep cut' in the Universal Horror cycle - so dust off those fish bowl glasses,…
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In this audio version of the livestream, Jim is joined by Ian Bates from @UniversalStudiosMonsters and award-winning filmmaker, animator and top-tier Monster Kid Frank Dietz, to commemorate the life and work of David J. Skal: author, scholar and advocate for all things monsterific. Join them as they discuss David's influence on the course of each o…
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Musician, graphic designer and horrorphile Chris Sahlin joins Jim to talk about Columbia Pictures' lesser-known 1944 werewolf film Cry of the Werewolf!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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This... is the Inner Sanctum! Jim & Livio finish 2023 just how they started it - by delving into another Inner Sanctum mystery, Calling Dr. Death. This is the inaugural Inner Sanctum starring Lon Chaney, Jr and also features the stunning Patricia Morison, as well as Universal regular J. Carrol Naish. Crack open a bottle of bubbly this New Years, an…
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Jim & Livio are back! and to celebrate, we are joining the soon to be indicted Carl Denham as he escapes back to Skull Island where he finds - the late King Kong's 12ft offspring. This is a hidden gem of a sequel, and we break it all down for you. Make sure to enjoy before the next Tropical Earthquake!…
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Texas-based author and educator David Bowles joins Jim Towns for a plunge into a true Universal horror one-off: the 1931 Spanish language version of Dracula, which was filmed at night on the same stages as the Browning/Lugosi version, and which stars an entirely different cast including Carlos Villarilla as Conde Dracula and Lupita Tovar as Eva [Mi…
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We're baaaccckk! Jim and Livio make a spooky return and dive into a fun "Poverty Row" film - The Devil Bat. This is one of several low budget horror movies starring Bela Lugosi from the 40's. We go into Lugosi's impact in these roles, his broader impact in our pop culture, the shortcuts of the production and of course, the film itself. Enjoy just i…
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Jim & Livio return to the depths of the Amazon! In this episode we cover the first of two sequels to Creature From The Black Lagoon. We talk about everything from the story, the differences between the first two films, the logistics of filming in Florida, and much much more!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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For this episode Jim and frequent co-host David Ullman dive deep into RKO's 1943 Jacques Tournier/Val Lewton masterpiece I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE- Betsy is a nurse sent to the Caribbean island of San Sebastian to care for Jessica Holland, an invalid woman. There she finds family secrets, forbidden love, and zombies. With a screenplay co-penned by Cur…
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Jim & Livio wrap up with part two on the Phantom of the Opera! We cover the last half of the film, Chaney's make-up, the alternate endings, and the legacy of this movie!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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What happens when Jim & Livio watch two different versions of the same movie? Find out in part 1 of our 2 episode discussion of the 1925 Phantom Of The Opera! This is truly a cornerstone for Universal Horror - the source code, as Jim calls it - and in part 1, we talk about the impact of the film, its stars, the many directors, as well as breaking d…
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Jim Towns and returning guest co-host Tony Salvaggio get into 1945's Jungle Captive, the third installment in Universal's Ape Woman series-- and their final monster franchise. Jungle Captive stars Vicky Lane (taking over for Acquanetta as Paula DuPree/the Ape Woman), cult favorite Rondo Hatton (House of Horrors/Brute Man/Spider Woman Strikes Back),…
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This podcast is on the loose and we're dancing with the devil! Jim & Livio tackle the last chapter of the Kharis story - 1944's The Mummy's Curse. In this episode, we break down the story, the breakneck shooting schedule, the timeline of the Kharis films, and much much more! So - HEY YOU! Give this one a listen!…
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The Way You Walked Was Thorny: The Curse of Larry Talbot and Universal's Wolf Man Legacy
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Borgo Pass Horror Podcast presents another episode of "We Are the Monsters", hosted by Ian Bates of @Universalstudiosmonsters on Instagram. This episode features a live chat with Ian and Borgo Pass hosts Jim Towns and Livio Merino. Lon Chaney Jr. was the only actor to play Larry Talbot AKA the Wolf Man in the character's five appearances in Univers…
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Join Jim & Livio as they tackle the fourth and final serious entry in the Universal Invisible Man series: 1944's The Invisible Man's Revenge. Jon Hall is in his second outing as the invisible one, though playing a different character. John Carradine gives a fantastic performance as the eccentric Dr. Drury, and the movie also boasts Gale Sondergaard…
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Series host Jim Towns is joined by returning guest co-host David Ullman for a 90-minute deep dive into a unique and underappreciated piece of undead noir cinema: as The Borgo Pass Horror Podcast presents The Return of Dr. X! Released by Warner Bros. in 1939, this film features silver screen icon Humphrey Bogart in his ONLY horror role as Marshall Q…
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The conclusion of our two part episode on Ghost of Frankenstein! Jim & Livio wrap up with the films action packed climax, discussion on the fate of Ygor, what the ending meant for the rest of the series and much more!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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Jim & Livio tackle Universal's 4th film in the Frankenstein series, and the first without Karloff - 1942's The Ghost Of Frankenstein. In part 1, they discuss the production, it's value compared to the first 3, Lon Chaney's busy year at Universal, and much much more!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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Jason Henderson of Castle of Horror podcast and Castle Bridge Media publishing joins Jim Towns for an in-depth discussion on RKO's The Seventh Victim, from 1943. Produced by Val Lewton and directed by first timer Mark Robson, the film stars a young Kim Hunter (Zira in Planet of the Apes), Lewton regular Tom Conway, Jean Brooks (The Leopard Man/The …
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In this special episode, we present Ricou Browning: a Celebration of Life, recorded and streamed live on March 4, 2023 as part of the WE ARE THE MONSTERS series: moderated by Ian Bates of @Universalstudiosmonsters. Guest hosts include Jim Towns of the Borgo Pass, as well as Austin T. Hill of @Universalmonstersuniverse. Ricou Browning was born in 19…
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In this episode, our hosts take a perilous side trip to Devonshire, where a great hound has been prowling the moors. Watch out for the Great Grimpen Mire! Ian Bates joins series host Jim Towns in this deep delve into 1939's The Hound of the Baskervilles, which introduced the world to Basil Rathbone's touchstone performance as Sherlock Holmes. Produ…
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Jim & Livio tackle this seldom seen Paramount movie from 1941! Featuring an all star cast, moody atmosphere, a surprisingly good story, and the great Charles Gemora - this film does not disappoint! From mad science, to human trafficking, to The Mob, to a large Gorilla with a human brain... this one has it all! Kick back and enjoy our take and revie…
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It's finally here! One of our more requested movies to cover - 1954's Creature From The Black Lagoon. Hear Jim & a slightly raspy Livio spend 3 hours discussing everything from the story to behind the scenes to post production to it's lasting impact, and everything in between. Keep your rotenone handy and travel with us to the far reaches of the Am…
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Join Jim and very special guest Kat Hearons as they discuss this great horror-mystery from 1941: The Black Cat. An often overlooked film, Jim & Kat break down the movie, go into detail on the all-star cast, and of course - Bela Lugosi!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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This...is the Inner Sanctum! Kick off 2023 with Jim & Livio as they return to the realm of the Inner Sanctum with 1944's Weird Woman. Loosely based off 'Conjure Wife', this film follows Lon Chaney, Jr's Professor Norman Reed and his Island wife Paula (Anne Gwynne) as they tackle the beliefs of the supernatural, high education politics, and of cours…
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Part 2 of our year end episode covering 1944's House of Frankenstein. Jim, Livio, and special guest Tony Salvaggio follow Dr. Neimann's chamber of horrors as he leaves Dracula in the dust (literally) and meets Ilonka, revives both Frankenstein's Monster and The Wolf Man, and tries to complete his quest for revenge. Celebrate the New Year with us in…
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Hordes of horror spawned by the devil! Now all together in one horrific podcast! Join this Devils Brood of Jim Towns, Livio Merino, and special guest Tony Salvaggio as they close out 2022 with a two part episode on 1944's House of Frankenstein. Universal's first 'Monster Rally' features an all star cast, a quick but effective production and a fanta…
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Join Jim & Livio as they take their talents to Arkam (formerly Karnak) and discuss the 3rd film in the Kharis franchise - The Mummy's Ghost! This movie sees a change in direction for both Kharis & Ananka, the reintroduction of reincarnation, and a very downbeat and grim ending. Jim & Livio cover all of this as well as several behind the scenes stor…
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Thanksgiving gatherings have you feeling that you're trapped in a prison? Fear not! Pop in some headphones and listen to Jim & Livio breakdown the epic 1939 Universal Tower Of London. Over 2 hours of an in depth look at this masterfully produced movie, you'll hear everything from historical fact and details concerning the real events to production …
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Abbott & Costello Meet The Killer, Boris Karloff
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Fresh off the heels of Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein, Universal goes back to the well with 1949's Abbott & Costello Meet The Killer, Boris Karloff. Join Jim and special guest David Ullman for this in depth look at this classic 'who done it' horror/comedy!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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Jim & Livio wrap up the great and influential King Kong! Part two of our special Halloween episode takes us from Kongs appearance in the jungle all the way through the heartbreaking ending!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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Happy Halloween! Our big Halloween episode this year is on arguably the most influential movies of the 20th century - King Kong! In part one, join Jim and Livio and they discuss the impact of this movie, the groundbreaking ways they made the film, and the movie itself, up until the appearance of Kong. Part two will drop on Saturday night!…
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What do you get when you mix Bela Lugosi, a werewolf servant, and Nazis?? You wind up with 1943's Return of the Vampire! Join Jim and special guest Kat Hearons for this look into a non-Universal horror film of the early 40's. Lugosi is very prominently featured here and is backed by a decent supporting cast and terrific music score - join us for a …
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Join Jim and special guest David Ullman as they take a deep dive into this pre-code classic from Warner Brothers! This movie packs a major punch, still even today and absolutely pushes the limits with violence and sex. Made the same year as Dracula, this movie earned Fredric March an Academy Award for best actor. So grab your favorite elixir, and l…
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The Creeper stalks again! Join Jim and Livio as they discuss the sequel (or is it prequel?) to House of Horrors - The Brute Man! Rondo Hatton's last movie, also the last of the Universal Horror films from the 40's "B Movie" era. This film is truly a diamond in the rough, and Jim & Livio discuss Rondo, how this film ended up in public domain, and Ji…
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Jim welcomes special guest Tony Salvaggio to talk about all things Jungle Woman! This 1944 follow up to Captive Wild Woman continues the story of Paula Dupree - The Ape Woman! This is another seldom seen Universal Horror - but one with a great supporting cast and definitely worth talking about!By Jim Towns and Livio Merino
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You fool, you madman, what have you done?! Join Jim & Livio as they chronicle the misadventures of Zombie Ted and Dr. Morris. In this episode, you'll hear all about this lesser known entry in the Universal canon, as well as Evelyn Ankers as a singer (and potential villain), the great Robert Armstrong, George Zucco, Jack Pierce's makeup, Hans Salter…
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