We're gonna try and bring on all the different aspects of horror

"We're gonna try and bring on all the different aspects of horror movie making and bring on guests and show all these old '50's B movies. Not the real corny ones, the real cool ones." These words spoken by Jerry Only reflect a deep reverence for the rich history of the horror genre, an appreciation for its evolution and the artistry involved in crafting terror. In these words, we hear an invitation to dive into the past, to rediscover forgotten gems, and to honor a time when the genre was brimming with creativity, innovation, and bold experimentation. There is a clear message within this quote: it is not just about revisiting the past, but about celebrating the authenticity and charm of older horror films, the ones that still resonate with us today because of their raw creativity and spirit.

To understand the full depth of Jerry Only’s statement, one must first grasp the significance of the 1950s B-movies. This era gave birth to countless low-budget films, many of which have since become cult classics. These films were not constrained by the conventional rules of big-budget filmmaking. Instead, they allowed for greater freedom and imagination. Horror films from the 1950s were, for many, the entryway into a world of suspense, fear, and excitement. They embodied an era where filmmakers used limited resources to create stories that were rich in atmosphere, often relying on suspense and the unknown to create terror, rather than on excessive gore or special effects.

The B-movie was often maligned, its charm dismissed as “corny” or “cheesy.” Yet, within these films lies an undeniable spirit of rebellion, an urge to break the norms and tell stories in new ways. The horror genre itself was a canvas for filmmakers to express their fears, anxieties, and societal concerns, often reflecting the cultural climate of the time. Take, for instance, the classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), a B-movie that secretly served as a commentary on the growing fear of communism during the Cold War. These films, once considered low art, often carried deep psychological and cultural significance, making them far more than mere entertainment.

Consider the impact of Vincent Price, whose performances in films such as House of Wax (1953) and The Fly (1958) elevated these B-horror films to an almost mythical status. Price brought a unique gravitas to the genre, embodying the duality of charm and menace that became a hallmark of classic horror. His presence on-screen reminded audiences that the best horror is not just about the shocking or the grotesque but about a deep, psychological terror that takes root in the mind long after the movie ends. His performances, along with the innovative work of many others during the 1950s, are what give these films their enduring power.

Jerry Only’s statement also speaks to the importance of keeping history alive, of revisiting and celebrating the past. It reminds us that the older works of art—those often labeled as "corny" or “dated”—are the foundations upon which modern horror was built. These films pushed boundaries, found ways to create horror on a shoestring budget, and laid the groundwork for the more sophisticated, complex horror films that followed. They taught future filmmakers that you don’t need millions of dollars or cutting-edge technology to scare an audience—you need imagination, passion, and a willingness to explore the depths of fear.

In today’s world, where horror films often rely on special effects and shock value, it is easy to forget the roots of the genre. Yet, true horror is not found in what we see, but in what we feel. The real cool ones, as Jerry Only refers to them, are those films that were able to terrify without showing everything, those that left much to the imagination. These films prove that it is not the grotesque images that create lasting fear, but the sense of the unknown, the fear of what we cannot see or understand.

The lesson to take from Jerry Only’s words is that artistic value is not determined by modern standards or the size of the budget. It is determined by the spirit of the work, by the imagination and courage of those who created it. These films, though humble by today’s standards, carried within them a spark of something powerful. Their impact can still be felt, and their influence can still be seen in the best horror films of today. So, when we look back at the horror genre, let us remember not to dismiss the old films, but to look at them with the respect they deserve, understanding that the coolest films are often those that have stood the test of time, enduring not because of their polish but because of their heart and soul.

In our own lives, we must also remember that the value of our actions and creations is not always determined by immediate judgment or external success. Like those B-movie filmmakers, we should focus on what excites us, on the stories we feel passionate about, and on the authenticity we bring to our work. The spirit of creativity and the courage to be different are timeless qualities that resonate across generations. Whether in art or life, we must be brave enough to create something true to ourselves, just as the creators of those classic films dared to craft horror out of limited means but limitless imagination.