I Was a Teenage Movie Maker

Book excerpt: In 1953, a nine-year-old boy watched a prehistoric film called Beast From 20,000 Fathoms featuring the special effect magic of Ray Harryhausen. Enthralled by the movie but unsatisfied with what was available for at-home movie consumption, he decided to make his own science fiction thriller from dinosaurs to superheroes. This volume takes a firsthand look at the movie-making career of Don Glut. Beginning with his first movie, Diplodocus At Large, at age nine, it explores Glut's various attempts and the increasingly creative processes he used to bring his vision to life. Through the course of the work, Glut discusses his filmmaking experiences at the University of Southern California; the inspiration he received (and gave) through fanzines such as Famous Monsters of Filmland and Castle of Frankenstein; and the interest which his movies still generate. Films discussed include The Earth Before Man, Spy Smasher vs. the Purple Monster, Dinosaur Valley Girls, and Frankenstein Meets Dracula. A chronological filmography lists each of Glut's 41 films with notes regarding cast and a brief synopsis.