PLANET CHOCKO – art/music/movies/beyond

Chiller Theatre 2011

December 2nd, 2011 by chocko

Last October, the Chiller Theatre Expo invaded the toxic suburbs of New Jersey, uniting fans of horror, sci-fi (shout-out to the late Forrest J. Ackerman!), b-movies and everything in between straight out the basements. There’s always something for everyone at the the bi-annual convention from special movie screenings, guest panels, model & art contests and live music. Special guests from around the globe made their appearance to shake some hands and autograph stuff. Chocko and Mr. C went on a Friday night for a less crowded and funky experience. The next Chiller is in April. Don’t you ghastly ghouls and giddy goons miss out!

The very cool Planet Of The Apes Costume Exhibit…too realistic and kinda scary. “Take your stinking paws off me you damn dirty ape!”

Torrie Wilson looking more than ready to wrestle

Michale Graves…ex-Misfits vocalist, singer of Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg and solo artist. Excellent makeup job-sure to drive the ghouls crazy!

Richard Kiel, the 7’2″ steel-toothed villain of Moonraker takes a coffee break. Kiel was the original choice to portray the Incredible Hulk in the 70’s television series, but after 2 days of filming he was replaced with the more musclebound and bulky Lou Ferrigno.

Elvira makes her last east coast convention appearance. Say it isn’t so!

Pam Grier, one of my all time favorite actresses and the kick-ass queen of blaxploitation films! I wanted her autograph, but at 35 bucks a pop, this sucka’s keeping the wallet closed! Bo Svenson was also in the house…he was in the original Inglorious Bastards (1978) and will be making his 3rd cameo in a Tarantino movie in the upcoming Django Unchained.

Ed Repka…you might recognize his artwork. He’s done the art on a ton of heavy metal albums including Megadeth, Toxik, Municipal Waste and Death. He drew me an awesome Crimson Ghost sketch.

Here is an original Roger Kastel oil painting which was on display along with other art pieces. Roger is the artist of the Empire Strikes Back movie poster but probably most well known for the iconic Jaws movie poster art. Roger Kastel was so friendly and a pleasure to talk to.

Traci Lords was dressed as Little Red Riding Hood. That lady got me doing a triple take…nearly broke my neck. Nosferatu was also seen walking the halls of Chiller. The Legendary Horror Host Zacherley the Cool Ghoul was also in the house! We got Mad Respect for the Horror OG!

There was plenty of stuff for sale at the vendors tables…dolls, movies, models and Zacherley mugs! I bought a few movies: Ilsa She Wolf of The SS (a smutty, trashy classic-definitely not for the squeamish!), Mondo Topless (a documentary by Russ Meyers…the title speaks for itself) and a sci-fi blast from the groovy sixties, Wild Wild Planet.