How to Host a Vintage Horror Movie Marathon

Early Cinema Classic Films for Halloween or Theme Party

Oct 13, 2009

From Nosferatu to the Mummy, iconic horror masterpieces of early-20th-century cinema are ideal for a Halloween vintage horror movie marathon.

For a successful and unusual vintage horror movie marathon at home, the host will need some original party invitations, atmospheric decor, food and snacks to last you all night and of course movies.

Classic Vintage Horror Movies

Here are the classic films that the party host will need to download, hire or buy for the Halloween vintage horror theme party:

Der Golem (1920)

A silent horror movie about a giant humanoid monster – a golem – created out of clay by the Rabbi of Prague to protect the Jews of the city from prosecution. The creature gets out of control and has to be destroyed. Dir. Carl Boese. Starring Paul Wegener as the Golem.

The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920)

A silent horror masterpiece about a deranged doctor and his somnabulist servant connected to a series of murders in a German mountain village. The servant kidnaps the narrator's girlfriend and runs to his death and Dr Caligari is revealed to be the director of the local insane asylum. But is he? Vintage horror with a twist. Dir. Robert Wiene. Starring Werner Krauss as Dr. Calligari.

Nosferatu (1922)

An iconic vintage horror movie masterpiece of German expressionism. This early cinema classic is an adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, starring Max Schreck as Count Orlok (Dracula or Nosferatu). Dir. F. W. Murnau. A must-see for Halloween and on the list for any vintage horror theme party.

Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)

One of the first adaptations of Victor Hugo's famous novel, the Hunchback of Norte Dame is a silent movie that tells the tragic story of Quasimodo and Esmeralda amidst some spectacular Paris scenery. Lon Chaney, the first American horror movie star, stars as Quasimodo. This classic film was a box office hit of Universal Pictures.

Dracula (1931)

An early cinema classic, this vintage horror movie saw the magnificent Bela Lugosi in the role of Dracula and sent audiences screaming and fainting. The film has some dialogue but is considered a transition between silent movies and "talkies". Bela Lugosi delivers some famous catchphrases. Dracula was a box office hit for Universal Pictures.

Frankenstein (1931)

Soon after the success of Dracula, Universal Pictures released Frankenstein which was based loosely on Mary Shelley's novel. It tells the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monstrous creation which runs rampant. Colin Clive stars as Dr. Frankenstein and the Monster is played by the imposing Boris Karloff. This classic movie was instantly a success. Universal Pictures released the Bride of Frankenstein in 1935.

The Mummy (1932)

Boris Karloff stars as the resurrected ancient Egyptian Imhotep who was once mummified alive and is now searching for the reincarnation of the soul of his ancient lover. Vintage horror movie with the iconic scene of Boris Karloff wrapped in mummy bandages. Dir. Karl Freund.

Supplies and Decorations for Vintage Horror Movie Marathon

The following supplies may be considered when organizing a vintage horror movie marathon for Halloween or other theme party:

Vintage invitations: Vintage horror movie postcards or printouts make original party invitations. Guests may be asked to appear in costume from early-cinema horror characters.
Vintage movie horror posters: readily available in specialist stores or online, the posters will create that special old cinema atmosphere in the home.
Red velvet fabric may be used to cover the couch or sitting areas for a cinema feel.
Sound effects are important for a Halloween horror effect. There are websites that offer classic horror sounds including the voices of masters of horror, such as Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. There is also a great selection of royalty free horror background music and sound effects to download.