Horror artist and writer Audrey Rose aka @madmonsterlady joins Jim Towns to discuss 1933's The Ghoul!

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, and much more! 

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!

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! 

Returning co-host David Ullman joins Jim Towns for a foray into the esoteric world of Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1932 gothic masterpiece Vampyr!

 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, and journey with us as we try to make sense of this! 

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 of their respective careers, and his prodigious influence on both classic monster scholarship and culture.

Musician, graphic designer and horrorphile Chris Sahlin joins Jim to talk about Columbia Pictures' lesser-known 1944 werewolf film Cry of the Werewolf!

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, and join us for an in depth look at this underrated Inner Sanctum mystery! 

 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! 

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 [Mina].

This excellently produced version of the film matches its English-language cousin in many ways, but at almost 30 minutes longer it also offers a fascinating alternative version of the film, including shots and sometimes entire scenes left unfilmed or edited out in the better-known version... as well as a less-inhibited telling of the classic vampire tale. So have a seat, and escuchar to our latest episode!

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 in time for Halloween - and be careful of the aftershave you put on!

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!

 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! 

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 Curt Siodmak (The Wolf Man) and based on Jayne Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, this film tells an atmospheric and seductive story filled with complex characters and interrelationships, painted in gorgeous black and white with a visual master's brush. Co-starring Francis Dee, Tom Conway and Darby Jones.

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!

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 down the first half of the film, the 1925 version. Feast your eyes, glut your soul on this accursed episode! 

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), Otto Kruger (Dracula's Daughter), and Phil Brown (Weird Woman/Star Wars: A New Hope). Directed by Harold Young and written by Dwight Babcock and M. Coates Webster. 

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!

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 Universal films, and the actor's connection to the character goes beyond simple casting. In this 90 minute live chat, the hosts review the history of the films, their key players, and the cultural echo they generated, which still lives on today.

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, Lester Matthews, Evelyn Ankers and even Skelton Knaggs! Learn all about this story, it's place in the series and everything in between!

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 Quesne aka Dr. Maurice Xavier: a pathological surgeon who was sent to the electric chair for his hideous experiments--then brought back by medicine to a form of half-life, hunting for victims with his same rare blood type.

Brash reporter Walter Garrett (Wayne Morris) and his friend Dr. Michael Rhodes (Dennis Morgan) must race to solve the mystery of Dr. X, and save lovely Joan Vance (Rosemary Lane) before she becomes the next victim to fall under Quesne's scalpel.

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!

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 Lugosi's almost-wartime trip across the pond, the production, the 'H' code the film received from censors, and much more!

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!

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 Invisible Man Returns) and  Hugh Beaumont ("Leave it to Beaver") in a dark tale of devil worship and mental derangement, evocatively photographed in stark black and white-a Lewton trademark.

Content Warning: this episode contains discussions on suicide and mental illness.

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 1930. While working as an underwater actor and marine entertainer in 1953, he was hired to escort the makers of the upcoming Creature from the Black Lagoon to a possible filming location in Wakulla Springs, Florida. After witnessing his impressive abilities as a swimmer and cave diver, the 23-year old was hired to portray the Gill-Man in underwater photography for all three films of the Creature trilogy: Creature from the Black Lagoon, Revenge of the Creature, and The Creature Walks Among us. For these roles, the actor would sometimes stay submerged for hours at a time, breathing through an air hose between takes.

Browning parlayed this chance opportunity into a lifelong career that saw him become an underwater stunt coordinator, director and writer. His credits included the James Bond film Thunderball, Hello Down There, Caddyshack and more. He was also the co-creator and underwater director for the beloved television series "Flipper".

Uncredited in his role as the Creature, Browning would eventually become a beloved figure in the horror community, and his physical portrayal of the character became a touchstone for any underwater creature performer--most notably influencing Doug Jones' amphibian man in Guillermo Del Toro's The Shape of Water.

At the time of his death on February 27, 2023 at age 93, Ricou Browning was the last living actor to have portrayed a Classic Universal Monster.

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. Produced by 20th Century Fox and co-starring Nigel Bruce as Holmes' faithful companion Dr. John Watson (and also featuring Universal faves Lionel Atwill and John Carradine), this film launched a series of movies and radio programs that would forever connect Rathbone's image and persona with Arthur Conan Doyle's brilliant detective.

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 review of The Monster and The Girl!

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 Amazon...

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!

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 course - murder. A stellar supporting cast, and Evelyn Ankers as a villain makes this a high mark in the Inner Sanctum series!

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 Vasaria (or was it Frankenstein?) and blame the headache on trying to decipher all the brain transplants!

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 fantastic music score. In this first part, Jim, Livio, and Tony discuss the beginnings of this monster mash, the casting, brain transfers, and dissect the "Dracula" half of the movie. Spend your Yuletide with this very special Borgo Pass episode! Part 2 will arrive on 12-29

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!

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 stories and opinions! For who shall defile the temples of the ancient Gods...shall be a cruel and violent death!

 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 background and where we think this ranks in comparison to the more well known Universal Horrors. 

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!

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!

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!

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 discussion on Lugosi and this great film!

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 listen to the show as you stare into the mirror to watch yourself transform into a hideous alter ego! 

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 Jim gives great insight into the greatness of some of these lower budget movies. Take a listen and make sure not to let any strange creeper person in your window at night!

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!

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 Salters music, Ben Pivar's production, and more!

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, it is an underrated film that deserves a closer look. Come back to the Everglades one last time with us!

On the heels of the success of Son Of Frankenstein, Universal goes further into the sequel pool with the Invisible Man Returns! In this episode, Jim & Livio break down this hidden gem of Universal Horror sequels. We cover Vincent Price, the comparisons to Claude Rains, Curt Siodmak, the music & special effects, the long shooting schedule and everything in between!

Part 2 of our episode on the 1939 epic: Son Of Frankenstein! Join Jim & Livio as they discuss the climatic last half of this wonderful movie! You'll hear them discuss behind the scenes stories and anecdotes of Karloff & Lugosi, the styles of Rathbone and Atwill, Donnie Dunagan's memories of the film, and the action packed final scenes! 

Wellllll Helllllloooooo!! Join Jim & Livio as they do a deep dive on the wonderful Son Of Frankenstein from 1939! This is a polarizing film - and one of extreme importance! In part 1 hear them discuss the films production, music, the quartet of Lugosi, Karloff, Rathbone, and Atwill, differences between James Whale and Rowland V. Lee, and much more!

Join Jim with very special guest Ian Bates as they delve into a Universal Horror deep cut - The Spider Woman Strikes Back!