Slums of Film History

Tom's last episode of Season 3 is about Street Gangs, those silver screen hoodlums who’ve terrorized cinematic cities throughout the ages. From the the Jets to the Warriors, we separate fact from fiction in our season 3 finale.

Slate's last episode of Season 3 is the first user suggested topic on Venereal Diseases. From the educational albeit exploitation early hygiene films of the 20s to the Lifetime weepies of today, we’ll talk about everything in the movies that itch, discharge or bleed.

Tom follows up with another chapter in his revenge series with a look at the highly controversial sub genre of films known as Rape Revenge. We’ll ponder films like "The Virgin Spring," "I Spit on Your Grave" and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" while discussing their place in cinematic entertainment.

Slate is closing his trilogy of evil childlike things that come to life and wreak bloody havoc, starting with Bad Babies, Devil Dolls and now Kids That Kill. Today we'll talk about those murderous, evil, conniving spawns of Satan and how the genre continues to reinvent itself throughout the years.

Slate is following up his filmmaker series with Russ Meyer and his Boob Dynasty. Meyer was a filmmaker that transcended genres but all in the name of his lifelong obsession: huge knockers.

In 1971 Blaxploitation exploded onto the scene with "Sweet Sweetback's Baddass Song" and "Shaft," followed by a series of movies that featured African-American actors in lead roles and often having anti-establishment plots. These films were condemned for stereotypical characterization and glorification of violence, but audiences loved them and so did Hollywood since they made tons of money with lo...

Tom's first two-parter is all about that time in the early seventies when African American Blaxploitation anti-heros like Shaft, Cleopatra Jones and Dolemite ruled the cinemas.

Slate's episode on Hicksploitation is all about those toothless murderous rape-y bootleggin’ rednecks that Hollywood loves to abuse. From “Child Bride” to Deliverance” to “I Spit on Your Grave” we’ll put on our southern accents and play a round of Dueling Banjos!

For over 80 years Nazis have been the antagonists of countless dramas, thrillers and action films. They've also proven to be a ripe target for parody as well. On today's episode we focus on the the films that dare to satirize, poke fun and even exploit the most notorious group of bastards to ever appear on the silver screen. Today we have Fun with Nazis!

Slate takes us through a history of those lovable, huggable, comforting dolls...that kill!

Tom's first episode of Season 3 is all about those disgusting movie monsters that will enter your body and take over your brain and how their real life counterparts are just as frightening as those on the big screen.

We're back with Season 3! In our first episode, Slate takes us on a tour of Hollywood's exploitation of gay and trans folk in our queerest episode yet!

In our season 2 finale, Slate takes us underwater to explore all of the things that live down deep and want to eat you. From deep sea adventure films to the radiation monster movies of the 50s to the first summer blockbuster of all time, we'll explore squids, crocodiles, sharks and pirahnas. This is the episode to ruin your summer!

Making movies can be dangerous business. There are so many things that can go wrong on set, everything from cameras not working to well-timed stunts not going as planned. Throughout cinema history, some individuals who make films have been hurt, maimed and even killed. On today’s morbid episode of Slums of Film History we’ll be focusing on those films where someone met their unfortunate demise. We...

In the late 1950s to the mid 1960s, one director boldly went to great lengths to scare the crap out of theatergoers: William Castle. Castle was equal parts PT Barnum, Alfred Hitchcock and Roger Corman and his greatest schtick was gimmicks. He rigged theaters with seat buzzers, fainters, fright breaks and coffins. He even made a decent movie or two. Join us as Slate profiles the late great William...

You’d be surprised by how many films feature puke and jizz, or then again maybe you wouldn't. Films like horror classic “The Exorcist” or the coming of age gem “Stand By Me” both contain memorable puke scenes. Both comedy classics “There's Something About Mary” and not-so-classic “Scary Movie” both contain unforgettable scenes featuring jizz. Sperm even makes an appearance in an Academy Award winn...

Pee pee and poo poo have a long, robust history in the annals of film, from shock films like “Last House on the Left” and “The Exorcist” to lowbrow comedies like “Caddyshack” and “American Pie.” Even Oscar movies “Shawshank Redemption” and “Slumdog Millionaire” feature main actors submerged in sewage. So grab your barf bag and suppress your gag reflex as Slate takes on the browns and yellows in th...

While most parents worry about how their kids are doing in school, who they are hanging out with, and whether they are experimenting with alcohol or drugs, 80's parent's biggest fear was Satanic Cults! Apparently during the Reagan era Satan was working overtime to steal the souls of American children. Today on Slums of Film History we’ll be discussing the films that dealt with, influenced and of c...

Step right up, ladies and gentleman and see the strangest freaks ever exhibited by man! See the bearded ladies, Siamese twins and a the half man/half woman! Nothing you’ve ever imagined could prepare you for today’s episode as we present a history of circus sideshow oddities and abnormalities in Slums of Film History: Freakshow.

He went off to the war but returned to an America much different than the one he left, an America rife with drugs and crime. When he was pushed too far he waged a war of his own, seeking justice against the scum on the street. He's the Vigilante Veteran!

Rabies is a viral infection that once transmitted, goes straight to the brain and turns animals into bloodthirsty monsters. And Hollywood loves bloodthirsty monsters. Join us as we travel through movie history to expose nicks, bites, zombies, dogs, bats, foamy mouths and Old Yeller for Episode 16: Rabies!

A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but you'd never know that from watching the movies. Over the years cinema has shown us some very imaginative (and gruesome) ways to cut off, smash or completely blow up the human head. On today’s episode we’ll talk about some of those films and how they affect us, so be prepared to have your mind blown (literally) as we discuss “Head Trauma.”

In 1972 audiences around the country stood in long lines to get a look at "Deep Throat," the first mainstream pornographic film to be reviewed by Variety. Some people loved it, some hated it but everyone had an opinion. In the 4 years that followed a slew of big budget porn films would capitalize on this craze in what would eventually be called "Porno Chic." And then just a quickly as it started,...

During the 70s, 80s and 90s toxic waste seemed to be everywhere in America. This was no more evident than in the movies, where toxic waste became the magic elixir that could transform nerds into super heroes, homeless people into cannibals and even turtles into pizza loving ninjas. But then one day, it vanished. Slate and Tom dive head first into Toxic Waste on the Season 2 Premiere of Slums of Fi...

Santa Claus is coming to town! Usually he just wants to give gifts and spread good cheer, but not always. Sometimes Santa wants to punish naughty girls and boys or anyone who gets in his way. On the Season 1 finale we discuss "Santagonists" AKA the Santa Claus's that kill. Did you know bad Santas go to hell? You will after this special holiday episode. Happy Holidays!