Following a years-long tradition, the first newsletter of the year contains a look back at all the significant events that shaped the Mihmiverse in the last twelve months. This year continues that tradition with a look at 2012, the year that was...

2012 started off quietly in January as writer/director Christopher R. Mihm worked behind the scenes to finish "House of Ghosts." The biggest announcement of the month came early on when it was revealed that all seven Mihmiverse films would be featured in release order at Midnight Monster Movies with Dr. Bob, a free screening series in Columbus, OH, that highlights classic monster and independent films.

February saw the release of the first-ever Mihmiverse video game in the form of "Danny Johnson and the Lucky Coin," an interactive adventure game set in the Wisawa caves and starring the character of Danny Johnson from "Terror from Beneath the Earth!" This online "text adventure" is presented in a style similar to classic 1980s-era Infocom interactive fiction games like "Zork." The month also brought the completion of "House of Ghosts" and the reveal of the film's poster, the nomination of "Attack of the Moon Zombies" for a Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award, and the first ever episode of the ongoing space adventure serial, "Commander Lambent: Space Explorer...In Space!"

The Mihmiverse continued to earn accolades in March as "Attack of the Moon Zombies" was nominated for five Dead Letter Awards from MailOrderZombie.com. The film ultimately won SIX—the five it was nominated for PLUS a write-in for "Best Death Scene" for Mike Cook! The official trailer for "House of Ghosts" was released midway through the month to very positive reaction across the board!

April began with the shocking surprise that all of the Mihmiverse films would be remade with tons of Hollywood money (and in color)! Unfortunately, it all turned out to be another April Fool's prank—Hollywood is still not interested! Also in April, the "House of Ghosts" premiere sold out just five weeks after advance tickets went on sale and the "House of Ghosts" DVD was authored, manufactured and received, ready to be sold at the big premiere!

Two very significant events happened in May: "House of Ghosts" held its big sold-out premiere at the Heights Theatre and the title of the next Mihmiverse film, "The Giant Spider," was revealed!

During June, positive review after positive review flooded in for "House of Ghosts" and the Angel of Death Plushie was made available for purchase. Toward the end of the month, pre-production of "The Giant Spider" officially began and writer/director Christopher R. Mihm found his way to the annual Monster Bash classic movie celebration in Butler, PA.

In July, writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and some of his merry band of magnificent weirdoes put in an appearance at CONvergence, the largest science fiction convention in Minnesota. Eagle-eyed con-goers spotted some Mihmiverse monsters including multiple moon zombies, the angel of death, and, in a rare appearance, the mutant bat from "Terror from Beneath the Earth!" Full production of "The Giant Spider" began on the 19th with a scene involving Sid Korpi (Administrator Ripley/Leigh), Anthony Kaczor (Pajama Zombie/Piers), and a goat!

Production of "The Giant Spider" continued into August as a handful of the largest scale scenes ever put into a Mihmiverse film went before cameras. August also saw the release of the first photo from the new film, a "beauty shot" of the real star of the film: Tarantulos the tarantula!

Writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and the first lady of the Mihmiverse, Stephanie Mihm, were whisked to Tampa, FL in September to be guests of honor at the 2012 Independent's Film Festival. They were treated like rock stars and, by all accounts, had a transformatively amazing time! Production of "The Giant Spider" continued throughout the month and "House of Ghosts" was accepted to two film festivals: the Highway 61 Film Festival in Pine City, MN and the Drunken Zombie Film Festival in Peoria, IL.

October continued a Mihmiverse tradition by being the most active month for screenings of the films of writer/director Christopher R. Mihm with "House of Ghosts" (and others!) showing across the country. "House of Ghosts" pulled in the award for "Best Action/Horror Feature" at the Highway 61 Film Festival and an extensive interview with writer/director Christopher R. Mihm appeared in Universal Monsters-themed Halloween issue of Screem Magazine!

Principal photography of "The Giant Spider" concluded at the end of November. Also, the limited-time-only holiday Monster of Phantom Lake Plushie was made available and the Bad Horse: Tribute to the Mihmiverse fundraiser began.

As in previous years, December quieted down significantly as the holiday season kicked into high gear. Aside from the 2012 Mihmiverse Awards podcast being released, the only other moment worth noting was the unveiling a new, exclusive collectible: the individually numbered, faux-gold 45-rpm single of "A-Rockin', A-Rollin', All-The-Way-A-Ramblin'!" Also, since you're reading this now, the December 21st Mayan end-of-the-world prophecy fizzled out and died an anti-climactic death!

With 2013 here, we look forward to a creepy-crawly year of Mihmiverse chills, thrills and fun! "The Giant Spider" is on track for a May release, screenings and appearances are already falling into place, and the year promises to include some BIG surprises we can't reveal—YET! With so many wonderful things coming up, we hope to see you all at some point this year—and meet some new folks along the way! Happy new year!



The latest episode of the Mihmiverse Bonfire Podcast is now available for download!

'Versies 2012
It's holiday time again at the Mihmiverse Bonfire Podcast! Hosts Rhuby 'n' Hater, writer/director Christopher R. Mihm, First Lady of the Mihmiverse Stephanie Mihm, and Mitch "The Diva" Gonzales spread Mihmiverse-related holiday cheer by finally revealing the winners of this year's Mihmiverse Awards!

Also included: the latest episode of "Commander Lambent: Space Explorer...In Space!," a holiday-themed poem from writer/director Christopher R. Mihm, and holiday greetings from actors and contributors from across the 'verse!
 
Part 1 (full version) — Part 2 (full version) — Part 3 (full version) — Rhuby Edit

The Mihmiverse Bonfire Podcast was created as a supplement to this newsletter and will be released on or around the 15th of every month. Moderated by hosts Rhuby 'n' Hater, this free-to-download monthly audiocast offers exclusive news, interviews with the folks who make the Mihmiverse possible, shameless self-promotion, and original recurring content!

If you'd like to ask a question of the hosts, writer/director Christopher R. Mihm, or any of the show's upcoming guest(s), click HERE to submit your queries! If we like them, we may even include them in a future podcast! OR, you can "like" the Mihmiverse Bonfire Podcast page on Facebook and "participate" by posting to the podcast's wall during recording!



Every month, the Mihmiverse Monthly, the official newsletter of the films of Christopher R. Mihm, includes an ever-changing array of guest-written columns.

This month you'll find:
  • Classic Movie Trivia
    Mike Cook (Gustav/Dr. Edwards) uses the skills learned when he was the coordinator of AOL's Trivia Channel to bring you trivia with a classic film theme!
     
  • Mihmiverse Memories
    In this new column, we'll be sharing some of the fun and funny stories behind not only the making of the Mihmiverse films.
     
  • From the Mihmiverse Test Kitchens
    The first lady of the Mihmiverse, Stephanie Mihm (Rosemary/Ursula), shares her favorite recipes that are sure to satisfy any monster-sized appetite!
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for other columns, OR if you're interested in writing one, please contact us at info@sainteuphoria.com and let us know what you think! In the meantime, enjoy the new-and-improved Mihmiverse Monthly!



The Crawling Eye (1958)
Directed by Quentin Lawrence
Starring Forrest Tucker and Laurence Payne.

Based on "The Trollenburg Terror," a successful British television serial, this surprisingly gory (by 1950s standards) film follows an American scientist investigating some mysterious goings-on (including strange clouds and decapitation!) near a remote research station in the Swiss Alps. Eventually, the source is revealed to be cycloptic alien squid creatures with intentions to... do something bad, more than likely. It's never really made clear. One of the best things about this movie is how everything is treated as dead serious, no matter how outlandish or cheesy things get. The final reveal of the aliens (and their execution) is show-stoppingly bad in all the right ways. Not necessarily recommended for younger children due to the film's often grisly subject matter, it is still highly recommended!

— Christopher R. Mihm



Since so many fans and supporters have contributed and become associate producers, we wanted to take time to highlight some of these wonderful people! Thus, every month between now and the release of "The Giant Spider," we will randomly choose and interview one of them.

This month, we interview filmmaker Paul Bunnell!

Introduce yourself to the Mihmiverse!

It is said that I was born in a popular movie theatre in Burbank, California between showings of "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and "The Nutty Professor," and having lived my entire life in Burbank (without intermissions) I discovered movie making at the tender age of eleven. I have written, produced, directed and acted in many of my own films, which have received recognition for outstanding achievement—at least that's what it says on the IMDb. My name is Paul Bunnell. If that sounds familiar it's probably because I'm wanted in five states—but not for anything bad. I'm wanted for making "The Ghastly Love of Johnny X," which isn't a crime. It's a movie. This movie has played in five states so far. So I guess you can say they wanted my movie and I got to tag along for the ride. It's good to be wanted—especially in five states. Now if I can only convince the other 45.

When and how did you discover the films of Christopher R. Mihm?

Interestingly, it was through one of those stately visits. I was invited to screen "The Ghastly Love of Johnny X" at the StarFest/HorrorFest convention in Denver, Colorado last April (2012). It was there that I met filmmaker Christopher R. Mihm. His movie "Attack of the Moon Zombies" played right before mine. I arrived early to watch it—not knowing what to expect—and by the time it was over, I was hooked. I had to see more. The next day I went to his booth at the convention and purchased "Moon Zombies" and a few others to get better acquainted with the Mihmiverse.

Which of the seven released films is your favorite and why?

I would have to say my personal favorite is "Attack of the Moon Zombies," probably because it's the first one I got to see. It has all the elements that make for a great 1950s style B-Monster Movie. I was especially impressed by Shannon McDonough's performance as "Dr. Hackett." She has a unique quality in the Mihmiverse and is a talented actress. My second favorite would have to be "Destination: Outer Space."

You recently became an associate producer of "The Giant Spider." Why?

I know from experience how difficult it can be to raise money to make a movie. It took me six years to find completion funds for "The Ghastly Love of Johnny X" and that was probably the most painful ordeal of my life. After chatting with Mr. Mihm at Starfest, I became an instant fan. I met a filmmaker who believed in what he was doing and who had a unique and creative vision. I "get" his films and wanted to lend my support in any way possible. Being an associate producer" on a Christopher R. Mihm project is a privilege and a bragging right—a credit I am proud to have. I'm looking forward to "The Giant Spider." It's sure to be a BIG success!



For more information about Mr. Bunnell's excellent film, "The Ghastly Love of Johnny X," (it's a 1950s-B-movie-inspired musical AND the last film in which actor Kevin McCarthy—of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"—appeared), visit the "The Ghastly Love of Johnny X" website at: www.johnnyxmovie.com.

Interested in becoming an associate producer? For a miniscule monetary investment, all associate producers will get their names listed in the end credits of "House of Ghosts," a pair of collector's tickets to the premiere, five copies of the film on DVD, and a frame-able certificate with their name and title—perfect for your own "wall of fame!"

Visit the merchandise page at SaintEuphoria.com, the online home of the films of Christopher R. Mihm, for more information. Who knows? Maybe next month we'll be interviewing YOU!



Theme: Name the Famous Actor

#1: In 1958, this future "Bullitt" star had the lead in "The Blob."

#2: Long before he was Pa Ingalls, he was a "Teenage Werewolf."

#3: In 1951, this future TV Western star played "The Thing From Another World."

#4: This actor died while filming "Plan 9 From Outer Space," but they kept filming anyway.

#5: In Roger Corman's original 1960 version of "Little Shop of Horrors," this future "Shining" star played dental patient Wilbur Force.



Scroll to the bottom of the Mihmiverse Monthly for the answers.

— Mike Cook



Welcome to the new Mihmiverse Memories column! In this section, you'll read about some of the fun and funny stories behind the making of the Mihmiverse films. This month, our Mihmiverse Memory is provided by the "First Lady of the Mihmiverse" herself, Stephanie Mihm!



When is a Screening Not Really a Screening?

The year was 2007. It was the busy Halloween screening season and "The Monster of Phantom Lake" had been playing in heavy rotation around the Twin Cities for several weeks. A little local art gallery in northeast Minneapolis was all set to have a 7:00pm showing on a chilly fall weeknight. Writer/director Christopher R. Mihm (my husband) and I arrived at the gallery to find chairs arranged in a nice little theater-style setting. Wine had been uncorked in anticipation of guests. Mr. Mihm and I chatted with the owners and waited for people to arrive. As the start time approached...it was still just Chris, the owners, and me. We became a bit uneasy and somewhat embarrassed for up to this point, we had never had an empty screening. We decided to start the film anyway, with the hopes that people were just running late after a day's work. We took our preferred seats in the back and started to watch the film we had seen a "million" times before. After about 10 minutes, it started to look grim. 20 minutes later, we realized that this was going to be an "exclusive screening," so we stopped the film, packed up our stuff, and let the proprietor and his wife go home. We laughed about it and shook our heads because ultimately, it was a lesson learned about "oversaturating the market" when it comes to screenings.

So, the answer to the question, "When is a screening not really a screening?" is: when no one shows up!

All things considered, it was a very nice art gallery! But I don't think it's there anymore.

— Stephanie Mihm



January is the month for New Years and football parties. Here is an easy and tasty appetizer that is sure to satisfy the snackers in your house!

Cordon Bleu Appetizers
Cordon Bleu Appetizers


Ingredients
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
  • 3/4 cup diced fully cooked ham
  • 1/2 cup minced chives, divided
  • 18 slices French bread (1/2 inch thick)
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and mustard until smooth. Stir in the Swiss cheese, ham and 1/4 cup chives. Spread 1 tablespoon mixture over each bread slice; place on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Sprinkle with remaining chives.

Yield: 18 servings.

One serving equals 86 calories. Serve with other yummy treats and a refreshing punch. My monsters ate these up in no time. We give this 5 out of 5 "monster growls." Enjoy!

You can find this recipe (and many more like it) and its corresponding nutrition information on the Taste of Home website!
— Stephanie Mihm



Tuesday Nights - 9:00PM

Andy Wilkins (The Medium) hosts a trivia night at the Green Mill in Eagan, Minnesota!

Green Mill, 1940 Rahncliff Road, Eagan, MN
Now through January 13

Mike Cook (Gustav/Dr. Edwards/Harlan) appears as "Wally" in "Mr. Christmas" at the Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre.

Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre, 3919 Crescent Avenue, Eau Claire, WI
Now through January 19

Deanne McDonald (Elizabeth) performs in "The Dinner Detective," an interactive murder mystery dinner show in Chicago, IL!

Visit the show's website at www.thedinnerdetective.com for more information!


Mr. Zero's in St. Paul is going on their 5th season in business and is looking for stuff—YOUR STUFF!

Click HERE for their "Hit List" of the items they're looking to purchase and sell!

Mr. Zero's



"The Monster of Phantom Lake," "It Came From Another World!," "Cave Women on Mars," "Terror from Beneath the Earth," "Destination: Outer Space," "Attack of the Moon Zombies," and "House of Ghosts" DVDs are now available at SaintEuphoria.com, the online home of the films of Christopher R. Mihm.

In addition, exclusive movie posters, patches, collectibles and other merchandise are now in stock. Everything is available in extremely limited quantities, so get yours today before they run out!



Classic Movie Trivia answers:
1. Steve McQueen, 2. Michael Landon, 3. James Arness, 4. Bela Lugosi, 5. Jack Nicholson
 


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