Happy New Year!
Since the very beginning, all the way back to when this newsletter was called The Phantom Lake Almanac, the January issue has summarized all significant Mihmiverse-related events that happened during the previous year. As the second decade of the Mihmiverse dawns, we continue this long-standing tradition by taking a look back at 2015...
As if continuing some unacknowledged tradition, 2015 began on a very quiet note. Post-production of "Danny Johnson Saves The World" was in full swing and writer/director Christopher R. Mihm released a cryptic still captured during one of the animated "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure"-esque sequences in the film. The only other event of note was "The Monster of Phantom Lake" randomly appearing in a Dread Central article entitled, "4 Fun Horror Films Shot on a Budget Less Than $10,000."
February saw the release of a "The Monster of Phantom Lake" lobby card set that was so popular, it sold out VERY quickly. In honor of Valentine's Day, writer/director Christopher R. Mihm released a satirical YouTube video called "50 Shades of the Mihmiverse." If you didn't see it when it was released (or even if you did), we highly recommend watching it again—it's quite funny! Check it out HERE! Also, the last of the über-rare (only four were commissioned) Paddle Girls mini-paddle collectibles was sold toward the end of the month.
The final edit of "Danny Johnson Saves the World" was completed in March and another enigmatic still was released, this time showing a close-up of what later turned out to be the mouth of "Meat," the stop-motion creature created and animated by the insanely talented Australian artist Norman Yeend. Also in March, the first-ever Mihmiverse survey was released to the fans, the official "Danny Johnson Saves the World" poster was revealed and the Mihmiverse Monthly Audiocast featured the first chapter in the ongoing "Canoe Cops vs. The Mummy" serial!
April started with the announcement of the "next" Mihmiverse film, a proposed biopic in the vein of Tim Burton's "Ed Wood" about the process behind what went into making "The Monster of Phantom Lake." Though the idea was met with quite a positive response, it turned out (to the chagrin of many) to be another one of Mr. Mihm's April Fool's jokes. A week later, the official trailer for "Danny Johnson Saves the World" was released and quickly racked up over a thousand views. Advance tickets to the world premiere of the new film and its corresponding premiere party went on sale just as authoring of the new film's DVD was completed. Also, the 2014 Mihmiverse Award nominees were announced.
May began with the discontinuation of Mihmiverse plushies, "The Giant Spider" and its Mihmiverse-related culinary creation, the Uncle John's Burger Dog were featured in an article in the Wall Street Journal and the Mihmiverse Award winners were announced. On the 20th, Mihmivites of all stripes filled the historic Heights Theater for the world premiere of "Danny Johnson Saves the World." The film was VERY well received and most in attendance had nothing but glowing things to say about the film. In honor of the premiere, a lobby card set for the new film was released.
Writer/director Christopher R. Mihm's "year off" began in June—a "vacation" which took him thousands of miles across the U.S. to promote the films. Also in June, "Steve People" puppets went on sale and quickly proved very popular, fans were entertained by a BuzzFeed-esque list entitled "Twelve Very Important Things Learned from the Mihmiverse," and a two-part episode of Monster Kid Radio featuring Mihmiverse Monster Maker Mitch Gonzales was released.
The official Mihmiverse fan club was launched in July while "Steve for President" campaign buttons and the first four stuffed "Pocket Steves" (including Steve from "Danny Johnson Saves the World," the monster, an oculon and a moon zombie) went on sale. On the 30th, "Danny Johnson Saves the World" screened in Forest Lake, MN where writer/director Christopher R. Mihm was presented with a key to the city by Mayor Stev Stegner and the evening was proclaimed to be "Minnesota Filmmaker Christopher R. Mihm Night!"
As writer/director Christopher R. Mihm continued his travels in August, the forthcoming 3-D re-release of "The Monster of Phantom Lake" was announced and an opportunity arose for fans to become boosters of The Rock Monsters, the official curling team of the Mihmiverse, and receive an exclusive team T-shirt. Also, "Terror from Beneath the Earth" lobby cards were made available.
Beyond actor Elliott Mihm (Danny Johnson) finally entering his teen years, September was quiet. Almost...too quiet.
As it has always been since the beginning of the 'verse, October was full of screenings, events and appearances, the most notable being the Lake Charles Film & Music Festival in Lousiana, where writer/director Christopher R. Mihm was invited as a guest of honor. Mihmiverse fan club member Lucy Grogg was profiled in the Mihmiverse Monthly for being the first person in history to have a Mihmiverse monster (a moon zombie, to be specific) tattooed on her body! Mr. Mihm announced an end to his "year off" when, in the Mihmiverse Monthly Audiocast, it was revealed he had begun work on the next Mihmiverse film and, though he didn't reveal the title, he made it clear to listeners that something important would be happening on Halloween...which it did when a fun little video featuring Mr. Mihm and Steve from "Danny Johnson Saves the World" appeared on YouTube to announce "Weresquito: Nazi Hunter" as the next Mihmiverse film.
In addition to traveling to the small town of Troy, MT for an amazing Mihmiverse double feature, writer/director Christopher R. Mihm jumped head first into writing the script for "Weresquito: Nazi Hunter" in November. In addition, "Destination: Outer Space lobby cards were released.
DVDs for "Attack of the Moon Zombies" sold out at the beginning of December. A crowd-funding campaign for "The Monster of Phantom Lake: The Musical!"" was launched and, shortly before the release of this newsletter, it reached its first goal! It was chosen as a Kickstarter staff pick and featured in the Eau-Claire Leader-Telegram! As the month wrapped up, the script for "Weresquito: Nazi Hunter" was completed, a special holiday message appeared on the Mihmiverse YouTube channel and "Danny Johnson Saves the World" was selected as one of five great independent films released in 2015 by Jason Coffman for Medium.com!
As 2016 arrives, we've set our sights on a productive and exciting year full of Mihmiverse-inspired fun. "Weresquito: Nazi Hunter" has officially entered the pre-production phase and filming should begin in early February. Should everything fall into place, the film will be released in early October. Screenings, events and appearances are already being added to the calendar and lots of fun things are being plotted and planned for you, our friends and fans! With so many fantastic things coming up, we wish you the happiest of new years and hope to see you all at some point—and meet some new folks along the way!
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"The Monster of Phantom Lake: The Musical!" is coming!
Writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and composer/lyricist Adam Boll have completed their work on the musical stage adaptation of the first Mihmiverse film—and they are ready to bring it to the masses! To help the play go from just an idea to a full-blown reality, the pair started a Kickstarter campaign to raise the necessary funds to mount the first-ever live production!
The minimum goal of the crowd funding campaign is $2,500 and, with just days to go in 2015, it was reached, thus guaranteeing the play will be held SOMEWHERE! However, just because the campaign achieved its primary goal, it doesn't mean there isn't more to be done!
The secondary goal of $6,000 would make it possible to perform the show at the historic Mabel Tainter Center in Menomonie, WI (located roughly an hour outside of Minneapolis/St. Paul). The ultimate goal, however, is to reach $12,000, which will allow the production to debut at the Mabel Tainter Center AS WELL AS record and release a DVD of the show and an original cast recording!
If you're a fan of the original "The Monster of Phantom Lake," and, like most folks, imagine it can only be enhanced by adding singing and dancing, please consider contributing to the Kickstarter campaign and help make it happen!
If you're still not convinced, check out the video below and then visit Kickstarter!
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Contributor credits for the "Weresquito: Nazi Hunter" (currently in pre-production) are NOW AVAILABLE!
For each $25.00 donation, all contributors will be entitled to having a single name* of their choosing listed in the contributors section of the closing credits of the film, a customized, frameable document certifying their participation in the program and a choice of one (1) copy of the finished film (format of your choice) OR one (1) collector's ticket to the film's world premiere!
Additional copies of the film and/or premiere tickets may also be pre-ordered as "add-ons" ($10 each) with the purchase of at least one credit. ALSO, for every contribution received, all members of the official Mihmiverse fan club will receive an exclusive "Weresquito: Nazi Hunter" teaser poster!
Contributor credits can even be given as gifts!
If you'd like to contribute to "Weresquito: Nazi Hunter," visit the contributor page at SaintEuphoria.com by clicking HERE!
*A single credit is defined as the name of one (1) person or corporate entity. Any credit requiring the word "and," an ampersand (&), and/or a comma (except when part of a legal company name) will constitute multiple credits and MUST BE paid for separately.
NOTE: The contributor program is an "equal exchange" program, which means specifically that those participating have NO SAY in the decisions or actions taken by anyone involved in the actual production of the film and are NOT entitled to ANY possible future profits earned by the film, derivative works, and/or merchandise created for or featuring elements from the film. Becoming an contributor does not entitle the participant to ANY ownership WHATSOEVER of the finished film or associated elements.
This all region, NTSC DVD contains an ultra-high-quality, widescreen presentation of the film, English and Esperanto audio and subtitles and exclusive bonus features and featurettes, including an exclusive Canoe Cops cartoon (in color!), a blooper reel, the official trailer, a photo gallery, film introductions by horror hosts Dr. Ivan Cryptosis and Dr. Bob Tesla, audio commentary with writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and lead puppeteer Stephanie Mihm, and more!
$9.99 (+$2.50 shipping & handling)   * Autographs require removal of a DVD's protective plastic wrap. By selecting the autograph option, you agree to allow us to do this!
From DVDs and Blu-rays to exclusive posters, lobby cards and collectibles, the shop at SaintEuphoria.com, the online home of the films of Christopher R. Mihm, has a little bit of something for every current and soon-to-be-obsessed Mihmiverse fan—and autographs are ALWAYS FREE!
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The latest episode of the Mihmiverse Monthly Audiocast has arrived!
This month, host writer/director Christopher R. Mihm begins with a special Mihmiverse New Years message, discusses "The Monster of Phantom Lake: The Musical!" and his next film, "Weresquito: Nazi Hunter," and goes off on a tangent about why YOU should actively work to make YOUR dreams come true!
Also included: another "bad" joke from Dr. Bob Tesla of Midnight Monster Movies with Dr. Bob and a dramatic reading of "Incident at Ankers' Boarding House," the eleventh chapter in the "Canoe Cops Vs. The Mummy" serial written by Stephen D. Sullivan!
To download an .mp3 of the audiocast, click HERE, visit archive.org where the file is stored or download it free from iTunes!
Otherwise, if you'd like to listen to the episode right from this browser window, click the play button on the player below!
The Mihmiverse Monthly Audiocast is hosted by writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and is focused specifically on what's going on RIGHT NOW in the Mihmiverse. In addition, Mr. Mihm will discuss the monster movie-making process, touch briefly on the future of the 'verse, pontificate on random subjects, and be joined by guests from within and without the Mihmiverse. PLUS, each episode will include something unique you won't find anywhere else!
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 The Astounding She-Monster (1957)
Directed by Ronald V. Ashcroft.
Starring Robert Clarke and Kenne Duncan.
"The Astounding She-Monster" is the kind of classic B-movie that has to be seen to be believed. Not because it's particularly ground-breaking or even good. Instead, this film should be experienced simply for its over-the-top awfulness! The story concerns a trio of crooks who kidnap a rich socialite and squirrel her away into the mountains. On their trek up, a meteor-like object crashes into the woods and a beautiful (and highly deadly) alien woman emerges to... well, we're not really sure what. Mostly she just aimlessly roams the woods in a very tight-fitting silver cat suit. The criminal driving the getaway car catches one glimpse of her and proceeds to crash and incapacitate the car. Luckily, they find themselves very near the cabin of a lonely geologist—who, coincidentally, just happens to be studying the remains of the fallen meteorite-ish object. The kidnappers break in and hold the scientist and socialite at gunpoint until they can figure on a plan of escape. However, the menacingly silent space chick has her own plans—which mostly involve just walking around and killing whatever she touches by sickening it with a massive dose of "radium poisoning." As was previously mentioned, this movie is truly terrible. From every angle, "The Astounding She-Monster" not only scratches the bottom of the barrel, it IS the bottom of the barrel! However, at only 62 minutes, it is absolutely worth seeing. From the strange, "overlong voiceover" beginning to the mind-numbingly preposterous climax and pathetic attempt at a "Twilight Zone"-esque denouement, the so-bad-it's-good dialogue, painfully obvious day-for-night exterior scenes, and cheeseball camera effect used every time the alien "she-monster" is on-screen make this movie everything a classic-bad-movie fan could ever ask for! I highly recommend it—if you can handle it!
— Christopher R. Mihm |
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Spaetzle is a traditional German dumpling that is often served as a side dish with pork, sausage, or roast. It can be eaten plain, straight from the fry pan or with gravy on top. The little touch of nutmeg really is a delight for the taste buds! You can EVEN make the dumplings ahead of time and refrigerate until you need to fry them up!
German Spaetzle Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch freshly ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 gallon hot water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Mix together flour, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Beat eggs well, and add alternately with the milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Press dough through spaetzle maker, or a large holed sieve or metal grater.
Drop a few at a time into simmering liquid. Cook 5 to 8 minutes. Drain well. (Refrigerate for later use, if desired.)
Finally, saute cooked spaetzle in butter or margarine. If you so desire, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve.
If you find that you are making spaetzle often, a spaetzle maker is a HIGHLY recommended purchase. It saves you A LOT of time and sore arms! My hungry monsters give this tasty side dish 5 out of 5 "horned rimmed glasses." ENJOY!
You can find this recipe (and many more like it) on the allrecipes.com website!
— Stephanie Mihm
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Since so many fans and supporters have joined the official Mihmiverse fan club, we wanted to take time to highlight some of these wonderful people!
This month, we interview Monsters faction member Mitch Obrecht!
Introduce yourself to the Mihmiverse!
Hello, possums, I'm your dear old Uncle Mitch (pictured, left). You might know me. Wait, they don't know me? I'm the King of the Superfans, and hail from the far off land of Omaha. After working for AT&T for 15 years, I now work as a Telecom Engineer and in my spare time, go to conventions in such far off places as Kansas, Georgia, and Illinois.
When and how did you discover the films of Christopher R. Mihm?
It seems like only yesterday, I met this enthusiastic young man named Christoper "Pretentious R." Mihm at a film festival he ran called the Big Damn Film Fest. At the time, only the first film ("The Monster of Phantom Lake") had been released and "It Came From Another World!" was still on the horizon.
Which of the ten released films is your favorite and why?
With eleven films (ten, really, Christopher? Stop channeling George Lucas!), it changes with my mood. Currently, I think "Danny Johnson Saves the World," because...dinosaurs. Really, they're all favorites, and I love each of them for different reasons. But, you can't go wrong with dinosaurs!
When you joined the fan club, you chose to join the Monsters faction. Why?
I think of Monsters as all-inclusive, where everyone fits in somehow. Everyone is a monster in their own way. Moon Zombies is much more exclusive, the kind of group that takes the velvet rope seriously.
If you could suggest anything regarding the direction of the future of the Mihmiverse, what would you suggest? What do YOU want to see?
I'm not going to mention Canoe Cops, because that's the obvious answer. (Staring at Mr. Mihm) So I'm going to say Spaghetti Western complete with singing and shoot-outs. I'd also love to see the anthology series that's been discussed for the last five years in which various aliens stop by B'Kee's bar (featured in 2010's "Destination: Outer Space") to tell their stories.
Interested in joining the official fan club of the films of Christopher R. Mihm? Designed as a way for fans to be more involved in the Mihmiverse and the direction it takes, members are entitled to a myriad of benefits including exclusive merchandise, pre-sale access to cool stuff, invitations to members-only events and much, much more! For around $4 a month (less than the price of most cups of coffee), you too can be a part of the fun. PLUS, every member gets a cool membership card, a hand-signed welcome letter and will be enrolled in one of the two fan club "factions," (Monsters or Moon Zombies) which will be important for future team events, games and contests!
Visit the fan club 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!
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Happy New Year!
Some cheesy sci-fi classics are set in a specific year in the future. Here are five. See if you can name them.
1. Astronauts returning from a voyage to Mars are caught in a time warp and are propelled into a post-Apocalyptic Earth populated by mutants. Rod Taylor was one of the stars. This 1956 film was set in the year 2508.
2. The first manned expedition to Mars is decimated by an unknown life form...which stows away on the rescue ship. Marshall Thompson starred. This 1958 film supposedly took place in 1973.
3. After an invisible asteroid draws an astronaut and his ship to its surface, he is miniaturized by the phantom planet's exotic atmosphere. The eclectic cast included silent film star Francis X. Bushman and famous James Bond villain Richard Kiel. This 1961 film was set in 1980.
4. When a disease turns all of humanity into the living dead, Vincent Price becomes a reluctant vampire hunter. This 1964 film took place just four years into the future (1968).
5. Basil Rathbone leads a team of explorers to the planet Venus, where they discover prehistoric beasts and signs of a lost civilization. This 1965 film was set in the year 2020.
Scroll to the bottom of the Mihmiverse Monthly for the answers.
— Mike Cook
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February 19-21, 2016
Writer/director Christopher R. Mihm will be a film industry guest at the 5th annual Galaxy Fest in Colorado Springs, CO!
Check out the event's website (www.galaxyfest.org) for location and admission information! |
March 4-6, 2016
Writer/director Christopher R. Mihm will be a guest of honor at MarsCon 2016, a fan-run science fiction convention for all ages held every March in the Twin Cities area.
Hilton Minneapolis/St Paul Airport/Mall of America, 3800 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN
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April 16-17, 2016 - starts at noon
Midnight Monster Movies with Dr. Bob will be holding a 24-hour marathon of all of the films of writer/director Christopher R. Mihm—and showing them in "in-universe chronological" order! All films will include "RetroAudio" so you will be able to experience them like you never have before!
Mihmiverse and Midnight Monster Movies with Dr. Bob merchandise (including exclusives!) will be on sale and there will be a RARE memorabilia silent auction!
Writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and a handful of recognizable Mihmiverse faces will be in attendance alongside unique "Mihm-orablia"—including actual MONSTERS from the films!
Tickets are $25 presale/$30 at the door. Everyone who purchases advance tickets will receive a swag bag with exclusive items! Click HERE to order your advance tickets NOW!
Gateway Film Center, 1550 North High Street, Columbus, OH |
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| Shannon Mac, the rockabilly, rhythm and blues band fronted by Shannon McDonough (Julie Ann Saint Marie/Zita) has a full list of performance dates taking place across the Twin Cities throughout January and February. To view the calendar or learn more about the band, visit their website at shannonmac.com! |
| Catherine Hansen (Yureena Null/Mary/Martha) will be co-producing and performing in "Tributante Ball Presents: Sexy Fun Time Improv Burlesque" on February 12th at the Bryant Lake Bowl. She also co-wrote and, on February 23rd and 24th, will be performing in "Mark Question, Aliens R Us," an event described as "a music concert, a theatrical performance and a metamorphosis for the body, heart and consciousness." The event takes place at the Phoenix Theater in Minneapolis, MN. Tickets are available HERE. |
| Rachel Grubb (Amy/Hagra) has been nominated for a Best Supporting Actress award at the London International Film Festival for her role in "The Tiki War!" The festival takes place February 19th through the 26th with the awards ceremony taking place on the last day. For more information, click HERE to visit the festival's website. |
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"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," "House of Ghosts," "The Giant Spider," "The Late Night Double Feature" and "Danny Johnson Saves The World" 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!
The Trivia Corner answers:
1. "World Without End," 2. "It! The Terror From Beyond Space," 3. "The Phantom Planet,"
4. "The Last Man on Earth," 5. "Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet"
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