"Vincent"

I'm here about Price, Vincent Price, Vinnie the "P". The Merchant of Menace...

I have been an fan of this great and wonderful actor since I was a child.

Mad Sculptor Henry Jarod, Billionare Fredrick Lauren, The Abominable Dr. Anton Phibes, The Great Lionheart.....I can honestly tell you that Vincent Price has had more of an influence on my career than any other actor. He's not only someone I hope to emmulate in my professional career, but also his personal life which was so rich, so full. Varied interests and a great love of dogs! (Joe)

Some things to share: 

I recall the day when Vincent died. My brother (whom I shared an  apartment with at the time) woke me up with the news. "He's gone."

My family always knew my love for the genre and my brother was gentle with  telling me. I was off work that day and sat in a gloomy funk. Later  I made a trek across town that evening to a small mom & pop video  store that was selling their dusty old pre-viewed copy of House of  Wax. This was WAAAYY before House of Wax was available to buy for  under 20.00 at just about every store! (I still have that copy) 

I bought two bottles of red wine, sat in my room with my TV and VCR  and stacked up all the Vincent Price movies I had. I began with  Tower of London and went from there. I drank whenever Vincent took a  drink in his films...Tower of London almost did me in....but House on  Haunted Hill! Man! It should have been called Drinking party on  Haunted Hill! I passed out somewhere between Dr. Phibes Rises again  and Monster Club.  

Probably for the best. 

The next day at the restuarant I worked at, I wore a black arm  band. "Who died?" Was the question I always got. "Vincent  Price." 

"Who?" 

"The guy who did the Monster Rap on Thriller" "oh  that old guy who did all the old horror movies?"

Well, at least they knew who he was. 

Last year my family and I were on vacation in San Antonio. I was  wearing my Films of Vincent Price T-Shirt, and I was stopped by  several people on the street (all older, except for one goth kid) and  asked where I got that great T-shirt. 

Of the second generation of Horror Stars, I find that most people have at least heard of Vincent Price. More  people know Christopher Lee of course from his major new films, and  even less remember Peter Cushing unless I say, "Remember Star  Wars?"

"Yes"

"Remember the Grand Moff Tarkin?"

"No"

"The guy who was in command of the Death Star?"

"Oh, yeah"

"It's him" 

As Billy Joel sang, 

Keeping the faith... 

The first part of my bachelor party (three years ago) was held at a popular bar here in Austin, Texas. The owner (a dear friend) arranged for me to sit and eat and watch The Abominable Dr. Phibes on the giant TV screens with the sound turned up full blast!!! Oh that was magic. 

And yes, in case you're wondering, my character (Griffin)'s first name, Anton is a direct tribute to Phibes and Vincent Price. 

Ok, I think I've prattled on enough for now.... 

"Where are you off to?"

"The Lavatory"

"Highly appropriate!" 

Rest in Peace
Prof. Griffin