Real Life Horror Movies Were A Thing in PARIS!
As we approach O'Hallows Eve, I thought I'd break out a "seasonal" post... We've all seen "Gladiator" with Russel Crowe and know about the ancient Roman blood baths that took place at the Coliseum. And, then there's Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus." People have always loved blood and gore (the macabre) throughout history. But, have you ever heard of the Le Theatre du Grand-Guignol located in Paris (circa 1897-1962)? The name of this theatre (located in an old abandoned church) literally translates to "Theatre of the Giant Puppet." Actors would act out the most naturalistic, amoral gruesome axe murders, torture, executions, mutilations and more horror in front of a live audience. Apparently the special effects were WAYYYY before their time, too (like, think "Saw"). The Including fake congealing blood and weapon props, the effects were so realistic that audience members would pass out or throw up in the aisleway...