Forrest J.
Ackerman (1916-
2008) was probably
the worst’s foremost
collector of fantasyfi
lm memorabilia,
as well as one of its
most passionate proponents.
It was Ackerman, after all, who coined the term “sci-fi ” for science-fi ction, created the Vampirella comic strip and edited Famous Monsters of Filmland, unquestionably the most infl uential publication of its kind in its time — and, given its many devotees, perhaps all time. Known to one and all as Forry (or “Uncle Forry”), Ackerman’s lifelong enthusiasm was for all things spooky, scary and fantastic. And there was nothing more he enjoyed more than welcoming guests into his homes, which he had basically converted into a museum showcasing his collection of movie memorabilia.
Like many others (including yours truly), Al Astrella and James Greene were longtime Ackerman admirers (“Ackerfans”? “Ackermaniacs”?), and together they teamed up to resurrect those cherished memories of what Ackerman dubbed “the Ackermansion.”
Astrella and Greene are the authors of the new book House of Ackerman, now available from Midnight Marquee Press (www.midmar. com/). Billed as both “A forbidden look inside” and “A photographic tour of the legendary Ackermansion,” the book is a fond valentine to Ackerman’s life and career, packed with photos of his mind-blowing collection of props, books, stills, artwork and other ghoulish goodies.
Said collection included the signet ring worn by Bela Lugosi as Dracula in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, the original theatrical poster for the silent fantasy fi lm Ghost of Slumber Mountain, an entire library of books (many fi rst volumes, many signed), the Martian war machine from the 1953 screen adaptation of HG Wells’ War of the Worlds, closets full of masks and capes, models, posters and more. It was as much a museum as a mansion, or even the man’s home! For those who never got to visit the hallowed halls of any incarnation of the Ackermansion, the book is the next best thing.
“Sadly, Forry didn’t live to see this project to completion,” said Astrella, “and we hope that this tome will help to keep the memory of the Ackermansion alive for all time. “Forry had a lot of fans,” he added, “and, of course, if we hope to do anything it would be to help carry the torch to the next generation about the wonders of this legendary home that once held one of the largest collections of fantasy in the world.”
“Forry had thought of an ‘Ackermansion’ book, but had no energy left to do it,” Greene related. “He was dealing with legal hassles with former FM publisher Ray Ferry, and had a recent stroke and injury from a fall. He was getting ‘long in fang’ as well and could not type anymore.” Ackerman gave his full blessing to the project, and even dictated a foreward some eight months before his death. “Forry was overjoyed upon hearing about our plans and gave us enthusiastic encouragement,” Greene said.
Both authors fi rst encountered Ackerman in the pages of Famous Monsters, the selfexplanatory magazine that Ackerman edited for more than 20 years and which inspired legions of like-minded fantasy fans, including George Lucas, Stephen King, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Joe Dante and John Landis. Dante cast Ackerman in Hollywood Boulevard and The Howling, Landis in Beverly Hills Cop III and Innocent Blood, Jackson in Dead/Alive, and Ackerman played myriad cameo roles in other fi lms, as well.
The magazine was distinguished by Ackerman’s unabashed enthusiasm, his knowledge, and his penchant for puns. “Best Witches,” “Horrorwood, Karloffornia,” “Scary Christmas,” “Forry Get Me Not,” “4-E,” “Ackermonster” and, of course, “Ackermansion.” Together, Astrella and Greene fi rst visited the Ackermansion in 1990. By that time, Ackerman had already moved once, from South Sherbourne Drive to Glendower Avenue in Los Angeles. In later years, following the death of his wife Wendayne and due to fi nancial necessity and declining health, Ackerman moved to the “Ackermini- mansion” on Russell Avenue. Even toward the end, the door was always open. Old school was Forry’s school. He disdained slasher fi lms and touted the merits of the golden oldies until the end. A regular on the convention circuit, he cut an unmistakable fi gure in his eyeball-scorching leisure suits, cheerfully greeting fans of all ages, with a particular smile for the pretty ladies. Yours truly met him once at the 2000 Chiller Theatre convention in Secaucus, NJ, and enjoyed a brief (but gratifying) interview with him. Despite having never met him before, it was like meeting an old friend.
When ill health curtailed his public appearances, many friends and fans did their best to keep his spirits high until the end, none more so than his trusted assistant Joe Moe. There’s no question that Forry left this world a loved man.
“Forry’s legacy will be remembered every time someone opens up a monster magazine or sci-fi novel, every time an old monster movie is viewed again,” observed Astella. “Forry did it fi rst, caring about those things which most other people thought of as junk, cared enough to collect and keep a record of the fi lms we love, and to let thousands of people wander through his home.”
Both Greene and Estrella possess a few items from Ackerman’s collection, and are proud to have known him. Said Greene: “We wrote this book to further the memory of this amazingly infl uential man, his generosity and enthusiasm.”
It was Ackerman, after all, who coined the term “sci-fi ” for science-fi ction, created the Vampirella comic strip and edited Famous Monsters of Filmland, unquestionably the most infl uential publication of its kind in its time — and, given its many devotees, perhaps all time. Known to one and all as Forry (or “Uncle Forry”), Ackerman’s lifelong enthusiasm was for all things spooky, scary and fantastic. And there was nothing more he enjoyed more than welcoming guests into his homes, which he had basically converted into a museum showcasing his collection of movie memorabilia.
Like many others (including yours truly), Al Astrella and James Greene were longtime Ackerman admirers (“Ackerfans”? “Ackermaniacs”?), and together they teamed up to resurrect those cherished memories of what Ackerman dubbed “the Ackermansion.”
Astrella and Greene are the authors of the new book House of Ackerman, now available from Midnight Marquee Press (www.midmar. com/). Billed as both “A forbidden look inside” and “A photographic tour of the legendary Ackermansion,” the book is a fond valentine to Ackerman’s life and career, packed with photos of his mind-blowing collection of props, books, stills, artwork and other ghoulish goodies.
Said collection included the signet ring worn by Bela Lugosi as Dracula in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, the original theatrical poster for the silent fantasy fi lm Ghost of Slumber Mountain, an entire library of books (many fi rst volumes, many signed), the Martian war machine from the 1953 screen adaptation of HG Wells’ War of the Worlds, closets full of masks and capes, models, posters and more. It was as much a museum as a mansion, or even the man’s home! For those who never got to visit the hallowed halls of any incarnation of the Ackermansion, the book is the next best thing.
“Sadly, Forry didn’t live to see this project to completion,” said Astrella, “and we hope that this tome will help to keep the memory of the Ackermansion alive for all time. “Forry had a lot of fans,” he added, “and, of course, if we hope to do anything it would be to help carry the torch to the next generation about the wonders of this legendary home that once held one of the largest collections of fantasy in the world.”
“Forry had thought of an ‘Ackermansion’ book, but had no energy left to do it,” Greene related. “He was dealing with legal hassles with former FM publisher Ray Ferry, and had a recent stroke and injury from a fall. He was getting ‘long in fang’ as well and could not type anymore.” Ackerman gave his full blessing to the project, and even dictated a foreward some eight months before his death. “Forry was overjoyed upon hearing about our plans and gave us enthusiastic encouragement,” Greene said.
Both authors fi rst encountered Ackerman in the pages of Famous Monsters, the selfexplanatory magazine that Ackerman edited for more than 20 years and which inspired legions of like-minded fantasy fans, including George Lucas, Stephen King, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Joe Dante and John Landis. Dante cast Ackerman in Hollywood Boulevard and The Howling, Landis in Beverly Hills Cop III and Innocent Blood, Jackson in Dead/Alive, and Ackerman played myriad cameo roles in other fi lms, as well.
The magazine was distinguished by Ackerman’s unabashed enthusiasm, his knowledge, and his penchant for puns. “Best Witches,” “Horrorwood, Karloffornia,” “Scary Christmas,” “Forry Get Me Not,” “4-E,” “Ackermonster” and, of course, “Ackermansion.” Together, Astrella and Greene fi rst visited the Ackermansion in 1990. By that time, Ackerman had already moved once, from South Sherbourne Drive to Glendower Avenue in Los Angeles. In later years, following the death of his wife Wendayne and due to fi nancial necessity and declining health, Ackerman moved to the “Ackermini- mansion” on Russell Avenue. Even toward the end, the door was always open. Old school was Forry’s school. He disdained slasher fi lms and touted the merits of the golden oldies until the end. A regular on the convention circuit, he cut an unmistakable fi gure in his eyeball-scorching leisure suits, cheerfully greeting fans of all ages, with a particular smile for the pretty ladies. Yours truly met him once at the 2000 Chiller Theatre convention in Secaucus, NJ, and enjoyed a brief (but gratifying) interview with him. Despite having never met him before, it was like meeting an old friend.
When ill health curtailed his public appearances, many friends and fans did their best to keep his spirits high until the end, none more so than his trusted assistant Joe Moe. There’s no question that Forry left this world a loved man.
“Forry’s legacy will be remembered every time someone opens up a monster magazine or sci-fi novel, every time an old monster movie is viewed again,” observed Astella. “Forry did it fi rst, caring about those things which most other people thought of as junk, cared enough to collect and keep a record of the fi lms we love, and to let thousands of people wander through his home.”
Both Greene and Estrella possess a few items from Ackerman’s collection, and are proud to have known him. Said Greene: “We wrote this book to further the memory of this amazingly infl uential man, his generosity and enthusiasm.”
