Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

31 Days of Halloween: 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920)

Posted Saturday, October 1, 2016, at 3:27 PM

LITTLE ROCK — 31 Days of Halloween!

Here is a countdown of some of the most influential, horrifying, disgusting and entertaining horror films over the last 100 years.

No. 31: "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920)

96 years ago, "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920) opened in Berlin. The film is a sterling example of German Expressionism, which found fruition just prior to the first World War.

The movie revolves around the evil Dr. Caligari (Werner Krauss) who uses young Cesare (Conrad Veidt) to carry out his diabolical deeds.

And even though this is a silent picture, "Dr. Caligari" remains one of the best early representations of the horror genre. It is a must-see for any enthusiast of the macabre.

Co-starring: Lil Dagover and Hans Heinrich von Twardowski.

Runtime: 67 minutes

Rated: Unrated

TRIVIA:

Actor Conrad Veidt went on and played Major Strasser 22 years later in the classic Casablanca (1942).

Screenwriter Hans Janowitz got the idea for the story after attending a carnival and discovering that a young girl was killed there.

The majority of the sets you see on film are made of painted paper.

"Dr. Caligari" is well known as the first true horror film.

The actors made approximately $30 a day for the shoot.

Never seen the movie? Check out this classic flick, in its entirety, in the video below.