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A Seattle teen's 1936 horror film was lost for 89 years... now you can watch it

Boys and ghouls, allow me to tell you about the mad doctor who injects himself with an experimental serum, turning the scientist into a hideous monster that terrorizes a hospital.

This twisted tale is from the mind of Richard Lyford, a 19-year-old indie filmmaker in Seattle, who wrote, directed and starred in the short horror film The Scalpel.

But he wasn’t influenced by horror legends like John Carpenter or Wes Craven or George Romero. 

No, The Scalpel was filmed in 1936, and film historians considered it lost for almost 90 years. 

It’s now been restored and re-edited, and been accepted to more than 150 film festivals throughout the country. 

Guest: Composer Ed Hartman

Related Links:

Trailer for The Scalpel

Lost 1936 Seattle film saved by local composer takes festival circuit by storm

Zion Film Fest

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Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

The Scalpel Festival Run

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