Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!

In 'Shock Values,' Carola Binder provides a sweeping history of the United States' economy and politics, highlighting how the government's responses to price fluctuations have significantly influenced the nation's development. The book covers various periods, from the colonial era to the present, and examines the impact of monetary and fiscal policies, including price controls, tariffs, and the role of the Federal Reserve. Binder discusses how these policies have been driven by a mix of special interest politics, ideology, and advances in economic understanding, and how they have led to lasting changes in American democracy.

The Prize chronicles the struggle for wealth and power that has surrounded oil for over a century. The book spans from the drilling of the first well in Pennsylvania through two great world wars, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Operation Desert Storm, and the Iraq War, to current climate change. It is a definitive work on the subject of oil, addressing its role in shaping major world events, global power dynamics, and the ongoing energy crisis. Yergin's narrative includes the rise of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil, the discovery of oil in various regions, and the geopolitical clashes over oil resources, making it crucial for understanding world politics and the global economy.

Published in 1966, 'Valley of the Dolls' by Jacqueline Susann is a poignant and touching look at the lives of famous starlets in the 1940s and 1950s. The story revolves around three women: Anne Welles, a young woman from New Jersey seeking a new life in New York; Neely O'Neill, a vaudevillian aspiring to stardom; and Jennifer North, a beautiful showgirl. The novel delves into their struggles with fame, their dependence on prescription pills (referred to as 'dolls'), and the societal pressures that lead to their downfall. It critiques the male-dominated world of the entertainment industry, highlighting the exploitation and double standards faced by women. The book is known for its candid portrayal of sex, addiction, and the hollow nature of fame, making it a significant commentary on the era's social issues.

The Exorcist, written by William Peter Blatty, tells the story of Regan MacNeil, a 12-year-old girl who becomes possessed by an evil spirit. Her mother, Chris MacNeil, a successful actress, seeks help from two priests: Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest and psychiatrist struggling with his faith, and Father Lankester Merrin, an elderly priest with experience in exorcisms. The novel explores themes of faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil as the priests perform an exorcism to save Regan. The story is intense and graphic, delving into the psychological and supernatural aspects of the possession and the exorcism process. It was inspired by a real-life case of demonic possession in the 1940s and has become a classic in the horror genre.