Curmudgeon on Film

On a recent afternoon at the cinema, we were thrilled to see a shout out to Direct's own Herschell Gordon Lewis in the new movie “Juno.”

In the comedy about a teenager who gives up her baby for adoption, the title character learns that once upon a time our intrepid copywriting columnist was the “Godfather of Gore,” a legend to fans of horror movies.

Before the movie's release, Lewis says he knew a clip from one of his old flicks was going to be used. “But I had no notion the film would mention my name,” he says.

So…did he like “Juno,” which stars Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons? At press time, the verdict wasn't in.

“I admit with some embarrassment I haven't yet seen the movie,” he says.

As to the question of whether he's planning another move onto the silver screen, Lewis says that's a definite maybe.

“If and when a legitimate producer shows interest in my script “Grim Fairy Tales,” I'll leap into the director's chair.”

Hollywood, you're on notice.