Write to "Uncle Forry"!

Do it now! Forrest Ackerman, the first and longest-serving editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine, who taught young Baby Boomers and generations after the Boomers about classic films of horror, fantasy and sci-fi, and did it all with word-play and puns, has been battling pneumonia.

His friend, playwright and film scholar Terry Pace reports, "Earlier in the day [Halloween], Uncle Forry returned from a one-day stay in the hospital (his life, his choice ... and one that we must respect). He is bravely battling pneumonia, but in spite of his weakened condition he was in good spirits when we spoke. He had been greeting a steady stream of trick-or-treaters throughout the evening and had just finished watching Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader? on television when we called. (He made certain we knew that he had passed the show with flying colors.) "

Now would be an excellent time to send a card or letter.

The address:

Forrest J Ackerman
4511 Russell Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

And, while I'm on the subject of Forry, get the latest ish of RUE MORGUE magazine. A portrait by FMOF artist Basil Gogos of the uncle of every Monster Kid is on the cover! The mag also features a long interview with the 4E, the original "imagi-movie" fan.

There is also plenty of other material on classic horror films, as well coverage (with photos) of very gory films. Should appeal across generational lines, if older, and/or conservative readers can past the grue.

You can find RUE MORGUE at Borders and at other bookstores, comic book shops, or you can order from their web site. (The link provided is for buyers in the US; if you live in another country, click here.)