Happy 4th of July from your friends at GHOULA!

On this day that we celebrate the creation of the United States. Let's stop a moment and give a patriotic "thank you" to another great creation, one of America's favorite fictional "phantoms" from another realm, THE GHOST RIDER. Although the idea of a "ghost rider" appeared in several early comic books published by Marvel Comics, including a super-natural cowboy using the moniker "The Ghost Rider," the most famous incarnation was created in the 1970's which depicted a motorcycle stuntman who made a bad deal with the devil, cursing him to periodically change from his human form into a creature with a flaming skull that was literally hell on wheels. Technically speaking the "ghost rider" is not actually a "ghost," but more of a zombie-werewolf hybrid.

That said, in addition to this super-natural super-hero's ties to the South-West in the comic, this character may also have its roots in our regional ghost mythology. The old west is littered with legends of "ghost riders" and phantom cowboys. The most famous of them being the "riders in the sky" where the ghosts of damned cowboys (running from the devil) appear in the clouds above a troubled cowboy as a warning of that individual's possible future if he doesn't clean up his act. This cowboy legend was made famous by the chart-topping hit song "Riders in the Sky" written by Stan Jones, which in addition to its many cover versions by country and rock musicians (and its appearance in the GHOST RIDER movie), it was also the inspiration for the song "Riders on the Storm" by the quintessential L.A. band, The Doors.

More specifically however, there is another local ghost seen throughout California since the 1950's that bears a strong resemblance to the tortured hero of the GHOST RIDER comic. There is said to be a headless motorcyclist (the west coast equivalent to the east coast's "Headless Horseman") that roams the back highways and small town main streets of this great state. Although there are many versions of the origin of this ghost, like its comic book counter part, it also appears to be battling its own demons, as evidenced by the frequent sighting of this speeding spirit ripping past the church doors at Mission San Buenaventura in Ventura County.

G.H.O.U.L.A., as protectors of local lore, on this day salutes THE GHOST RIDER.

GHOSTBUSTERS Screening

Date: July 22, 2009
Place: Century City's Movies on the Terrace
(10250 Santa Monica Blvd.) map

Before seeing GHOSTBUSTERS, take a moment to virtually tour Los Angeles, and reflect on the "city of the angels" influence on this classic ghost-hunting movie.

Although the exteriors used for the Ghostbusters' headquarters were shot in New York, all of the interiors of that abandoned fire station were from Los Angeles’ very own decommissioned station house #23. map

The fictitious “Sedgewick Hotel's” lobby and ballroom (where the Ghostbusters first encounter "Slimer") were actually inside the Biltmore Hotel located in downtown Los Angeles, which in real life is said to be haunted by a phantom nun in the basement as well as other ghosts. The stairwell in the Biltmore were also used as endless flight of stairs in Dana’s Apt. Building near the climax of the movie. map

The New York Library “stacks,” where the Ghostbusters come face-to-face with their first ghost (the scary librari-an) was actually filmed at this city’s central library also in downtown Los Angeles. map

The “rooftop” set (one of the largest indoor sets ever built in Los Angeles) for the movie's climax, as well as many other sets, including Dana’s Apt. and the halls of the “Sedgewick Hotel” were filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. A full-scale recreation of the exterior of Dana’s Apt. Building was constructed (with the torn street in front) on the back lot. map

Additionally, all the special effects for the movie were created at the now defunct Boss Film Studios in Marina Del Rey. This was the birth place, so to speak, of "Onion Head" (better known as Slimer), the Demon Dogs, and all the other spooky and kooky creations. map

Although Dan Ackroyd was always interested in the paranormal, 7708 Woodrow Wilson Drive is said to be the haunted house that Ackroyd was living in when he was inspired to write the script for GHOSTBUSTERS. Former residents (and possible sources for the haunting) of the house include “Mama" Cass Elliot and Natalie Wood. map

Ackroyd has also been quoted as saying that the movie "Poltergeist" (set locally) was another strong influence on the Ghostbuster script in terms of that film's treatment of ghosts (both in story and in special effects). It is worth noting that that film has since been associated with a "poltergeist curse," where by cast members have died tragically. Also, the original case that inspired the movie "Poltergeist" even supplied the name "Gozer" which appears in GHOSTBUSTERS as the villain's name. map

The Doheny Mansion in Beverly Hills, which has been used in many movies and TV shows over the years, also claims to have been used for GHOSTBUSTERS on their website. Although, not readily visible in the movie, the building does appear in the sequel, GHOSTBUSTERS II. It should also be noted, that this mansion is also said to be haunted by the restless spirit of Ned Doheny, who walks the halls late at night waiting for someone to solve the riddle of his murder (or suicide). map

The Petersen Museum has one of the vehicles used as the Ghostbusters' “Ectomobile” (Ecto-1) as part of its “star cars” collection. Sometimes, it is even on display. Ask, before paying the admission price. map

The Hollywood Toys and Costume has “Ghostbusters” costumes, as well as just “ghost” costumes, that can be purchased so you will be appropriately attired for the GHOSTBUSTERS screening. map

Finally, go see the movie tonight at the free outdoor screening at Century City as part of their "Movies on the Terrace" summer program. map

For an overall map of these locations click here.

GHOULA SKOOLA

DATE: June 22, 2009 (tonight)
TIME: 8:00 pm
PLACE: Pilippe's Original
(1001 N Alameda St,Los Angeles, CA 90012) map

Class is now in session.

Some have expressed interest in getting together outside of our general events to discuss topics in more detail, as well as fill gaps in their general ghost knowledge. It has been suggested that GHOULA start an informal phantom forum for such a purpose.

So, your Friends at GHOULA have partnered up with The High Priestess RaVen, a fourth generation medium, who is based in Los Angeles, and will moderate these seminars. It is our hope that each gathering will feature a specific topic and a a guest speaker to discuss this topic.

Since this is our inaugural GHOULA SKOOLA, there will be not set agenda, instead we wish that everyone in attendence to voice there wishes for this program, as well as get to know our Moderater, RaVen.

So, if there are any questions you want to ask a psychic ghost investigator, now is your chance.

For more info:
RaVen ( http://www.majickgoddess.com/)
Philippe's (http://www.philippes.com/)
Philippe's Haunted History
(October 13th: Spirits with Spirits at Philippes th... )