Charles Byron Griffith, a notable individual, entered this world on September 23, 1930, in the vibrant city of Chicago. His maternal lineage was steeped in show business, as his mother and grandmother, Myrt and Marge, gained widespread recognition for their starring roles in the popular radio show of the same name. This pioneering radio program would later evolve into a beloved soap opera, a testament to the enduring power of their on-air chemistry. Following his honorable service in the army, Griffith relocated to the sun-kissed state of California, where he would find solace in the loving care of his grandmother, the renowned Myrtle Vail.
Andrew Griffith, a skilled wordsmith, embarked on a remarkable journey in the realm of writing, preceding his literary endeavors with a stint in the entertainment industry. He and his cousin, Ron Fellowes, formed an intriguing stage act, dubbed "Tsk, Tsk, Pare!", which boasted the presence of renowned comedians Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson. Following this theatrical escapade, Griffith endeavored to adapt the popular radio serial "Myrt and Marge" into a television format, laying the groundwork for his future writing pursuits.
Jonathan Haze, a renowned actor, played a pivotal role in facilitating the entry of Griffith into the film industry. As Haze was working under the guidance of the accomplished producer/director Roger Corman, he was able to utilize his professional connections to forward Griffith's scripts to Corman.
Impressed by the quality of Griffith's writing, Corman decided to extend an opportunity to the aspiring filmmaker, converting his third script into the western genre film "Gunslinger" in 1956. This notable project starred the talented Beverly Garland and John Ireland, further solidifying Griffith's reputation as a skilled scriptwriter and filmmaker.
Griffith's subsequent cinematic endeavour, under the guidance of the renowned filmmaker Roger Corman, was the iconic science fiction masterpiece "It Conquered the World" (1956),a film that showcased his multifaceted talents as not only a writer but also a skilled thespian, as he took on the role of Dr. Pete Shelton, bringing the character to life with his remarkable acting abilities.
Furthermore, Griffith's creative output continued to flourish as he penned the screenplay for "The Undead" (1957),a thought-provoking exploration of reincarnation that delved into the mysteries of the afterlife, and simultaneously, he contributed to the direction of numerous films, solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile filmmaker, with a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for bringing complex ideas to the big screen.
Paul J. Griffith's cinematic endeavors continued with the production of the science fiction masterpiece "Not of This Earth" in 1957, a collaborative effort with esteemed writer Mark Hanna. This groundbreaking film boasted an impressive cast, including the talented Paul Birch as an extraterrestrial vampire and the captivating Beverly Garland as a human who forms an unlikely alliance with the otherworldly being.
Griffith's remarkable script for the 1957 horror classic "Attack of the Crab Monsters" took center stage, with the ingenious special effects courtesy of the skilled hands of Paul Blaisdell.
Notable among Griffith's cinematic endeavors are a few standout films that have left an indelible mark on the annals of movie history. One such example is "A Bucket of Blood" (1959),a macabre horror comedy that boasts an impressive performance from the inimitable Dick Miller. This unsettling yet darkly comedic tale has been delighting audiences for generations, its unique blend of humor and horror continuing to captivate viewers to this very day.
Another notable film in Griffith's oeuvre is "The Little Shop of Horrors" (1960),a low-budget horror comedy that has transcended its humble origins to become a full-fledged cult classic. This delightfully quirky film, with its offbeat blend of humor and terror, has earned a devoted following over the years, its enduring popularity a testament to Griffith's innovative storytelling and filmmaking prowess.
