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Bathtub Scenes in Horror Movies

By Alan Knight

It's almost time for the Oscars. The 87th Academy Awards ceremony is slated for Thursday, February 22, 2015. Nominees for “Best Picture” include American Sniper, The Imitation Game, Selma, Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), The Grand Budapest Hotel, Boyhood, Whiplahs, and The Theory of Everything. Out of all the possible choices there is not a single horror movie. So I started wondering, has a horror movie ever won an Oscar? Surprisingly, yes!

For Visual Effects and Make Up:

The Birds (1963)

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

The Fly (1986)

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994)

Photo Credit: thesouloftheplot.wordpress.com

Furthermore, The Silence of the Lambs won “Best Picture” in 1991, which featured spellbinding performances by Jodi Foster and Anthony Hopkins.

The Exorcist picked up “Best Screenplay” and “Best Sound,” although it garnered nine total nominations. The movie holds the distinction of being the first horror movie ever nominated for “Best Picture.”

One thing that I have noticed about horror movies is that some of the same props seem to recur over and over again. The chainsaw, the axe, the knife, the sword, the meat cleaver are regulars, but have you ever noticed how man scary movies include a death scene or at least a scary moment in a bathroom, shower or bathtub?

Photo Credit: 1428elm.com

Let's start with the Alfred Hitchcock movie, Psycho. I saw that movie at the theater ... alone! I don't even remember how I got in to see it, being only 11 years old. The current rating system was brand new back then. I just remember when Janet Leigh had that shower curtain thrown back by Anthony Perkins and the stabbing began, I was ready to head for the exit. It's ironic that the next time I was that scared was when Janet Leigh's daughter was running around the house in Halloween.

Other famous bathtub scenes in horror movies:

Photo Credit: gallery.roborooter.com

Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) The scene is set with a young teenage girl taking a bubble bath in a Clawfoot tub. She begins to sing a lullaby and slowly puts herself to sleep. That's a big problem because Freddy Krugger comes alive in her dreams. The razor sharp fingers begin to rise to the surface of the water as she sleeps, then suddenly her mother calls out to her, “Don't fall asleep in there, you could drown you know.” Then in a flash she is jerked underwater and the screaming begins.

Photo Credit: cinematiccorner.blogspot.com

What Lies Beneath (2000) Michelle Pfeiffer is convinced there is a ghost in the house, and as she takes a bath in a Clawfoot tub, strange things happen. Suddenly, she’s paralyzed, only able to move her toes, as the tub fills to overflowing. She desperately tries to open the drain with her toes and everything goes wrong. Suspense mounts as she finds a clever way to shut off the faucet, and the water slowly recedes below her mouth. It was a very close call and a heart pounding moment. A few years later, a parody was done of various scary movies and this particular scene was hilarious.

Photo Credit: youtube.com

Grave Encounters (2011) was a low budget movie that was a huge success at the box office. It was about a team of paranormal experts who lock themselves into a haunted psychiatric ward in an abandoned hospital. It was a real nail-biter. The bathtub scene featured a girl in a hospital gown, standing over an old Clawfoot tub in an otherwise empty room. As one of the technicians gets to the tub, he finds it full of blood. He looks to the cameraman as a hand reaches out of the tub and pulls him under. Creepy!

I can't possibly go into detail about all the bathtub scenes in horror movies, but if you want to research it yourself, let me give you a more complete listing:

The Shining

The Changeling

Photo Credit: flickrhivemind.netflickrhivemind.net

Deadline

The House of the Devil

Stigmata

Grace

The Tingler

Requiem for a Dream

Mirrors

Cabin Fever

Hostel II

Shivers

Slither

The Lost Boys

Now, to the question: Why are there so many Clawfoot bathtubs in horror movies? There can only be one answer. Think about it, when do you feel most vulnerable?

When you’re naked and all alone.

Photo Credit: overstock.com

In a bathtub, we undress, get all relaxed, enjoying the warm water. We lie back, placing our neck on a towel along the rolled rim and close our eyes. What could possibly go wrong? That's why the bathtub prop works time and time again. Just when you least expect something bad to happen, bingo! The horror movies simply plays on our own sense of vulnerability.

Now, in the real world, Clawfoot tubs have nothing to do with the words “horror,” “terror,” or “scary.” These beautiful creations of cast iron and porcelain are harmless vessels that bring both beauty to a bathroom and enjoyment to the bather. Popular models would include the traditional Rolled Top, the Slipper tub, the Double Slipper, the Dual-ended and the Pedestal. These handsome bathtubs come in many shapes and sizes and provide not only enjoyment, but added value and prestige to your bathroom.

Photo Credit: tubking.com

The only thing scary for some is the price. Make sure you compare prices from different suppliers. There are several companies that import new cast iron/porcelain tubs and sell them to you in a wide range of prices. You don't have to over-pay to get one of these beautiful models. Usually, the better companies will run specials and include more choices, such as claw feet made of polished chrome, brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze. There might even be a way to get free shipping.

And don't forget the hand-held faucet choices such as the “English Telephone,” or the free-standing models. These can be purchased along with the drain system and the water supply lines. These fixtures also come in the same finishes as the Clawfoot legs to make a perfect-looking match.

The only other disturbing thing to beware of is buying one of these tubs in any material other than porcelain. The acrylic models (a.k.a., plastic) simply don't hold up over time. They have a tendency to lose their shape and eventually discolor. They can really become a “monster” and you'll not be happy with your buying decision. Make sure you get a quality cast iron/porcelain tub with a long-lasting warranty. Unless you drop and anvil in the tub, most cast iron/porcelain tubs will last for a hundred years.

Photo Credit: minimililsti.com

Also, don't be scared away from making a buying decision. If you have been looking for years for a way to truly beautify your bathroom, the Clawfoot tub might just be the answer. If you’ve looked lately at one of the home magazines, you’ve most likely seen a Clawfoot tub. These elegant-looking tubs make it easy to create a theme around your new tub. When you have guests, they'll fall in love with it. And if ever decide to resell you home, this tub might just be the deal maker. I’ve had several customers tell me that their Clawfoot tub helped to sell their home.

In this article, I talked about why bathtub scenes are so common in the horror movie genre, mentioning several famous horror films that had a frightening scene take place in a Clawfoot tub. I then went on to explain that in reality, cast iron/porcelain Clawfoot tubs are a real asset to anyone’s home, and serve to enhance its value … as well as the owner’s pleasure in bathing in them.

If you found this article interesting, please share and forward it to friends and family. If you’d like to leave a comment or question, please do so in the Comments section below.

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Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed below and I’ll personally get back to you. Thanks for reading; it’s my pleasure to share this information with you.

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Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. His companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. To contact Tub King directly, call (800)843-4231 or email alan@tubking.com.

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Are You Looking for a Bathtub That Really Stands Out?

By Kerry Knight

Photo credit: tubking.com

There are some advantages to having a stellar reputation and from being a multiaward-winning bathtub business. And, since our company name is Tub King, many people presume we're the purveyors of many different types of bathtubs. So it’s not usual that we’ll periodically receive phone calls asking if we carry regular bathtubs, like the ones you see in many homes. These rectangular tubs are typically 5-feet long and 30-inches wide, and are made of fiberglass, acrylic or some metallic alloy. Depending upon where they were purchased, their color choices can be limited.

Our answer is always, “Sorry, we only carry specialized tubs.” We don’t try to compete with Lowes or Home Depot, where there is a variety of standard bathtubs. Our tubs are decidedly different and are oriented towards a more discerning type of clientele. We’re not a “one-design-fits-all” type of bathroom tub dealer.

You see, one of the things that sets us apart is we specialize in the Clawfoot and Pedestal tubs, as well as the highly therapeutic and safety-designed Walk-in tubs.

As mentioned in a previous blog, “Building a New Home? Add Beauty with a Clawfoot Tub” designers continually strive to make houses stand out by adding elements of elegance and beauty where homeowners can enjoy their personal time. Many designers are now requesting Clawfoot tubs as the centerpiece of a luxuriously appointed, built-for-comfort bathroom.

Photo credit: tubking.com

Home builders and home buyers are also following suit. Many who are building their own homes and/or who are currently remodeling their homes often look to “upping the ambiance” of their homes with the inclusion of a Clawfoot tub in their master bathrooms.

All of our Clawfoot and Pedestal tubs are handsomely designed, exotic, and unique-looking. They include the Slipper series where one side is higher than the other, resembling a woman’s slipper (more often akin to Cinderella’s elegant slipper, hence their name.) These come in a variety of sizes: 57-inch, 61-inch and 67-inch. We also carry the Dual-Ended series with a reclining slope on each end, which also come in a variety of sizes. Then there is the “romantic” Double Slipper. They are a huge, 72 inches in length with massive, ornate metallic legs and have the high, pronounced slope on each end. I say romantic because these tubs are perfect for couples that wants to bathe together, or, if you have several children you want to bathe at the same time, these beauties can certainly accommodate them (and the higher double sides help prevent getting water on the floor as the kids frolic in the bath.) The more traditional Roll Top version that is patterned after the old antique tub is anything but ordinary. These also come in various lengths.

Photo credit: tubking.com

Now, we’re especially pleased to offer a new line of tubs that are even more handsome and spectacular-looking. We call it our Artisan Series. Currently we offer two versions in the Slipper style.

Photo credit: tubking.com

The Hammered Copper look features a process that involves many artistic steps, much of which is done meticulously by hand. First, a black aerospace primer is sprayed on the outside of the tub. This provides depth to the finish and offers a strong base for the rest of the process. Then, a mixture of copper flakes is mixed in a clear resin and sprayed on the outside of the tub with a high volume, low pressure spray rig. The third step is to take a sea sponge to meticulously create the hammered look on the surface of the cast iron. The result is an almost three-dimensional look of stone and metal in extravagant, overlapping patterns.

The Hammered Silver look utilizes the very same process except for the type of metallic flakes used in the second step. Instead of copper, this time we use silver.

An example of pricing on a 61-inch Slipper Tub with the Artisan Series finish would be $1,695. Keep in mind, this is not a refinished tub. The inside porcelain is brand new, and the legs are real metal. The ornate Clawfoot-shaped legs on these special models match the finish.

We can also create custom-ordered Artisan Series tubs. In fact, there’s no end as to what we can do to fashion a unique and special model Artisan Series Slipper tub just for you. Share your ideas with us. Let us know what you’re looking for. We have the ability to create almost any finish you may require on a Clawfoot tub. We offer up to 300 different color choices for the exterior of the tub and can match any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore colors.

Photo credit: tubking.com

Another thing that makes these tubs special is the fixtures. The goose neck, and the dolphin spout faucet series come in chrome, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze. We also offer the “English Telephone” shape as a hand-held sprayer to give your custom-designed tub an elegant, Victorian look.

So if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind, custom-designed, hand-finished bathtub that really stands out, one that can make your bathroom something truly special, come by our showroom in Jacksonville, Florida or give us a call today. We can create the bathtub of your dreams that is not only unique-looking and that custom-matches the décor in your designer bathroom, but you can be rest-in-your-tub assured that these tubs will last a lifetime as well.

In this article, I talked about the different type of specialty tubs that Tub King specializes in, namely the Clawfoot, Pedestal tubs and our Walk-in Tubs. I highlighted some of the different models we carry in the Clawfoot line, including the Slipper, Dual-Ended, Double Slipper, and Roll Top models. I then discussed our new Artisan Series lines of Clawfoot tubs both the Hammered Copper and Hammered Silver. I pointed out that Tub King has the ability to customize the exterior of these elegant tubs, having the ability to match any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore colors. Lastly, I mentioned some of the beautifully appointed accessories we carry for this special line of tubs.

Come visit us at the Jacksonville Home & Patio Show. We look forward towards seeing you there.

If you found this article useful, please share it with your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related to this article, leave it in the comment section of this blog. If you’d like to receive a F ree Clawfoot Tub Buyer's Guide, c lick her e. Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I’ll personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Thanks again for visiting with us.

A Happy Tub King Customer and her Double Slipper Tub

Alan and Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc., andSeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” three years running. If you’d like to contact them, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.

Check Out Your Fall Home & Patio Show

By Kerry Knight

Photo credit: jacksonville.com

I’m often asked, “What’s an easy way to learn about the latest trends in bathroom remodeling? You know, what kind of bathtubs are coming out, what’s the latest in Walk-in tubs? Are there new kinds of fixtures, flooring, etc.?” Here’s my answer: Don’t just scour the Internet, go to a Home and Garden Show so you can touch and see firsthand the latest bath tubs and bathroom remodeling products.

Most cities of any size will have at least one Home and Garden Show a year. These are usually in the Spring when people are thinking about working around the house. Some will be painting the outside of the house, building a pergola or gazebo, adding a landscape water fall, or adding a new addition. It’s a fun time to attend the shows to see all the new things out there. These shows can bring in as many as 60,000 people over a few days. Plus, they’re all there with one thing in mind: how to beautify their home and property.

Photo credit: tubking.com

Some of your major metro areas will have two shows a year, one in the Spring and another in the Fall. Jacksonville and Orlando, will both host their Fall Home and Garden shows in October this year, and Tub King will be there.

It’s the perfect occasion to show off our beautiful Cast iron and Porcelain tubs with handsome Clawfoot legs in brushed nickel, chrome and oil-rubbed bronze. We’ll display several of our popular tubs: the Slipper tub, the Dual-ended, the Slight Slipper, the Double Slipper, the Pedestals, and the traditional Roll Tops. This year we’ll be showing off our newest production: A Slipper tub with an oil-rubbed bronze finish on the outside. The legs are also oil-rubbed bronze. With a “British telephone” faucet in the same finish, it really “pops.” It will be on display and I’m sure it’ll be sold before the show is over on Sunday.

Photo credit: tubking.com

We’ll also display our Walk-in Tub for seniors or anyone with mobility concerns. There are two sizes to fitevery customer and every bathroom space. It comes in three different models: the Soaker, without jets; the Air-jetted version, with 18 therapeutic bubble ports; and the Dual System with water and air jets, which carries both systems, along with an inline heater.

All of our tubs at the Home and Garden Shows are discounted for the lucky patrons attending. Even installation prices are reduced when you purchase a tub from us during the shows. You’ll be able to see the tubs and even sit in them. Knowledgeable professionals will be in our booth to answer your questions. This is the perfect time to see and compare products side by side. And, you can get a real idea what they’ll look (and feel) like in your bathroom. There’s nothing like seeing and experiencing a product first-hand, before you buy it.

So this fall, go to your Home and Garden Show and enjoy the day. Even if you’re not ready to remodel yourbathroom yet, you’ll get some ideas as to what you can do and be able to compare products as well.

Please join us if you can. The Jacksonville Home and Garden Show is October 2 – 5 at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. The Orlando Home Show is October 24 – 26 at the Orange County Convention Center. We actually have a few free tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis. So call us if you’d like to attend. You can reach our showroom and office at (904) 732-9906. Can’t make this show? You’ll still have the one in Spring 2015 (only six months away).

In this article, I discussed how you can learn about the latest trends in bathroom remodeling by attending a Home and Garden Show. The advantages of seeing and feeling a beautiful claw foot tub in person or sitting in and feeling the comfort of a Walk-in tub in person is immeasurable.

About Our Walk-in Tub Buyer's Guide

If you found this article useful, please share it with your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related to this article, leave it in the comment section of this blog. If you’d like to receive a FREE Walk-In Tub Buyers’ Guide, click here. Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I’ll personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Thanks again for visiting with us. See you at the shows!

Bathtub Scenes in Horror Movies

Are You Looking for a Bathtub That Really Stands Out?

Check Out Your Fall Home & Patio Show

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