Hop on the way-back machine as the Paley Center digs up another piece of Jacksonian history that's perfect for Halloween: The Making of “Thriller”. Michael Jackson cemented his status as the King of Pop with this king of big-budget mini-movies, the third off the legendary Thriller album. Directed by John Landis, shot in Angeleno Heights and East L.A., and costing $500,000 — a paltry sum to be surpassed by Jackson himself — the 14-minute film epitomized '80s excess, namely Rick Baker's special makeup effects and choreography by late Tony-winning Michael Peters, who also worked on “Beat It,” appearing as the white leather-clad rival gang leader. (If only all the world's disputes were settled in choreographed knife fights). Jackson and Landis would work again in the ‘90s, but like many of MJ's partnerships, it didn't have a happy ending; both Landis and video co-star (and Playboy playmate) Ola Ray sued Jackson for unpaid royalties. Fortunately, the same can't be said for the great Vincent Price who provided the video's unforgettable and sinister voice over. Admit it, you're still shivering.

Fri., Oct. 30, 4 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 31, 4 p.m., 2009

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