Hollywood Book & Poster Owner Stabbed by Cult Movies Edi

[August]

Reported by Jason Grove

HOLLYWOOD - Hollywood Book & Poster Company, perhaps the best motion-picture memorabilia store in Hollywood, was established in 1977 by Eric Caidin, who has provided fans with rare and wonderful movie memorabilia at conventions around the country for more than three decades. A noted voice in the horror community, Eric has appeared in numerous films, such as John Carpenter's ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, as well as being thanked in the credits of Quentin Tarantino's GRINDHOUSE. Eric is also active in promoting rare and obscure films, and is one of the co-presenters of "The Grindhouse Film Festival" at the New Beverly Theater.

On Friday, April 18th, former CULT MOVIES magazine publisher, Mike Copner, entered Hollywood Book & Poster with a concealed weapon, in an apparent premeditated plot to murder Eric Caidin. There were no suspicious signs, until Caidin turned his back for a moment, at which time Copner leapt on him with a sharpened screwdriver and repeatedly stabbed the Caidin. A struggle ensued in which glass cases and shelves were broken. Finally after several minutes Mike Copner was subdued by members of the HB&P staff and the Hollywood Division of the L.A.P.D. were summoned to the scene.

Mike Copner was summarily arrested and booked on several charges including Attempted Murder. Eric Caidin was hospitalized, his wounds were fortunately not serious. When we contacted him by phone for comment, he was released from the hospital, medicated and resting comfortably, though in pain and suffering from blurred vision as a result of the attack. A date has not yet been released to the public for Mike Copner's court appearance.

August here: This story has been verified by the "Grindhouse Film Festival" Myspace page. I've known Eric since I was a kid; this is truly appalling and I am deeply saddened. I've met Mr. Copner on several occasions down in Hollywood and the Egyptian Theater, and he seemed amiable enough -- I don't know what precipitated this brutal attack, but just on face value, it's tragic.

[Xenorama]

that is so bizarre. i've known Eric a long time and seen him recently at Christmas. and have met Mr. Copner once or twice many years ago, at the Con and he did seem pleasant enough.

David

[MouthForWar]

WTF. This Copner guy is a grade-A d-bag.

[August]

[MouthForWar]

[TheMaster]

[TerranigmaFreak]