The Cat o'Nine Tails (1971)

Tonight was an awesome night as I finally was able to see Not Always What It Seems performed in front of an audience, and it was an amazing experience. This was an amazing moment and one that left me wanting to write more things for the stage. After a great dinner with PJ and AJ, I decided that it was time to review the one movie I did watch last week before all of the craziness started with the schedule. That movie is the 1971 giallo The Cat o’Nine Tails.

Plot/ A newspaper reporter and a retired, blind journalist try to solve a series of killings connected to a pharmaceutical company's experimental, top-secret research projects and in so doing, both become targets of the killer.

As a fan of Dario Argento, I often view this movie as one of his more overlooked films. While I do understand, why people overlook it, I don’t necessarily agree with them. Sure, it does lack many of the more memorable attributes of a typical Argento giallo, but it does offer an intriguing (albeit sometimes incoherent) storyline that is quite entertaining. Besides that, the performances are solid, the atmosphere is heavy, and as usual, the soundscape is outstanding. Yes, the film does lack the typical violence of an Argento flick, the camera work is not as crisp, and the surrealism that became an integral part of his later works just is not there. Plus, the scripting does seem to be all over and at times unfocused and the character development is uneven, but those elements would not be a huge issue if this wasn’t one of his films. In the end, while this is nowhere near Suspiria, it is a memorable giallo that would definitely be viewed differently if it wasn’t part of the Argento catalog. If you have not seen it, give it a shot. You may be surprised.

A Bay of Blood (1971)

After spending a lot of time over the past few weeks living in the different post-apocalyptic worlds that grace our screens, I decided that I needed to go in some different direction on Saturday night. This was somewhat of a challenge as the kids would not go to sleep early and I had to stay awake. Once they were out, I decided to venture into the 1970s with the 1971 Mario Bava flick A Bay of Blood. 

Plot/ An elderly heiress is killed by her husband who wants control of her fortunes. What ensues is an all-out murder spree as relatives and friends attempt to reduce the inheritance playing field, complicated by some teenagers who decide to camp out in a dilapidated building on the estate.

I always enjoy sprinkling in some Argento or Bava into my viewing, as I usually have an idea of what I am about to see. That was the case with this one, as it definitely had some of the trademark foundations that Bava was known for. Yes, it is not his best work. However, even though it has an aged feel, one can see the influence it has had on modern cinema. More of a slasher than giallo, this low-budget gorefest walks a fine line between elements of those movies. The acting was solid, the effects were subpar and there were some strange characterizations, but in the end it was the twisted and layered plot that took its toll. Honestly, it was way too convoluted for the short run time. In the end, this was an entertaining gorefest with enough blood to make horror fans happy. Not for everyone, but if you enjoy low budget slashers from the 1970s give it a shot.

The Omega Man (1971)

Last night, I was trying to decide what to watch after Army of Darkness and I was struggling. Sometimes, I cannot get into the right mindset for anything in particular and struggle deciding on what genre I want to venture into. That is when I stumbled onto the classic Sci-Fi flick The Omega Man from 1971, a movie I have not seen in years.

Plot/ Robert Neville, a doctor, due to an experimental vaccine, is the only survivor of an apocalyptic war waged with biological weapons. The plague caused by the war has killed everyone else except for a few hundred deformed, nocturnal people calling themselves The Family.

Richard Matheson is one of the greatest Sci-Fi writers ever and one of his all-time best works is the classic I Am Legend. While there have been many adaptations of this classic on the big screen spanning multiple decades and generations, the storyline stands tall. In this adaptation, film icon Charlton Heston takes the lead and runs with it with a great performance. While I will admit, I am more a fan of Vincent Price and Last Man on Earth, this interpretation holds its own. While there are some flaws in this flick, which appears dated and full of the signature camp of the 1970s, it is engaging. Overall, the performances are solid, the soundtrack works and the post apocalyptic atmosphere is realistic. Of course, the change in the vampiric nature of the creatures is still a bit hard to accept, one of the reasons I think I am drawn to the Price version, but it is still entertaining. In the end, this adaptation is a classic piece of 1970s Sci-Fi and must be seen. Sure, it has some flaws, but it remains one of Heston’s better performances and a trip into a dark time.

The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave (1971)

Today seems like a blur, my Hail and Farewell Breakfast, followed by my retirement ceremony practice. Wow, Monday is almost here, and I can move on to bigger and better things. Since I really have no life lately, I decided to sit back and watch yet another flick from the Pure Terror Collection; this entry is The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave from 1971.

Plot/ A wealthy English lord is suffering a mental breakdown following the death of his red-headed wife, Evelyn, whom he feared was cheating on him. He tours local bars and dives, scouring for lovely red-heads willing to come back to his decaying castle in the country, where he seduces them, then tortures and kills them.

This 1970s combination Gothic Horror / Giallo is quite an interesting flick; full of just enough os these cinematic influences to an enjoyable and creepy atmospheric film. Filmed on a lower budget, the movie boasts solid acting, some disturbing moments, a decent soundtrack, awesome cinematography and decent characterization. Yes, the storyline is simple and there are some pacing issues (especially through the first section of the film), but overall those flaws are rather minor.  Throw in the great combination of some intelligent murders and nudity and you have a winner. In the end, this is not a great film, but it is an entertaining and very good flick that should be watched if you get the chance.

Short Night of Glass Dolls (1971)

As my Saturday winds down (I will take some pictures of the cool masks I scored this week tomorrow), I decided to finish the week with a giallo. My selection, the 1971 forgotten classic, Short Night of Glass Dolls.

Plot/ An American journalist in Prague searches for his girlfriend who has suddenly disappeared.

One of the things that I love about watching a good giallo is that there is often more going on than meets the eye. That is definitely the case when it comes to this interesting and unique entry. Of course, this one is a bit different taking on political themes, mystery and the occult.  The acting is solid, the characterization pretty good and the cast all seem to fit (especially for the era), couple that with a well-written script and you have a winner. Sure, it is not perfect, but it is a great example of what a great (and often overlooked) giallo can be.

Crucible of Horror (1971)

With Halloween a mere 19 days away, I decided to break down and purchase another great 50 movie collection. Yes, I know that I have struggled to work through and finish the other two sets that I have bought previously, but, one can never have too many horror movies on hand. The first movie from this Pure Terror Collection that I have watched is the 1970 entry Crucible of Horror (AKA The Corpse).

Plot/ A mother and daughter hatch a scheme to murder their family's domineering and sadistic patriarch.

More of a psychological drama than horror flick, this almost redux of the movie Diabolique is a lot better than one would imagine. While there is nothing special in the cinematography, the storyline and filming create an eerie and dreadful almost claustrophobic atmosphere throughout, which when coupled with the sound acting and characterization works really well. Sure, there is not a lot of violence, blood or gore, but it is that atmosphere that carries the film. In the end, the film is pretty good (even with the twist ending that makes little sense) and is a great opening for this collection. Now, I would not run out and buy this one, as part of a 50-movie collection it is definitely watchable.

Legacy of Blood (1971)

I was trying to get some rest in before heading out into the final 48 hours of Chief transition and decided to throw something on to help pass the time. My decision was Legacy of Blood (AKA Blood Legacy) from 1971 and Elvira's Movie Macabre.  

Plot/ In order to qualify to inherit the family fortune, the four heirs must spend the night in the family estate. However, during the night someone starts killing them off.

When I decided to watch this the other night, I do so on the strength of seeing John Carradiine’s name. Man, was that a bad idea. This mystery/thriller/horror truly had little to offer except some vivid colors and a tolerable storyline (albeit pretty cliché except for the incest). Other than that, this flick was awful. It had terrible acting, a horrid script, below average effects, and a little blood or gore. Honestly, it is just that bad and definitely is not recommended in any way, shape or form.

The Brotherhood of Satan (1971)

After watching Trauma, I watched a few more flicks that I will be reviewing over the next couple of days. One of those films was the 1971 horror entry The Brotherhood of Satan.

Plot/ A family is trapped in a desert town by a cult of senior-citizens who recruit the town's children to worship Satan.

This was a very interesting film, and one that I have found out is very underrated. The combination of witchcraft and Satan worship actually works really well in this forgotten chilling 1970s tale. The atmosphere is frantic and suspenseful, the acting solid and the ending is pretty good. Yes, there are some incoherent moments and some strange plot twists that detract from the overall feel, but it is definitely does not sink the movie. This forgotten Satanic horror flick is worth watching.

Hands of the Ripper (1971)

What a weekend! I did battle with my sink (note: garbage disposals do not like whole grain pasta), dealt with a severe cough that was made worse by Liquid Plummer (which did not work) and listened to Jillian and Markie torture each other for fun. To relax a bit, I decided to check out a different take on the legendary Jack the Ripper, in Hammer Studio’s 1971 tale Hands of the Ripper.

Plot/ The infant daughter of Jack the Ripper is witness to the brutal murder of her mother by her father. Fifteen years later she is a troubled young woman who is seemingly possessed by the spirit of her father. While in a trance she continues his murderous killing spree but has no recollection of the events afterwards. A sympathetic psychiatrist takes her in and is convinced he can cure her condition. Soon, however, he regrets his decision.

As a person that has always had an outside interest in Jack the Ripper, this flick definitely took an interesting trip into that legend. While not one of the most popular or well known entries from Hammer, this one should be. Complete with the signature gothic scenery and atmosphere, this film boasts some great performances, a solid script, and some interesting and bloody killings. Yes, the pacing can feel slow, but the tension created the detailed story and development make this an easy aspect to overlook. In the end, this often overlooked gem from Hammer Studios is a suspenseful ride that many horror fans haven’t experienced. Sure, the pacing may turn some people off, but true horror fans should enjoy it!

The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)

After watching The Burning, I decided to watch a Vincent Price classic in the Abominable Dr. Phibes. This is such a classic, that it is hard to imagine that there could be a horror of Price fan out there that has not seen it. It is also a great week to start what I intend on being Vincent Price week here at The Ringmaster’s Realm.

Plot/ Doctors are being murdered in a bizarre manner: bats, bees, killer frog masks, etc., which represents the nine Biblical plagues. A demented organ player with the help of his mute assistant orchestrates the crimes. The detective is stumped until he finds that all of the doctors being killed assisted a Dr. Vesalius on an unsuccessful operation involving the wife of Dr. Phibes, but he could not be the culprit, could he? He was killed in a car crash upon learning of his wife's death...

The Abominable Dr. Phibes is one of the fist Vincent Price films I remember seeing as a child, it is such a fascinating and entertaining array of murder, revenge, and art. To me, this is what a movie should be. Price plays Phibes, and in one of his most memorable roles he takes, you on a journey into the depths of madness. He is perfect and everything around him from the minimal dialogue to creative kills just follows suit. If you have not seen this, you are truly missing out!