Holy shit. Maniac has been known as the most controversial and disturbing Horror film ever made. Maybe that’s true. However, it lacks the realism that Henry focuses on. Absolutely terrifying. It’s so freaky, that I didn’t like it when I first saw it. It doesn’t have the fun element that Horror in general has.
After seeing it a few more times, I’ve grown to appreciate the brilliance. Starring Michael Rooker (Walking Dead), Thomas Towles (House of 1000 Corpses), and Tracy Arnold. A loose portrayal on real life killer Henry Lee Lucas and Otis O Toole. It’s filmed not necessarily in a low budget way, so much as they were shooting for a realistic look. A great companion for Michael Rooker’s bone chilling performance. As odd as it sounds, Henry is the more composed and controlled killer, as Otis is the loose cannon. So out of control that he even tries to rape his own sister.
Some Horror films don’t shoot for a good time. They really want to scare the shit out of you. For me…the most effective way is to show me something real. Show my next door neighbor, show me something from the news and blow it up. Michael, Jason, Freddy never scared me. They were just fun to watch. Henry, Krug, Buffalo Bill made me too terrified to leave the house. Because they weren’t cartoonish. They had human layers. They’re out in the world contributing to society, but behind closed doors they smother themselves in blood and let the inner demons have they’re night.
There are a few scenes that will never leave your mind…ever. One is the home invasion Clockwork Orange like scene. Attacking the husband, killing the son, and raping the wife. You think you’re in the scene. We pull away and realize we are sitting on the couch with Henry and Otis watching a video. The creepy part is Otis constantly rewinding it so he can keep watching it. Later on that evening, Henry comes home with Otis sister, and you see Otis asleep in the dark, with the rape scene on freeze frame. Fuck…Those people exist. They’re out there sharing the world with us. Evil.
It also doesn’t get enough credit as having one of the scariest endings I’ve seen in Horror. Doesn’t have that final jump scare that was played out in the 80’s. Henry pulls over to the side of the road, and drops off a bloody suitcase. That’s all I’ll say there. Nothing scarier than a killing machine disguising himself as a normal human being. A wolf among the sheep.
If you’re a dedicated Horror fan, you should definitely see this. I have this in my collection. I gotta tell you though, I really have to be up for it. I don’t pull this movie out very often. But I recognize it’s genius, and it has to be in my collection.
Concrete Blonde’s Over Your Shoulder appeared in the movies The Hidden and Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2. Not upfront and center but merely playing in the background. I became a Concrete Blonde fan when the album Bloodletting was released. They had several hits with God is a Bullet, Still in Hollywood, and Joey.
Scenes it played in:
THE HIDDEN- When the stripper gets out of the sports car and shoots at the cops
THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2- When Stretch goes to meet Lefty at his motel room (look for Tobe Hooper’s cameo). Sorry this is the best clip I could find.
One of my favorite songs from the 80’s. Bought the cassette of this soundtrack at Tower Records when it was first released. Many great songs from J Geils Band, Devo, April Wine, White Sister, Ian Hunter, etc. Autograph was a hair metal band that lived and died in the 80’s. They’re biggest hit was “Turn up the Radio.”
Scene this song was played in: Jerry Dandridge seduces Amy at the night club. As he dances with her, Charlie intervenes and sends in the clubs bouncers. Charlie tries to punch Jerry. The song kicks in when Jerry catches Charlies punch. Brilliant. By the way, the bouncer played the head biker in Friday the 13th Part 3. 4:39 into the clip.
I was around 12 years old and just starting Junior High. Miserable time. My mother returned from her year long stint in rehab. Had to stay with my father during that time. As a result, I went to a different school and lost all my friends. When my mother returned, I came back to my old stomping grounds. Instead of repairing the damage my mother caused, she thought it would be better to invite yet another asshole boyfriend into our happy home.
When I wasn’t getting my ass kicked, I would hide out in the garage (that I turned into a Monster Squad like club house), listening to metal, and reading movie mags. In October 1986, a Horror film was released that finally combined Heavy Metal and Horror together. It was called Trick or Treat. The poster featuring an evil rocker with a flaming pumpkin behind him. I had to see this movie. That Friday night, I was asked to the school dance by a neighborhood girl. Cute girl but come on…School dance. Fuck off. I think I’ll check out Trick or Treat instead. Told my mother that I was going to the dance, and off I went.
Wasn’t the greatest film I ever saw. But hell…it had Gene Simmons, Ozzy Osbourne, Skippy from Family Ties, and an awesome soundtrack. The story was an evil heavy metal star named Sammi Curr dies in a hotel fire (apparently from satanic ritual), and leaves his number one fan the only copy of his last album. As his fan plays this album, it plays backwards instructing him to get revenge on his bullies. The more he plays it, the more Sammi returns from the dead to take over this town.
Just starting to experience being bullied, and definitely relating to hiding out in my room blasting music, I connected to this movie. Instead of playing an album backwards I decided to throw a punch instead. That seemed to work. One thing to understand is that around this time religious psychos were attacking Heavy Metal bands, accusing them of providing evil messages through back masking. Pretty ludicrous huh? But then again, so were the witch trials.
It’s really hard to tell what this movie was trying to say. That the idea of Metal being evil is insane, or supporting the religious nuts theory. After all, there is a scene where the fan trashes his metal collection, and listens to easy listening. Or maybe that your rock stars aren’t Gods, and shouldn’t be put on such a high pedestool. That it’s possible for a rock star to believe in his own hype.
Nonetheless, it was a come and go movie that I still enjoy today. Some movies have worth simply cause they’re nostalgia. It doesn’t have to be a great movie to be appreciated. It paved the way for fun rocker horror classics like Black Roses, and Rock N Roll Nightmare.
Regardless of the shit I had to endure that year, it was a good night around Halloween…a holiday that can always turn the darkest night into a beautiful memory.
Fucking Motel Hell. What a fun movie. Released in 1980, this movie has been treated unfairly for decades. Finally, it’s getting the love it deserves. This was released around the time when Slasher films were starting to take off. This movie got lumped in with them. I always here Return of the Living Dead gave birth to the Horror/Comedy merger. That’s bullshit. Don’t get me wrong. I love ROTL, but it simply is not true. After Seventies Savage Cinema came and went, Motel Hell came out and combined both Horror/Comedy very well.
Just like The Wicker Man, Repo Man or even Clockwork Orange, it’s really hard to label this movie. It’s funny, it’s creepy, it’s just plain odd. That’s also why it’s brilliant. Premise is pretty simple: Farmer Vincent and sister Ida kidnap travelers and bury them in their human garden (with head sticking out of the ground), and fatten them up to make Vincents famous smoked meats. Vincent rescues a young blonde from a bike wreck (and buries her old man), and allows her stay with him and Ida.
Such an untraditional Horror film. They throw all the rules out the window. From the 2 twin girls finding a man with a pig head, to the rock band (a young Cliff Claven from Cheers), to the S&M couple that want to swing with Vincent and Ida, the cardboard cows (which you can find a hommage type scene in Rob Zombie’s 31), to the blondes sexual preference to much older men, to the final showdown with pig head, and the cop having themselves a Texas Chainsaw sword fight.
The humor isn’t knee slapping funny. It has a morbid sense of humor that only a devoted Horror fan would find hilarious (…like me). There was this crossover visually between 1980 and probably 1983, when Horror films still had that dark, almost sleazy seventies look. Around ‘83 it started to get more colorful. Motel Hell still has that dark 70’s look, which is why I think this movie still works. Has the same visual charm similar to Tobe Hooper’s Funhouse.
As usual Scream Factory doesn’t hold back. Picture is beautiful, sound could be better, but I believe this was a tough film to remaster. Loaded with extras, including interviews with the cast and film makers, and a great little piece on the history of Female Villains.
Motel Hell is that necessary little Horror film. I find this popping up a lot in Horror documentaries, and is starting to get recognized as a more important Horror film than it was credited for when released. This was definitely one of those treasures I saw on HBO when the grown ups went to bed. I also remember owning the poster. When I was a kid, there was this small video store called “Video Store of Stockton.” It was owned by a really sweet Asian family. The reason why I mention their race, is because they were unfamiliar with which American films were blockbusters. What the demand was for the common movie goer. So they were getting a lot of posters from independent Horror companies, or major studios that were promoting the under dogs. Those were the posters the owners were putting up, and that’s why their store fucking rocked. I had to put my name and number on the poster, so when they were done with it, they’d give it to me. Motel Hell was one of those posters.
If you’re determined to be a serious Horror collector, then this has to be in your collection. It’s a goofy little movie, with a lot of Hillbilly charm, and some good scares. It’s a movie that sat back in 1980 and let the others have their 15 minutes, knowing that some day it will get the love it deserves.
There’s so much to cover, I doubt I’ll be able to cover it all. First off, when you send me free shit with the movie (especially a poster), I’m already in. I don’t get excited over new movies and docs very often these days. Most of the time, I walk away disappointed. With this one…Not only was I eager to watch it, but at the same time I’m thinking “Don’t fuck it up guys.”
I’m protective of the 80’s in a psychotic way. Growing up in bad neighborhoods, having an abusive childhood, and really having nothing positive to cling to in the real world, music and movies were my only real escape. Movies especially. I’ve been a devoted Horror fan since I was about 5. The 80’s were probably the last great decade for Horror. It has a huge place in my heart. Ok…let’s talk bout the movie.
4 ½ hours long. Fucking awesome. Going in chronological order starting with 1980 and ending with 1989. They discuss some highlighted movies through cast and crew interviews, showing trailers and clips. They also find time to discuss pop culture, how important visual effects artists were, Holiday Horror, music and heavy metal soundtracks, cover art, etc. They didn’t miss a beat. They didn’t rush through it like most Horror documentaries do. They took they’re time, and gave it the love it deserves.
Most Horror documentaries do fact checking interviews (Nightmares in Red, White and Blue, American Nightmare). Nothing wrong with that. Cast and crew in Darkness share personal stories. Stories that are incredibly similar to my own. Example: Heather Wixson shares her Terror in the Aisles story. I have a real similar one. Except using the poster, I had a used copy, and would write all the titles down at the end credits, go to the store and say “ok…what’s next on the list.”
Not a weak interview in the bunch. Everyone from Kelli Maroney, Joe Bob Briggs, Barbara Crampton, Jeffrey Combs, Heather Langencamp, Corey Taylor, Elvira, Doug Bradley, etc. Alex Winters interview was especially fascinating, especially when he discusses Videodrome.
One of the things that hit real close to home, was the fact they gave love to movies that are still unknown. Near Dark is a big one to me. Q the Winged Serpent, Ghost Story, Monster Squad, the whole Charlie Band era. As cheesy as it sounds, it really was like reliving the 80’s all over again. I can’t add up the amount of hours I spent at the local video stores. After my mothers boyfriends would go through they’re drunken rampage. I’d take me and my bruises down to the mom and pop video store and escape through the cover art for a couple of hours.
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)
Horror documentaries could be a real emotional experience for a die hard fan. To be passionate about something and not being able to share it with others in the outside world, could be real depressing. Horror docs let you know that you’re not alone. Cast and crew is saying everything you’re thinking with the same amount of passion.
One of the segments that hit real close to home was the Heavy Metal soundtracks. I owned all those soundtracks on vinyl, and played them to death. These were not chart topping soundtracks. None of these were getting MTV or radio play. So…I really was the only that loved these soundtracks. Corey going on about the Trick or Treat soundtrack was my favorite. I have fought others defending that album when I was a kid. I turned down a date to the school dance so I can see it in theaters. The next day, I rode my bike to Tower and bought the album, and still blast it in my home today.
As I said Saturday, this really did bring a tear to my eye. Showing me things I haven’t seen in years (like the HBO intro). Darkness was clearly made by fans. Even today, I can’t really share stories with other fans today. They’re too young to know what I’m talking about, and they’re level of storytelling begins and ends with streaming. I still get a lot of shit today, for being a collector. One of the few that insists on having a hard copy of the movie. The comfort and passion I feel thumbing through my collection, making my decision based off the cover art. Having my own mom and pop video store in my home. Darkness discusses that and shares my views on today’s lifeless streaming.
Until I saw this Never Sleep Again: Elm Street Legacy was my favorite. That just got bumped to number 2. I came close several times over the weekend, inviting others over to watch it and say “This is what I’ve been fucking talking about.”
Even during the 80’s, I felt I was on my own with this one. Even though we were surrounded by this culture (shit…even 7-Eleven was renting Horror films), I was the only one in my environment that gave a shit. So, despite the fact that I’m rocking middle age now, I still get choked up when I see others share practically the same stories I have. Almost as if they’ve been following me around through my whole childhood, and then reciting it back to me.
Director David Weiner did an amazing job keeping it consistent, well balanced and making sure nothing got missed. This is what a documentary should be. I never understood why most docs feel they have to wrap it up like a standard movie. It’s not a movie. It’s a piece on American culture. There’s a lot to cover. Don’t be so eager.
If you’re a Horror geek and child of the 80’s, you might want to bring a box of Kleenex. You will literally relive that decade. If you’re a youngster that knows nothing about past films, open your mind, and get educated. I truly hope this is the first of a series of volumes. I would love to see them cover the 70’s. I would love to see them cover Action films of the 80’s (which they did briefly on this).
Awesome job guys! A priceless addition to my collection. If it was on VHS I would’ve worn it out by now. A poetic love letter to an amazing decade.
Happy Saturday gang. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. So…before I dive in I wanted to address what this segment is really about. On the previous REAL STARS entries, I’ve had a couple of readers ask me “How come you didn’t talk about this movie…or what about what they’re doing today?” The blog is devoted to discussing the movies I grew up watching and the positive impact it had on my life. To talk about the lost gems, and the true talent out there. This isn’t IMBD. Everyone is already talking about today’s movies. My role is to make sure that yesterday’s movies stay alive. The only way, and the way I feel passionate about doing that is sharing my stories with you. As a result, I hope you will share your stories with me. Granted…I do end REAL STARS entries with a current movie. I do this to show that I’m still watching and enjoying their work even today. So…let’s get into it 🙂
The lovely, beautiful and incredibly talented Barbara Crampton. Growing up watching her in the 80’s, she was the master of making a lasting impression. She can be on screen for 30 seconds and you’ll remember her through the rest of the movie.
BODY DOUBLE
Probably Brian De Palma’s last erotic thriller, then went on to do Wise Guys. Barbara was only in this for less than a minute, but it actually was a really important role, in a really important scene. This was the traumatic event that was gonna push Jake into the dark, seedy voyeuristic world that crumbles the walls around him. Jake comes home early from work to find his girl Carol (Barbara) with another man. Before that, we get a tour of they’re apartment and a pic of them together with their dog looking happy. Caught in a moment of pleasure, Carol stops to look at Jake. Instead of guilt, she delivers a cold, yet empathetic look. It’s that look that stays with me through the movie. I have to imagine that while Jake is going through this insanity, that look remains in his heart, and his mind.
FRATERNITY VACATION
Not sure if you’re proud of this one Barbara, but I still like it today. It’s a fun little comedy. In the 80’s, Fast Times launched a lot of T&A comedies, and also started a Spring Break comedy craze that lasted a second. This one sticks out. Tim Robbins, Stephen Geoffreys, Amanda Bearse, Cameron Dye, and Barbara Crampton. Barbara plays Chrissie, the girlfriend of one of the rich frat guys. Her and her friend are introduced as just 2 girls about to hook up with the main characters, then turns out they’re in on a prank. This role didn’t call for a lot of depth. However, Barbara brings a certain amount of innocence and adorable charm that makes her stick out. I believe this performance paved the way for Christina Applegate as Kelly Bundy, and even Steve Carrell as Michael Scott. Go back and watch her again, and you’ll see what I mean.
RE-ANIMATOR
Of course I have to talk about Re-Animator. Best on screen couple in Horror history. Megan was the total package. Gorgeous, easy going, sexy, big heart, and loved her man and his cat (that’s a requirement in my home). Such a naturalistic performance. Of course, when I first saw the movie I couldn’t believe what they were putting her through as an actress. After a few viewings when the shock value has died, I really started to see the brilliance in her performance. I really start to care about the character. As a result, when she dies at the end your heart breaks for Cane. You actually feel his pain. Stunning performance by Barbara.
Barbara Crampton in Chopping Mall (1986)
CHOPPING MALL
Seems like Chopping Mall is getting a second life. Everyone is talking about Chopping Mall. I’m glad. It’s a fun little Horror film. Barbara brings her charismatic, hypnotic charm to the role of Suzie. Even though it’s just a good time film, you feel really bad for Suzie when she gets burned to death.
FROM BEYOND
My favorite Crampton film. She really gets a chance to show what she can do in this movie. Plays the majority of her role as a repressed scientist, she has so many subtle qualities just from her reactions alone. You don’t catch everything she does in the first sit down. You have to watch it a couple of times, to catch everything Barbara brings to this role. The transition from repressed to being insanely seductive, was both beautiful and haunting at the same time. I don’t remember this movie being that big when it was released, but seems to have developed a cult following. An amazing performance.
Barbara has never stopped working. Like many talented actors/actresses from the 80’s, they move on to more independent films like You’re Next, and Lords of Salem. Speaking of Lords of Salem, I didn’t even know she was in it until I saw the end credits, went back and looked and said “Shit…that is her.” Point being, they are not 80’s actors/actresses. They are not stuck to one decade. Chances are audiences today are still watching her not aware of the amazing work she has done in the 80’s.
It takes something special to be a leading lady, yet also be able to make a lasting impression with 30 seconds of screen time. Barbara manages to do both real, real well.
Thanks Barbara for adding some awesome movies into my collection. You took part in providing an escape for an 80’s kid with a dark childhood. An escape I still rely on today.
This movie is one of the scariest films ever made. It’s also one of the most ignored Horror films ever made. This is easily in my Top 10 favorite, and the fact that it’s not a fully loaded blu ray is a crime.
My memory could be a little fuzzy, but I’m sure my uncle and aunt can confirm this. When I was a kid, one week every summer I would spend it with my grand parents, uncle and aunt. A major highlight in my childhood. At the time I lived in Stockton, and they lived here in Sacramento. The ritual was they would come pick me up, we’d go out for ice cream, then hit the video store.
As usual I would gravitate towards the Horror section. One of the movies I was dying to see was The Hitcher starring C. Thomas Howell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Rutgar Hauer.
In the first 10 minutes, you’re already scared shitless. One of the best intro’s to a Horror film. Howell picks up Hauer hitch hiking, and Hauer makes it really clear that he’s going to kill Howell in a very disturbing way. The delivery is brilliant. Hauer goes out of his way to make him uncomfortable, fucking with his head. Then he just comes out and says “I cut off his arms, and his legs, and his head…and I’m going to do the same to you.” Fucking brilliant.
What makes this film work, and keeps you a nail biter through the film, is that Hauer basically performs a mind fuck through the whole film. I believe the reason was cause Howell was the only one that has stopped him, and deep down inside Hauer’s character wants to die, but wants the challenge.
It maintains a very consistent pace. Poor Howell is a victim and a fugitive which would make anyone insane. While the cops are chasing him, Hauer continues to torment him.
Most Horror films have that center piece. That scene that makes the whole movie a masterpiece. Example: Near Dark has the bar scene, The Burning has the raft scene, Elm Street has the sucked through the bed scene (you get the idea). This movie had several, Hauer killing the family, finger in fries, police station massacre. But of course…the center piece of The Hitcher was Jennifer Jason Leigh tied to do different big rigs about to be torn apart. The suspense in that scene is unbearable. In my mind, I’m saying “Not gonna happen. No way.” Then it happens, and it leaves me speechless. Horror brilliance.
The writing, the poetic desolate eerie score, the performances, everything was on it’s A game.
To call yourself a Horror fan, and not have seen The Hitcher would make you a fraud. To this day, I still own the first DVD release of this (which I believe was in the late 90’s). I’m still waiting patiently for Scream Factory to get they’re hands on this. Because I know when they do…it’s gonna be goooodd.
Hey gang…Just taking a minute to thank those who are starting to read my blog, and take part in the childhood memories and the tributes I pay to the movies and stars I hold dear to my heart. In addition to the 3 different themed entries I do every weekend, I will also share stories on the movies that changed my life. Also, once in a while I’ll have some fun, and pick and probe a movie or franchise that’s always fun to discuss.
JUNE 27
REAL STARS OF HOLLYWOOD: BARBARA CRAMPTON
MOVIE PICK OF THE WEEK: THE HITCHER
SCREAM FACTORY PICK OF THE WEEK: MOTEL HELL
JULY 4
REAL STARS OF HOLLYWOOD: PAM GRIER
MOVIE PICK OF THE WEEK: IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS VOL.1
SCREAM FACTORY PICK OF THE WEEK: PUMPKINHEAD
JULY 11
REAL STARS OF HOLLYWOOD: SID HAIG
MOVIE PICK OF THE WEEK: NEAR DARK
SCREAM FACTORY MOVIE PICK OF THE WEEK: THEY LIVE
JULY 18
REAL STARS OF HOLLYWOOD: KEITH DAVID
MOVIE PICK OF THE WEEK: COBRA
SCREAM FACTORY MOVIE PICK OF THE WEEK: TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2
Now that my blog is starting to get some attention, I thought I would introduce myself a little better. I was born in Vancouver, WA and grew up in Stockton, Ca (I’ll be talking shit on that quite a bit). I currently live in Sacramento, Ca. I’ve been a movie fan since I was old enough to understand them. First movie I saw was “Superman the Movie” in the theaters, and the first Horror films I saw were “Zombie, and Prom Night” at the drive-in. Growing up in the 80’s and having a fucked up childhood, movies were my only escape from a really dark reality. Even today, I prefer to watch and collect the movies I grew up on. Once I hit my early adulthood, I spent 10 years working at Tower Records/Video where I beefed up my education on music, and movies making me an even bigger fan. On the side I was a locally successful Hardcore Metal singer, that left the scene with a few cd’s, a Youtube live clip, and some crazy fucking stories.
For years my friends have encouraged me to start a blog (I think they’re just sick of me talking them to death about movies). If I love a movie, I will go into great lengths why it’s brilliant. My specialty is 70’s and 80’s movies. Not just Horror. I can dissect Last Dragon just as easily as I can dissect Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I mainly started this blog to share stories that I’m just dying to tell. Stories that people in general won’t give a shit about. to connect with like minded fans. My dream is that maybe someday this will allow me to evolve into a movie personality and be the go to guy for many who want to know the amazing history of movies. To do this full time wouldn’t be a bad gig. Hope you keep reading this. I have endless stories to tell…”and such sights to show you.”
MORBID MOVIE MEMOIRS: VHS GENERATION 