Retro review: Blood of Dracula (1957)

Blood of Dracula is one of those AIP drive in films that was made to cater for the growing teen viewers who were going to 'make out' (something I don't think we ever did here in the UK) rather than watch the film.
That said, it's not too bad, but as is the case in most of the 50s films, very blood-less.

Nancy and her folks enjoying a communal smoking session before school

Nancy (Sandra Harrison) is being taken by her father and his new wife to boarding school, to teach her a lesson for missing her recently diseased mother, no doubt. When she gets there, she is instantly bullied by the clique calling themselves "The Birds of Paradise", a secret society that everyone knows about apparently. There is a science teacher Miss Branding (Louise Lewis) who is more interested in her thesis about having a power inside that could destroy the world than teaching the class. Allowing her student assistant to 'accidentally' dab sulphuric acid on Nancy's hand to get a chance to be alone with her, and use her as a guinea pig.

Using an amulet she has picked up from the good old Carpathian Mountains, she hypnotising Nancy to be under her control, in a similar way to Gloria Holden in Universal's Dracula's Daughter (1936) but without the heavy lesbian overtone.
The girl's initiation party, a swinging affair where they dance with cushions, is interrupted by three local boys who are obviously up for a good time as they bring some records and one of them does his best party piece, a hip and groovy tune called 'Puppy Love' (no relation to the Osmond classic) which is actually no where near as bad as it sounds. The party is broke up when one of the girls is found dead, attacked by a snarling shadow, and drained of blood.

 A meeting is called with the police and coroners, when one of them mentions he just happened to share a room at college with someone from the Carpathian Mountains, and he described the legend of the vampire, and how the whole area was terrified of 'Draculas'. Yep, plural. 

The girls, terrified obviously, arrange a Halloween scavenger hunt, involving finding hidden clues in the local cemetery. Miss Branding's experiments and research, however continues to pick up steam with more horrifying consequences, especially for Nancy, who has taken to looking like a female Eddie Munster when under the teacher's spell.

Like I say, it's a fun little fun, and doesn't outstay it's welcome, and would be a good companion piece to AIP's other famous teenage angst flick, I Was A Teenage Werewolf (1957) - which itself had the working title of Blood of the Werewolf before settling for the much more memorable name.
6 out of 10

Secuestrados (aka Kidnapped) (2010)

A few years ago I came across a short Portuguese  film called I'll See You In My Dreams (2003). It was a great little film about a man having to protect his little village from zombies. It's director, Miguel Angel Vivas showed promise. So I approached Kidnapped with the view to enjoying it. What followed was almost 80mins of brutal carnage.

A family are just moving into their new luxury home, in a private complex. Their peace is shattered when three balaclava wearing East Europeans force their way in. The father is taken out to withdraw as much as possible on all the families credit cards, while the mother and daughter are left with the remaining two men. Then we are subjected to some of the most horrendous, unflinching, relentless and graphic cinema I've seen in a while. It's made all the more horrific because the situation is one that anybody could face. Do we know who the next person to knock on the door would be? Would we be prepared for it?

The film is incredibly well made, and I can't fault Vivas on that count. There's a bold move using split screen techniques to show us both sides of the 'action' (I don't recall it being used this much since Wicked, Wicked (1971) - which famously used it all the way through), and long takes which allows for lots of camera movement and little cut-aways, a technique Hitchcock used on Rope (1948).

Home invasion movies are not uncommon, but usually there is some reason given, or back story, or perish the thought, even a happy ending, but not here. By the end of it all I was left with a very sour taste and very disturbed. Probably the effect that was wanted? In this day and age, the down beat ending is nothing new, but to be SO relentless and downbeat is fairly unique. Like I say, it's an incredibly well made movie, but by no stretch of the imagination is it enjoyable.
Approach with extreme caution.
7 out of 10.

Spiderhole (2010)

A group of four art students decide they are going to live the complete bohemian lifestyle and find a squat in London. Free housing, no ties.. plenty of drugs and party is the plan.  The four, Molly (Emma Griffiths Malin), Luke (Reuben-Henry Biggs), Zoe (Amy Nolan) and Toby (George Maguire) seem your typical student types, high ideals and low morals.
When they break into a big old house they think they have it made. Toby is the 'brains' behind the move, and sets about securing the house for themselves, before the group settle down for the night amongst the creaking floor boards and spider webs. When they awake Molly feels ill, and the group feel like they've been asleep for hours, but since they see no light from outside (the place is still boarded up) they assume it's still early. When, however, they come to check the doors, they find they have been secured by steel shutters and they have no way out! The windows are similarly blocked. Add to this all their mobile phones and tools have gone missing, and they naturally begin to panic.

What starts as a haunted house type story (or at least I hoped it would be) soon turns into "Hostel" torture porn territory, as each of the rather obnoxious crew go missing. The antagonist (John E Regan) even has a slight Tobin Bell look at times - or was that just me? 
The problem I had with the film really was the students. They deserved everything they got. I've never approved of this free loading squatters rights type attitude, if it's out of necessity it may be understandable, but to deliberately do it is unforgivable. I won't go and get on my soapbox about it, though. The reasons for they things happening are not gone into enough too, you have to be a quick reader with good eyes to get it, but with a short (a little over 80mins) running time I guess small details got left out.
On the plus side, the acting isn't too bad (it's not the actors fault the students are so annoying) and the sound design is brilliant. There's a brilliant moody bass rumble throughout and the film isn't marred by being full of "trendy" music. In fact the end credits run over an original folk song by Sophie Coyle, so well done for that!
Considering that it's the first feature by writer/director Daniel Simpson, it's well made, fairly well paced, and watchable. Certainly worth a look and better than the low budget shot on video stuff coming out of the States.
5 out of 10.

Tucker and Dale Vs Evil (2010) and The Troll Hunter (2010)

Finally got round to watching these, and I'm really sorry it took so long! First up, Tucker and Dale Vs Evil, What a classic!

A group of obnoxious college kids go on spring break in the woods, when they come across two hillbillies, Tucker and Dale, (Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk) and naturally think they are inbred killers. In fact, the two friends are just two nice buddies. One of the girls slips into the lake while skinny dipping and the boys rescue her, shouting to the kids "We have your friend!" causing the group to run off and assume the girl has been kidnapped.Far from the truth, but as the prejudices against Tucker and Dale build up and the misunderstandings ensue, the college kids end up in all kinds of dead. The twist on the out in the woods horror convention is brilliant, and there's enough laugh out loud moments for this to be a natural successor to Shaun of the Dead. Labine plays Dale in the style of a less annoying Jack Black, and is likeable, and Jesse Mosse is completely obnoxious as Chad, the lead college kid with a chip on his shoulder about hillbillies (his parents were attacked by them before he was born). A brilliant death by wood chipper moment, Tucker: "You okay?" 
The film has won all kinds of festival awards and deserves a much wider audience. Hopefully it will do well when it gets released properly later this year.

The Troll Hunter is a Norwegian film, made in the hand held POV mock documentary style, that is still going strong all these years after The Blair Witch Project. There haven't been many famous genre films from Norway (Lake of the Dead (1958) is a hidden classic, and recent films like Dead Snow showed potential) However this one seems to have caught the attention of more people, and rightfully so, to be honest. It follows a group of students who are making a documentary about a supposed bear poacher. When following him one night they are startled to find him running out of the woods, screaming "troll!!" After taking refuge with him, they are invited along to document his work, as a hunter of trolls. Now, considering this is all a pseudo documentary you would expect all the action to off camera or at least hidden by the shaky POV? Not here, we get to see the trolls and I'll be honest, they look brilliant. This low budget (I assume) effort from a country not known for its cinematic output puts the effects in some of the major blockbusters to shame. It is maybe, a little too long at 105m, but it's enthralling enough to keep your interest. I do urge you to see it before the inevitable US remake though...  It's actually the second mockumentary/POV style film I've enjoyed in recent months, the other being The Tunnel (2011) a brilliant Austrailian film that you can read about in my review at Starburst Magazine
Keep your eyes peeled...

London graves and Horror Double Bills!

So I spent the last week on one of my London visits, so of course managed to fit in another tour of Highgate Cemetery, this time I managed to spot a grave that evaded me on previous visits, the actor Patrick Wymark.
Probably most famous for Where Eagles Dare (1968), he is of interest to genre buffs for his roles in Polanski's Repulsion (1965, he played the landlord), The Skull (1965, alongside Cushing and Lee), as Oliver Cromwell in Witchfinder General (1968) - ironically he played the Earl of Stafford in the 1970 film of Cromwell! One of his last roles was the judge in The Blood On Satan's Claw (1972)

So then I felt the urge to go to Brompton Cemetery, I keep putting it off, so I'm glad I finally got the chance. 

There are a few notables buried here, Emmiline Pankhurst for one, and many awarded the Victoria Cross.
From our genre, there are three worth seeking out. Brian Glover, the brilliant British character actor, who started his career as a wrestler, before becoming famous for being the PE teacher in Kes (1969), the voice of the "Tetley Tea folk", Heslop in the Porridge TV series, and many more. He was a familiar face for 3 decades on TV and film, with an instantly recognisable voice. His genre outings included Britannia Hospital (1982), A Company of Wolves (1984), Alien 3 (1992), and one of my most loved films,  An American Werewolf In London (1982)

     

Nearby to Brian, is another British legend, this time from the comedy world, Henry McGee. Best known as the straight man to Benny Hill, a role that gave him his fair share of laughs too, but also as "mummy" to the Honey Monster in the Sugar Puffs ads (a role also strangely filled by the brilliant John Cooper Clarke), Mr Pugh in the long running Charlie Drake series The Worker, and in films, Holiday on the Buses (1972 - a Hammer Production!), Stanley Long's Adventures of a Taxi Driver (1976), Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978) and the awful (but not as bad as Columbus) Carry On Emmanuelle (1978), and more importantly, that classic of British cinema, Come Play With Me (1977) where Henry was Deputy Prime Minister amongst a veritable smorgasbord of British talent (and Mary Millington). George Harrison Mark's pretend porno suckered (so to speak) dirty mac wearing punters in the West End and the "Studio" type cinemas for years before finally being killed by the video age and the availability of real porn that didn't include musical interludes or erection killing turns by Irene Handl and the like. 

A very important grave is also worth seeking out (and I nearly missed it, but found it in the guide book which is available from the Brompton office (and the money goes to the Friends of Brompton, so worth paying for)

The legendary Ernest Thesiger. A true British legend. From his appearances in James Whale's Old Dark House (1933) and of course the wonderful Dr Pretorius  in Bride of Frankenstein (1935), but also the under rated Karloff classic, The Ghoul (1933) and as the undertaker in the Alastair Sim version of Scrooge (1951), and a smattering of Ealing classics. A true original, camp before it was cool to be, and creepy enough to chill. He is buried with his family, who were apparently of noble extraction. A great anecdote from one of Alec Guinness' memoirs has a woman asking Ernest "didn't you used to be Ernest Thesiger?"  To which he replied "Still am!" and rushed on about his business. Class. 

On Sunday 26th, there was a horror double bill set up at the Roxy Bar and Screen in Borough, so while in the area, it would be rude not to go, wouldn't it? (Even though my train back to Manchester was in the evening!)

Organised by the wonderful people at Classic Horror Campaign this was the second of what looks like being a regular event. The films screened were Val Lewton's brilliant Cat People (1942) and the puddled, mad but totally enjoyable Scream And Scream Again (1970). It was a really good turn out, especially since it was the hottest day we'd had for a while! Between films there was a little quiz (I managed to win a signed copy of Peter Labrow's book The Well) and in attendance was the lovely Eileen Daly (of Redemption video covers/Razor Blade Smile fame) who sat next to me throughout and was very enthusiastic! I just wish I'd have had the time/guts to ask for a photo with her! Hopefully next time....  Presiding over the event was Richard Gladman (Cyberschizoid) and Sarah James (Scare Sarah) so a very big thank you to them. The next London event in July 31st, but before that there is a weekend of double bills at the Lass O'Gowrie in Manchester.(July 23rd/24th) I shall be in attendance on the first day, for Night of the Demon (1957) - another of my all time favs- and Hammer's Vampire Circus (1971). If you happen to go, come and say "Hi!" (offers of drinks not refused)

 Scare Sarah and Cyberschizoid

While in the Borough area, I had to pay homage to the alley that David Kessler met his fate in An American Werewolf. Just off Winchester Walk, its interesting to see it's not "a dead end down there" as it is in the film...

Think thats it for now, I better get cracking on with my next Starburst column!

Teen Wolf is back! Any good?

The new MTV series Teen Wolf premièred over the weekend, with the pilot being shown after The MTV Movie Awards, where they would also show the new Twilight trailer for the first time. And Twilight would clean up in the awards, of course. So, MTV obviously are hoping the Twi-hards will stick around to catch the new show.

So I thought I'd be fair and kept an open mind while watching these first two episodes. We are introduced to Scott MacCall, (Tyler Posey) a wanna be Jock with severe asthma who can not make the Lacrosse first team, his friend, Stiles (Dylan O'Brien) is the son of the local sheriff and has heard there's been a dead body found in the local woods. Only its not just a dead body, it is half a dead body. So, lets go look for the other half, eh? Seems a reasonable way to pass the time. Stiles' dad shows up and takes him back home, leaving Scott out in the dark to save him getting in trouble with “the man”, like good friends do. Its here Scott is startled by a rush of badly cgi-ed deer, and then comes face to face with the upper half of the dead girl. And the show does not shy away from showing you the gory remains. He is then attacked by a wolf, and is bitten on the stomach but somehow manages to get away. This is all pre credits.

For those of us who remember the original Teen Wolf with Michael J Fox, (and the animated series that followed in the late 80s) it should be pointed out that this version is not played for laughs. There is a chance this might even end up being actually being good. It certainly is not any worse than The Vampire Diaries and the like that pepper the schedules at the moment. And more genre on TV? Why not, even if it's being aired (in the States at least) on a station that all things being equal should be playing music videos. (now I am showing my age, if I think that's what they do now a days) But I digress, The first two episodes set the tone well, and are directed by Russell Mulcahy, who made his name with the wonderful Razorback, and superb first Highlander (he also made the second, but lets not go into that) Most of Mulcahy's output though has been music videos, so I guess this could be a homecoming for him. In fact, the music in Teen Wolf is surprisingly well done, nothing too distracting and annoying, and so far, nothing so obviously put in there to try and make the song a hit.

When Scott finally discovers he's turning into a werewolf, the transformation begins at a party, and it is handled like the Prodigy video, Smack My Bitch Up, giving you the stop the world I want to get off feeling. And it's a interesting to note when Scott becomes a werewolf, he resembles the Henry Hull version of Werewolf Of London (1935) rather than Benicio Del Toro or a big dog. And, despite the now obligatory shirt off scenes to cater for the Twi-Hards there is no attempt to make the wolf version appealing. There is also a good reference to the Lon Chaney Jr version in the second episode, after Stiles has researched all about lycanthropy to try and help his stricken friend.
There is the usual love sub plot in there to keep the girlies happy, but its par for the course I suppose and the twist at the end of the first episode is quite good (no spoilers)

For the opening two episodes, I can honestly say it was watch-able. There was no slack in the story telling, which may leave the characters a little flat later on, but for a no brainer TV show it is worth giving it a shot. Just do not go in expecting something life changing. And leave your memories of the movie at the door.

Sky Living apparently will be airing the show in the UK from July. 

I now have a regular column (Horror Obscura)  in the new online version of Starburst Magazine, which is superb since I grew up reading that and its companion, House of Hammer (later .Hammer's Halls Of Horror) Check it out and sign up for a FREE subscription, for life! www.starburstmagazine.com (This blog entry is also included in the features section on there)
Stay Lucky.

The Woman In Black 2011

There is a new trailer out for the Hammer production of The Woman In Black. I'm still not too sure about Daniel Radcliffe,  , but I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. Nice trailer though. Stay Lucky.

What I watched last night....

Last night I sat through a new release from Lions Gate, namely Siren. Not to be confused with the Hugh Grant film from 1993, that's Sirens. The "s" makes all the difference.
This one is a 'horror' film. Or it wants to be, at least.
Lions Gate have been distributing some good films over the past few years, "Saw" (and its sequels) "Drag Me To Hell" the "My Bloody Valentine" remake, and the brilliant British film, "Heartless" (which I can't recommend highly enough) plus loads more, some good some bad. A bit like a modern day Hammer, or at least Amicus, in taking up the role of distributor for low budget or outsider films. Something I think we need now. Hammer films have re-surfaced after a false start a few years back, with the remake of "Let The Right One In" , entitled "Let Me In". And it wasn't the complete disaster that people were expecting. No where near as good as the original, though. We can only hope the upcoming version of the hit stage play (and novel) "The Woman In Black" will prove to be the hit they need. I personally have reservations about Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role of Kipps, he still seems a little young for it, but lets see how they pull it off, I'd be happy to be surprised.  Lets hope they don't spoil the wonderful atmosphere the play has, and the fondly remembered (but a bit hit and miss) TV version which was screened many Christmas' ago, then disappeared after author Susan Hill apparently didn't like it. Bootlegged copies of the long deleted Region one DVD still appear now and again on Ebay, though. Another reservation about the new film though is the director (James Watkins) has only directed one feature before, "Eden Lake" and his writing credits are dubious ("My Little Eye", anyone?) and Mrs Jonathan Ross, Jane Goldman isn't a one I would have thought to have the subtlety  to handle the screenplay, good for "Kick Ass" but a psychological ghost story? Hmmm... again, I'd like to be surprised.
Anyway, Siren is a film that wants to be so much more than it can be. The premise is good, if a little predictable. But sadly the acting lets it down, and the male lead, played by Eoin Macken, is a little annoying and incredibly wooden. I know the Irish are notorious for their swearing, and indeed, I'm no F-bomb stranger myself, but does almost EVERY line of dialogue have to be along the lines of "What the f....." The non siren female Anna Skellern doesn't do much better in the acting stakes, but then this might be something to do with the material they have to work with! Just to tie in all this, Anna was in "The Descent part 2", one of the screenwriters of which was James Watkins, WIB director.. I don't just throw this together you know... ahem.
So, all the promise of sex and gore and shocks and thrills that "Siren" promises.. well, come to nothing really.. Some grunting sex (actually the most horrific part of the film!) and some typical fast cut shocks/jumps and surprises that you can see coming a mile off.... Check out the trailer for yourself, and don't say I didn't warn you....


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