I first heard about this film in the early Sixties, when I was still in the single digits. To me, then, the reference to 1970 was like some unknown, unchartered time in the future. I have several memories of the film, but none consider the time factor. Though released theatrically, in 1958, I am unsure if it takes place then, or in 1970.
This is bottom of the barrel budget stuff. Boris Karloff is the only known cast member. Maybe he needed the money, because this is real junk. And never rose to the iconic level that something like 1980's "Friday The 13th" did.
But there are two reasons, girls, for all to tune in. The first is the "Sventoonie" show, after the film, because tonight I think is going to be a repeat of the deconstruction of "Dementia 13." The one where the nasty brother pushes his equally nasty sister into the lake, where she drowns. They were probably having an incestuous relationship. I know everyone is looking forward to this!
The second reason are these two shots, both from the film's opening, which is its best part. In fact, the top photo is the film's opening shot, if I recall. Believe me, all will know when the fun ends, and the film begins to slide downhill. Too soon, I say! After that point, tune in only for the Svengoolie schtick, to see what is showing next week, and the farewell.
Oh, and by the way, the sequence above must have been shot in 1957, because it was used midpoint during that year's horror release, "Daughter Of Dr. Jekyll," with John Agar, and Gloria Talbott.
The deconstruction of this film is so good it makes one long to see the entire film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay, Sventoonie!!!!!!!!!!! And Blob E. Blob!
If you fail the test, you will be asked to LEAVE THE THEATER!!!
ReplyDeleteVictoria,
ReplyDeleteI bet theater audiences walked out, on this one!