Review of The Legend of Hell House

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The Legend of Hell House has no story - what’s weird is that I liked it! I say that because if you read my reviews, like I know you do, then you know that I hate movies with no story. But The Legend of Hell House has a way of waking you up, making you sit straight up in your chair, and demanding your attention. Yes, it demands your attention! Weird sub-jazz drum-n-bass synthesizer pads announce the spooky silhouette of Hell House all nicely adorned in fog. The interior is serviceably furnished and capped off with the occasional spider web or two. The physicist confidentially plans to dispense with the killer force of Hell House scientifically. Roddy McDowell mopes, complains, and broods inconsequentially until the end when a final showdown with Blasco “clears” the legendary haunt. The physicists wife and the puppet-like medium are mere toys played with dangerously by “the house” - both good looking, both representing opposing ends of the spectrum of beauty almost like Ginger and Mary-Ann of Gilligan’s Island. Yes, I liked The Legend of Hell House - it demands your attention with synthesizers pads and fog!

Review - Devils of Darkness

I watched Devils of Darkness again last night for the second time. I was expecting it to be only slightly spooky and borderline boring. However, I was soon surprised to find myself actually impressed with the costumes and atmosphere - I actually got caught up in the drama! It seems that the rouge edges, the disparate parts, and the general lack of colorfulness was smoothed out by an increased comprehension of the plot. Repeated viewings has saved Devils of Darkness elevating it to classic status! It’s hard to remember the vampire guy is a vampire when top-hat and cape are replaced by cult red robes worn only at rituals. The victimized vampire lady-folk are Hammer horror hot with gypsy flair! All-in-all, not bad!

Review - Taste the Blood of Dracula

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Interestingly, Taste the Blood of Dracula picks up where Dracula has Risen from the Grave ends, quite literally with a film clip of the latter. The story isn’t deep but the scenery, regalia, and architecture is a rich, sensory delight. Typical Hammer horror honeys are instantly hypnotized into service by the gaze of Christopher Lee, the master. An unbelievably campy quest for exotic pleasures unleashes Dracula, prince of mayhem, once again upon the world! A stake in the heart alone can’t kill Dracula in Dracula has Risen the Grave but what kills Dracula in Taste…only the initiated know! Gaze if you dare into the eyes of Dracula, the vampire with nine lives.