The Ghost

In 1963, The Ghost brought Barbara Steele back to the screen.  This Italian thriller features most everything required to make the Spooky Atmosphere Hall of Fame.  The cast is excellent, and their excessive stage acting only adds to the nostalgia this sort of film can bring.  The set work is wonderful, drawing the viewer in, and it contributes greatly towards the movie's success.

You will find several iconic scenes in this one, and the overcomplicated ending seems fitting.  Anything less might have been a disappointment.  Villains, as you may know, are forever foiling their own plans.  And this provides a great joy for the viewer, because The Ghost is a rare tale where no one has to feel guilty about enjoying the horror.  It's a case of villain against villain; a story almost free of morals.  No heroes were harmed in the making of this picture.

While The Ghost is billed as a sequel to The Horrible Dr. Hichcock, it is best taken in as a stand alone film.  There is no need to attach anything else to a story already complete in its perfection.  In fact, The Ghost brought such a solid portrayal of its themes to the screen, that many other movies can be said to owe their existence to this one.  You won't find anything new here, but you will see the common done uncommonly well.

City of the Living Dead

In this Lucio Fulci film, also called The Gates of Hell, we find a tough reporter and a troubled psychic teaming up to answer some very common questions: Why are the dead walking this world, and how can they be stopped?

The why is simple. A priest has hung himself in the cemetery, thus opening the gates of Hell. This explains why zombies now stalk the town, displaying powers that might make a vampire jealous. But stopping these fiends is a bit more complicated. The gates of Hell must be closed before All Saint's Day. Or is it before the end of All Saints Day? Does it matter? Apparently not. I don't believe anyone involved with this picture had a good grasp on time.

And that goes double for the psychic. When I said she was troubled, I didn't mean that she had a few concerns. Her part in all this begins when she dies, is buried, and returns to life. Now that's a timing issue. Fortunately, our reporter is there, and he hears her screams from below the earth. His rescue attempt nearly puts her back in the grave, but I don't want to give away too much.

If you are fortunate enough to see an unedited version, you'll find quite a surprising bit of gore in this 1980 Italian film. The effects are fairly well produced. In one scene, a young actress works with actual sheep entrails. She's either quite stouthearted, or perhaps just not a very picky eater.

There are two endings to this film. Neither one makes a good deal of sense, but both teach some important lessons. For one thing, you should always get clear instructions when undertaking important tasks like shutting Hell's gates. For another, when you're on a strict deadline, you might want to wear a good watch.

Lisa and the Devil

This 1974 film comes with a warning: Make sure you see the original.

Someone felt that a Mario Bava horror flick would not do well in America. So, the work was re-edited, turned into an uninspired Exorcist spin off, and renamed The House of Exorcism. I'd like to think Americans don't really enjoy poorly acted train wrecks that depend on four letter words for shock value.

The original cut is one of those films the true horror historian must see. Telly Savalas appears to be playing himself, complete with trademark lollipops. He even tosses off a line about giving up cigarettes--the real reason behind his sweet habit. Elke Sommer takes on a role that is nothing like her character from A Shot in the Dark.

Without spoiling anyone's fun, I'll say that nothing comes between a real automotive aficionado and his transportation of choice. This scene alone is worth the viewer's time. In fact, you might want to back up and hit it again.

Those who are too curious can follow up the original film with a peek at the re-edit for comparison. The new ending on Satan's Airlines is amusing, but on the whole, the American version is a horror in it's own right

Another Year

Has it been another year already?

We shall never forget you here, old friend.

Rest Well.

Ghost of Dragstrip Hollow

And now, a cautionary tale.

Since I've reviewed The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini, a movie that works in spite of itself, I felt compelled to give an example of one that doesn't. This time, I take you on a short visit to Dragstrip Hollow.


Ghost of Dragstrip Hollow left me horribly disappointed. So much more could have been done with this film. If you are expecting a haunted hollow, forget it. Ghost of a vengeful drag racer? No such spirit here. You won't even find much drag racing action.

The film is mostly a bunch of slang spouting talking heads. There are a few silly gags that do nothing to move the film forward, are not believable, and one in particular that defies all explanation. The acting is terrible. And the ghost? The notion of a haunting only comes toward the end of the film and it feels tacked on; a gimmick to sell tickets. In fact, when the riddle of the ghost is solved, the solution feels forced as well.

Everyone involved with this motion picture has failed. The male cast has no notables, and the female cast would be unremarkable if not for the somewhat stunning geek girl. The brightest spark comes from realizing that this film and The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini both feature songs called "Geronimo," even though they are completely different tunes.

Unless you are a serious fan of of bad cinema, avoid this one and do something better with that hour. It's not like your time here is endless....

Mariachi Man

This little fellow entertains me throughout the day and night. With Dia de los Muertos fast approaching, I thought I'd share his charms with all of you.



He can be found at Gorey Details. Simply click on one of their ad banners to the right or below. Type, "Skeleton Mariachi," in the search field and you will discover an entire band of talented souls.

This one in particular is male and stands about 5 1/2 inches high.

I can't begin to tell you how fond I am of characters like this one. They never fail to bring cheer back to the darkness. If you have a favorite reminder of that border between our two worlds, do let me know. I'm always ready to receive new guests.

The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini

Here we have an unusual film for the dedicated viewer. Those who have never seen the movie before may wonder why it's even included here. Those who first saw this picture many decades ago will likely remember it fondly, though repeated viewing might hurt the nostalgia. The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini owes it's greatest horror thrill to the fact that it successfully used Nancy Sinatra and The Bobby Fuller Four to kill off the Beach Party film series. This was the seventh and last entry into that famous American International Pictures line.

It's not Nancy's singing that puts an end to an otherwise lively series. In fact, her rendition of "Geronimo" is one of Bikini's most remembered scenes. The movie's troubles come from choppy editing, unnecessary scene changes, character and plot inconsistencies, and an almost complete lack of association with the other Beach Party films.

Boris Karloff adds his considerable appeal, but his scenes are few, and it's not enough to boost this picture in the eyes of horror fans. As the recently deceased Hiram Stokley, he must lead his proper heirs to their inheritance without leaving his crypt. Former love interest Cicely (Susan Hart) offers her ghostly assistance. I believe hilarity was meant to ensue. Granted, the film was never intended to be a serious scare, but most of the jokes are flat and even many of the character names seem to be poorly thought out puns.

Eric Von Zipper (Harvey Lembeck)puts in a so-so appearance, and it is he and his gang that provide the strongest relation to the previous Beach Party titles. Without them, Bikini would probably have long been forgotten under the fog of passing years.

One of Bikini's best moments comes in the form of a one liner. Eric Von Zipper, speaking of Basil Rathbone's character, says he, "...looks like Sherlock Holmes." Mr. Rathbone, as some of you may know, is most famous for his portrayals of the great detective, though he has also made a good showing in other horror films. He even appeared with Karloff in both "The Comedy of Terrors" and "Son of Frankenstein."

I must also give mention of Bikini's fem fatale, Sinistra. Quinn O'Hara puts on a comically sexy performance that makes her stand out among the many young ladies in the picture--no small feat.

The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini may not please everyone. It certainly would have benefited from a little more time in the planning stages. It has not benefited from the passage of time since its creation. However, this spectator will always remember it fondly, and so I include it here. I hope the very brave among you will give it try and find yourselves richer for the experience.