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.
