“They’ll come back. They cannot die.” Sounds like vampires… or zombies. Is it vampires or zombies? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, Jeff Mohr – as they take in The Blood Spattered Bride (1972), an aptly titled Spanish horror film from director Vicente Aranda.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 202 – The Blood Spattered Bride (1972)
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Newlywed Susan is haunted by visions of Mircalla Karnstein, a centuries-old bride who murdered her husband on their wedding night.
Spanish horror films of the 1970s often hid their social and political commentary within their horror and supernatural shenanigans. Is that what The Blood Spattered Bride (1972) is doing with its loose adaptation of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s novella “Carmilla?” The story mixes modern elements with a gothic sensibility to craft an odd vampire tale where the characters are all unlikable and the story full of unreliable narrative. Yet, the film is wonderfully shot and earnestly acted, providing ample gore when it wants to. Check out what the Grue-Crew think of this bizarre, often overlooked tale of terror.
At the time of this writing, The Blood Spattered Bride is available to stream from Wicked Horror TV, Tubi, Pluto TV, and a couple of PPV options. The film is available on physical media as a Blu-ray from Mondo Macabro.
Viewer feedback from Rebecca McCallum on our episode about Hitchcock’s Frenzy leads us to link you to her essays, Hitchcock’s Women, and her podcast, Talking Hitchcock. Check them out!
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Doc, will be Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb (1971), the fourth and last of Hammer’s mummy movies!
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“I’ve had fifty-six lovers and haven’t killed even one of them.” Good to know … for future reference. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, Jeff Mohr – as they reacquaint themselves with the Giallo version of Lucio Fulci in The Psychic (1977).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 201 – The Psychic (1977)
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
A clairvoyant woman discovers a skeleton in a wall in her husband’s house, and seeks to find the truth about what happened to the victim.
Before The Beyond (1981), before City of the Living Dead (1980), before Zombie (1979), director Lucio Fulci mastered the Giallo subgenre throughout the 1970s. The Grue-Crew tune into his comparatively subdued feature The Psychic (1977), also known as Sette note in nero, aka Murder to the Tune of the Seven Black Notes, aka Seven Notes in Black. Fulci displays only a hint of the gore and bizarre narratives he would embrace in the decade to come, opting to stick to a fairly straightforward, supernatural-infused, murder mystery where psychic Jennifer O’Neill witnesses visions of a deadly and bloody murder. Of course, twists and turns follow each new discovery as she follows the clues to the shocking conclusion.
At the time of this writing, The Psychic is available to stream from Kanopy, Tubi, and Popcornflix. The movie is available on disc as a Blu-ray from Scorpion Releasing.
In case you’re interested, here are the other Fulci films Decades of Horror has covered:
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Bill, will be The Blood Spattered Bride (1977, La novia ensangrentada). This wild version of Sheridan Le Fanu’s Gothic novella Carmilla (1872) comes by way of Spain, directed by Vicente Aranda.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“What an excellent day for an exorcism.” You don’t have to say that twice. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, Jeff Mohr, and guest hosts Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff and Crystal Cleveland – as they finally tackle one of the best and most influential horror movies in history, The Exorcist (1973) from director William Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 200 – The Exorcist (1973)
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
When a young girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
It’s finally time to discuss The Exorcist (1973). The 70s Grue Crew have waited 200 episodes to tackle what is arguably the most influential horror film of the decade and beyond. The regular cast of “characters” have invited a few friends to enjoy the extra-long conversation: Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, co-host of The Classic Era; and, Crystal Cleveland, the Livin6Dead6irl, co-host of the 80s. In other words, the whole damn family of Decades of Horror co-hosts are on hand for this one. Settle in for this in-depth look at director William Friedkin’s ultimate fright-fest and join the Grue Crew to celebrate 200 episodes of Decades of Horror 1970s.
At the time of this writing, The Exorcist is available to stream from MAX. The film is also available on physical media as The Exorcist 50th Anniversary Edition – Theatrical & Extended Director’s Cut (4K Ultra HD + Digital).
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Chad, will be The Psychic, aka Sette note in nero, aka Murder to the Tune of the Seven Black Notes, aka Seven Notes in Black, released in Italy in 1977. This one is giallo, Fulci-style!
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Megalon! Megalon! Wake up, Megalon! Come on, rise up now, to the Earth’s surface! Destroy the Earth! Destroy our enemies! Rise up! Go on! MEGALON!” That’s quite the cheering section you have there, Megalon. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Bill Mulligan, Jeff Mohr, and guest hosts Dirk Rogers and Bryan Clark – as they go quadruple kaiju in Toho’s Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 199 – Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973)
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
An inventor creates a humanoid robot (Jet Jaguar) that is seized by the undersea nation of Seatopia & used as a guide for Megalon and Gigan to destroy the above-ground dwellers as vengeance for the nuclear tests that have devastated their society. In an attempt to stop them, a now independently thinking Jet Jaguar brings Godzilla into the fight.
With Doc and Chad occupied elsewhere, Jeff and Bill welcome guest hosts Bryan Clark and Dirk Rogers to examine a last-minute replacement feature for episode 199. Trust us, you will not be disappointed as the Grue-Crew champions another Toho, 1970s, Kaiju entry, Godzilla vs. Megalon, for some silly yet still awesome man-in-suit action. Joining Godzilla and Megalon on screen are fellow giant monsters, Gigan and Jet Jaguar. Jeff finds himself surrounded by kaiju super-fans Bill, Bryan, and Dirk. This episode should not be missed! Enjoy!
At the time of this writing, Godzilla vs. Meagalon is available to stream from Tubi, Freevee, Pluto TV, MAX, the Criterion Channel, and multiple PPV sources. The film is also available on physical media as a Blu-ray in Godzilla, the Showa-Era Films, 1954–1975 (The Criterion Collection).
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode will be the podcast’s landmark bicentennial (that’s 200th, folks)! In honor of that occasion, the 70s Grue-Crew will also be celebrating the 50th anniversary of what many call the greatest horror movie of all time: The Exorcist (1973). Join us to discuss the film in which one character says, “There seems to be an alien pubic hair in my gin.”
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“So what he came up with … was a parasite that’s a combination of aphrodisiac and venereal disease that will hopefully turn the world into one beautiful, mindless orgy.” Wait a minute. Hopefully? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they check out David Cronenberg’s first “official” movie, Shivers (1975). Do you feel the frisson?
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 198 – Shivers (1975)
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
The residents of a suburban high-rise apartment building are being infected by a strain of parasites that turn them into mindless, sex-crazed fiends out to infect others with the slightest sexual contact.
Whether you remember it as The Parasite Murders or They Came from Within, David Cronenberg’s early horror film from 1975, Shivers, is one of cinematic curiosity, taboo/body-horror, and skin-crawling terror. Produced by Ivan Reitman, the film features the beautiful Lynn Lowry and the stunning Barbara Steele along with character actor supreme Joe Silver with the calm, cool, and collected Paul Hampton in the lead. Oh, yeah, and dozens – if not hundreds – of sleazy, slimy, fat, worm-like mind-altering monsters. Cronenberg made a career of pushing the celluloid limits and Shivers is a perfect example of what is to come from Canada’s top master of horror.
At the time of this writing, Shivers is available to stream from Wicked Horror TV, Tubi, and multiple PPV sources. The film is also available on physical media as a Blu-ray in the Vestron Video Collector’s Series from Lionsgate.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Chad, will be Black Magic (1975). Abracadabra, Shaw Brothers please, and thank you!
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“If you don’t stop pestering me, one of these mornings I’m gonna show up and start milking that cow.” Who doesn’t like milk? Don’t answer that! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they check out Capt. Kirk/T.J. Hooker/Denny Crane while he attempts to wage war on attacking arachnids establishing their own Kingdom of the Spiders (1977).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 197 – Kingdom of the Spiders (1977)
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
In rural Arizona, countless killer tarantulas are migrating through a farm town, killing every living thing in their path. The town’s veterinarian will do everything in his power to survive the onslaught.
Are you ready for thousands of live spiders vs. William Shatner in John “Bud” Cardos’ Kingdom of the Spiders? “A living, crawling, hell on Earth,” indeed! Yeah, perhaps this creature feature is a bit silly and asks for a lot of reality to be suspended but the results are effective and often well shot. Of course, the more the eight-legged beasties give you the creeps, the more this film will get your skin crawling. Join the Grue Crew as they revisit Santos Ellin Jr.’s favorite horror film for 1977, examining the SFX, the wonderful cast of character actors, and the Shatner himself. Oh, yeah, and props for the downbeat Seventies ending! Enjoy!
At the time of this writing, Kingdom of the Spiders is available to stream from Tubi.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Jeff, will be David Cronenberg’s Shivers (1975). No, Nick, we haven’t done that one yet.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“He had a heart attack.” And you get a heart attack! Everybody gets a heart attack! Is that normal? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they count the heart attacks while they continue their reverse trek through Hammer’s Karnstein Trilogy with Lust for a Vampire (1971).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 196 – Lust for a Vampire (1971)
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
In 1830, forty years to the day since the last manifestation of their dreaded vampirism, the Karnstein heirs use the blood of an innocent to bring forth the evil that is the beautiful Mircalla, or as she was in 1710, Carmilla.
In the Seventies, Hammer Films struggled to find its way as horror films moved away from gothic horror into modern-day terrors; however, the company famous for Dracula and Frankenstein did earn some success with a trio of films referred to as The Karnstein Trilogy. The Grue Crew settles in to revisit the middle entry, Lust for a Vampire, which follows Vampire Lovers (1970) and leads into Twins of Evil (1971). Unfortunately, the film was plagued with misfortune from the onset: both Peter Cushing and Ingrid Pitt refused to return; the original director, Terence Fisher, suffered injuries when he was hit by a car and was replaced at the last minute by Jimmy Sangster; the director and the writer clashed with producers who insisted on including the pop song “Strange Love.” Even co-star Ralph Bates called the feature, “One of the worst films ever made.” Certainly, there must be some highlights. Certainly…
At the time of this writing, Lust for a Vampire is available to stream from Shudder, AMC+, Tubi, and Flix Fling. The movie is also available on physical media as a Blu-ray from Shout! Factory.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Doc, will be Kingdom of the Spiders (1977). William Shatner and 5,000 spiders! What could go wrong?
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Now you listen to me. Those are the first women been in this home since your ma died and I ain’t having no trash in your ma’s home.” Maybe they could just “hang” around? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in William Girdler’s second film, Three on a Meathook (1972), for the second episode in The Black Saint month.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 195 – Three on a Meathook (1972)
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Four girls returning from a weekend trip have car problems. A nice local man takes them back to his farm. Something ghastly happens, but the man’s father helps his son as he has in the past. When the boy brings a new girlfriend home, the father worries about a repeat performance.
The Grue Crew proudly welcomes Dirk Rogers to guest host on Decades of Horror 1970s to cover one of Santos Ellin, Jr.’s favorite films and favorite filmmakers with Three on a Meathook (1972) from director William Girdler. Is it a slasher? Is it a mystery? Is it a “meat movie?” Yes, yes, and yes. Take a look at an early effort from the man behind The Manitou (1978), Grizzly (1976), and Day of the Animals (1977). While the film exposes the director’s lack of experience and might be a chore to sit through, it displays his passion and talent for film and the genre and may hold a surprise or two. And, yes, the discussion is longer than the film.
Check out these other Decades of Horror 1970s episodes on films directed by William Girdler:
At the time of this writing, Three on a Meathook is available to stream from YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZwwcQqI_mg. The film is available on DVD but the Grue Crew refuses to vouch for the quality.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Bill, will be Lust for a Vampire (1971), the second film in Hammer’s Karnstein Trilogy, directed by Jimmy Sangster featuring Yutte Stensgaard, Michael Johnson, Suzanna Leigh, Ralph Bates, Helen Christie, and Barbara Jefford.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Mr. Henshaw… white meat or dark?” That depends if you’re serving chicken or pork. What else could it be? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they attend an invitation-only banquet to sample the unusual cuisine served up in Shriek of the Mutilated (1974).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 194 – Shriek of the Mutilated (1974)
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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of 1970s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.
A group of college students are led by their professor into the mountains in search of the Yeti. Shenanigans ensue.
It had to happen … eventually. The Grue-Crew cover the Santos Ellin, Jr. favorite from 1974, Shriek of the Mutilated. Oh, boy… is this a romp. Bad script, bad acting, hilariously bad dialog, the goofiest “yeti” costume ever – yeah, we had an absolute blast with this one. You knew that was coming, eh?
Check out what The Black Saint had to say about Shriek of the Mutilated here:
At the time of this writing, Shriek of the Mutilated is available to stream from Tubi, Shout TV, and PPV from Amazon. The film is also available as a Blu-ray disc from Vinegar Syndrome.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Chad, will be Three on a Meathook (1972), director William Girdler’s second movie. Of course, all Grue-Believers know William Girdler as The Black Saint’s favorite director. Let August now be officially declared as Black Saint Month on Decades of Horror 1970s!
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Idiots. That’s what they are. Stupid idiots. Just low-class idiots.” Low-class, maybe, but idiots? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in The Killing Kind (1973), a little-known film directed by Curtis Harrington and starring Ann Sothern, Cindy Williams, and John Savage.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 193 – The Killing Kind (1973)
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A young man is released from prison after serving time for a sexual assault he did not commit, and submits to his impulsive urge to seek revenge against those who wronged him.
Have you ever seen, or even heard of, The Killing Kind (1973)? Featuring Ann Sothern, John Savage, and Cindy Williams, this bizarre, overlooked nugget is from director Curtis Harrington. Yup, the mastermind behind films such as Night Tide (1961), Queen of Blood (1966), How Awful About Allan (1970), What’s the Matter with Helen? (1971), Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? (1972), and Ruby (1977), as well as the TV horror “classic” Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell (1978). Oh, boy, this should be interesting. Jeff, Bill, Chad, and Doc share their thoughts on this genuinely strange little film.
At the time of this writing, The Killing Kind is available to stream from Tubi. The film is also available as a Blu-ray disc from Vinegar Syndrome.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Jeff, will be Shriek of the Mutilated (1974), The Black Saint’s 1974 pick for Top 10 Horror Films of the 1970′s, Part 1. According to The Black Saint, “Everything about Shriek of the Mutilated screams what-the-f***.” He also called it “worse than bad,” so you have been warned. This one should be . . . interesting.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“I sit here and I can’t believe that it happened. And yet I have to believe it. Dreams or nightmares? Madness or sanity? I don’t know which is which.” Sounds like an unreliable narrator, yeah? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they talk with director John D. Hancock about his 1970s classic, Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 192 – Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971), Interview w/Dir. John D. Hancock
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A psychologically fragile woman has nightmarish experiences that lead her to believe that another strange, mysterious young woman she has let into her home may actually be a vampire.
The 70s Grue-Crew has a special episode for you with this one! Joining Doc, Jeff, and Bill is the talented director of Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971), John D. Hancock. Not only does he discuss what went into making that extraordinary and creepy classic, but he also shares insights into his involvement in Jaws 2 (1978) and Wolfen (1981) along with industry insights. Join them as they get a special peek behind the curtain with John D. Hancock.
The 70s Grue Crew only touch on Hancock’s experience with Jaws 2. For a comprehensive interview with Hancock on the subject, check out this video podcast episode of The Daily Jaws.
At the time of this writing, Let’s Scare Jessica to Death is available to stream from multiple PPV services. The film is also available as a Blu-ray disc from Scream Factory.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Doc, will be The Killing Kind (1973), directed by Curtis Harrington (Queen of Blood, 1966; Whoever Slew Auntie Roo, 1972), featuring Ann Sothern, Jon Savage, and Cindy Williams.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“The Old Ones are not truly dead. They only sleep. It is a dreamless oblivion, stretching on and on towards vast eternity!” Eternal, dreamless oblivion? That’s a hard pass. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they enroll at Miskatonic University to study The Dunwich Horror (1970).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 191 – The Dunwich Horror (1970)
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Wilbur Whateley travels to Miskatonic University to borrow the legendary Necronomicon. But, little does anyone know, Whateley isn’t quite human.
Set your H.P. Lovecraft expectations aside and you just might enjoy The Dunwich Horror. The film features a great cast, including Sandra Dee, Dean Stockwell, Ed Begley, Lloyd Bochner, Sam Jaffe, and Talia Shire. While the results may not be 100% successful, the cinematography looks spectacular, the often cliché visual effects are used creatively, and the direction is spot on. Could a 1970 film adapt Lovecraft more faithfully at that time? It’s hard to say. Lovecraft is a tricky beast to translate cinematically. Regardless, the poster from Reynold Brown is phenomenal. Check out what the Grue-Crew has to say. Enjoy!
At the time of this writing, The Dunwich Horror is available to stream free with ads from PlutoTV and PPV from Amazon and Apple TV. The film is also available as a Blu-ray from Arrow Video.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the Grue-Crew change it up for their next episode with a bit of a treat, welcoming director John D. Hancock to discuss his first feature film, Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971), and of course other aspects of his career. This will be fun!
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Right! Bring in the perverts” They always make for a good police lineup. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they get their Giallo on with Dario Argento’s first shot at directing, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 190 – The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)
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An American expatriate in Rome attempts to unmask a serial killer he witnessed in the act of attempted murder – and is now hunting him and his girlfriend.
With his first feature directorial effort, modern horror master Dario Argento immediately showed off his skill, precision, and artistry. Often looked upon as the rise in popularity for Giallo films, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970) would set the bar for all the pre-slasher killer mystery thrillers for over a decade even giving the father of the subgenre, Mario Bava (The Girl Who Too Much, 1963; Blood and Black Lace, 1964), a run for his money. While Argento adapts many influences into his first of a series of films known as the “Animal Trilogy,” along with The Cat o’ Nine Tails (1971) and Four Flies on Grey Velvet (1971), his film would in turn influence many films for decades to come. Some of those films would be directed by his peers such as Bava and Lucio Fulci. Others who would pay homage would be the likes of Carpenter and de Palma. Jeff, Doc, Bill, and Chad gather to discuss the film, its creators, and its mark on the genre.
At the time of this writing, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage is available to stream on a multitude of streaming and PPV services including Kanopy, Tubi, Prime Video, and Screambox to name a few. The film is also available as a Blu-ray and as a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray from Arrow Video.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Chad, will be The Dunwich Horror (1970). Yog-Sothoth, anyone?
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“I … I should never have come with you. We’re going to be killed. We’re going to be killed. I hear the demons of the red moon like the other time. I know they’re here. We’re going to die. AAYYIIIEEE!” Yup. In hindsight, bad decision. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they make their first trip to the Himalayan Mountains (just kidding, it’s really Spain) to catch Paul Naschy taking another turn as Waldemar Daninsky in The Werewolf and the Yeti(1975).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 189 – The Werewolf and the Yeti (1975)
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Waldemar, the renowned adventurer, joins an expedition to find the Yeti in the Himalayas. While hiking the mountains, he’s captured by two cannibalistic demon nymphets guarding a remote Buddhist temple and becomes their sex slave. They transform him into a werewolf setting him loose to roam the mountain where he encounters a sadistic bandit.
The Grue-Crew return to another Waldemar Daninsky werewolf adventure featuring the Spanish horror icon, Paul Naschy, in The Werewolf and the Yeti (1975, aka La maldición de la bestia, Night of the Howling Beast, The Curse of the Beast). For this installment, Waldemar gets a new “origin” to his cursed lycanthropy. We follow him to Tibet in search of the mysterious and elusive Yeti; instead, he finds a string of monsters and madmen to best before finally facing the Yeti himself: two cannibalistic cavewomen, the villainous Sekkar Khan, and his ruthless bandits. Blood, nudity, and the Wolfman – what else do you need? Maybe, more Yeti? Join the crew as they revisit this misbegotten and misunderstood Naschy gem.
At the time of this writing, The Werewolf and the Yeti is available to stream under one of its titles on Tubi, Plex, and Shout! Factory TV. It is also available on Blu-ray from Scream! Factory as part of The Paul Naschy Collection II. Other films in the collection are Hunchback of the Morgue (1973, El jorobado de la Morgue), The Devil’s Possessed (1974, El mariscal del infierno), Exorcism (1975, Exorcismo), and A Dragonfly for Each Corpse (1975, Una libélula para cada muerto).
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Bill, will be Dario Argento’s first directorial effort, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970, L’uccello dalle piume di cristallo). There’s always room for Giallo!
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Nothing is too vile. Nothing is too dreadful, too awful. You need to know the terror, the horror, Lorrimor. You need to feel the thrill of disgust, the beauty of obscenity.” Oh, Freddie Jones, you had me at vile. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they do a ride-along with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee for their last Hammer film together, The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 188 – The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973)
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In 1974, Scotland Yard believes it has uncovered a case of vampirism, so they call in veteran vampire researcher Professor Lorrimer Van Helsing.
It’s time to cover the final pairing of Peter Cushing as Van Helsing and Christopher Lee as Count Dracula in Count Dracula and His Vampire Bride! Wait, no… The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973). Two years after the events of Dracula A.D. 1972, Cushing’s Van Helsing discovers Lee’s Dracula is still alive… and living in London… (see what I did there) and is now a wealthy CEO. But, he still has dastardly plans in his cape. Ironically, while this film did not land state-side until 1978 keeping U.S. fans waiting, it is now, sadly, in the public domain… sigh. Regardless, if you watch a sharp HD cut from an original print, you can catch glimpses of the powerhouse horror film company Hammer used to be as Helsing and crew literally use every method possible to dispose of the vampires lurking about. C’mon, despite its questionable quality, you gotta see this.
At the time of this writing, The Satanic Rites of Dracula is available to stream from the Roku Channel, Tubi, Popcornflix, Freevee, Screambox, and a variety of PPV sources. It is also available on Blu-ray from Warner Archives.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Jeff, will be Paul Naschy’s The Werewolf and the Yeti (1975). Or is it Night of the Howling Beast? Or La maldición de la bestia? Or Il licantropo e lo yeti? Or Horror of the Werewolf? Or The Curse of the Beast? Or Hall of the Mountain King? Anyhoo, have you seen any of these?
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“I do not belong on this mission, and I want to return to Earth!” Would a free beach ball change your mind? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they fly into John Carpenter’s first film, Dark Star (1974), which was born as a student project and nurtured into a feature film by Carpenter, co-writer Dan O’Bannon, and executive producer Jack Harris.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 187 – Dark Star (1974)
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In the far reaches of space, a small crew, 20 years into their solitary mission, find things beginning to go hilariously wrong.
Here’s a doozy for all of you John Carpenter fans out there. And, let’s not forget Dan O’Bannon and Jack Harris. This is it, John Carpenter’s first directorial effort, straight out of college (literally), the sci-fi comedy, Dark Star (1974). Strong Stanley Kubrick influences abound from Dr. Strangelove… (1964) to 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). You don’t have to look too closely to see the elements that leap from this film into Dan O’Bannon’s Alien (1979) script. In fact, Aliens (1986), directed by James Cameron, pays homage to this film with its famous knife challenge gag. Rough around the edges for certain, Dark Star still manages to entertain and provide a chuckle or two. Check out what the Grue Crew thinks. Strap in and may the beach ball alien be with you!
At the time of this writing, Dark Star is available to stream from most free w/ads, subscription, and PPV sources. It is also available on Blu-ray from VCI Video.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Doc, will be Hammer’s The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973). Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee for the win!
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“The only good thing about this port is the inn of Abu Jamil the Squint, who, for six months, I have been dreaming of his roasted sheep’s eyes.” Ah, yes. Who wouldn’t sail the seven seas for roasted sheep’s eyes? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in the third of Ray Harryhausen’s three Sinbad films, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger(1977).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 186 – Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977)
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Sinbad The Sailor sails to deliver a cursed prince to a dangerous island in the face of deadly opposition from a powerful witch.
Are you ready for more Ray Harryhausen? More Sindbad? Maybe you prefer Patrick Wayne or Jane Seymour? Regardless, the Grue-Crew set sail for Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) on the latest episode of Decades of Horror 1970s. The stop-motion creatures for the third Harryhausen Sinbad film include the Troglodyte, the Minoton (a magical large bronze minotaur brought to life by an evil witch), a large baboon, a large wasp, a giant walrus, a trio of “ghouls,” and a sabretooth tiger. The film is full of crappy dialog, rough editing, lackluster direction, and wooden acting… all saved by Harryhausen’s wonderful effects work. Let’s dive in!
You might find these other Decades of Horror episodes on Ray Harryhausen films interesting:
At the time of this writing, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger is available to stream from Crackle, Cultpix, Fubo TV, and various PPV sources. It is also available on Blu-ray as a stand-alone from Indicator or as part of Ray Harryhausen – The Ultimate 7 Film Collection from Via Vision.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Chad, will be John Carpenter’s Dark Star (1974). That should be a fun one!
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“You know, it used to be in the old days, we would just take someone like you in an alley and blow their brains out.” While you eat lightning and crap thunder? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take a ride-along with David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone in Roger Corman’s Death Race 2000 (1975). Vroom, vroom!
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 185 – Death Race 2000 (1975)
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In a dystopian future, a cross-country automobile race requires contestants to run down innocent pedestrians to gain points that are tallied based on each kill’s brutality.
Join the Grue-Crew as they revisit the campy sci-fi smash-em-up, Death Race 2000 (1975), from Roger Corman’s New World Pictures and director Paul Bartel. The film stars David Carradine (as Frankenstein) opposite pre-Rocky Sylvester Stallone (as Joe “Machine Gun” Viterbo) in the dystopian “future” of the year 2000, a time when Americans root for their favorite drivers as they race from New York to New Los Angeles mowing down civilians along the way for points. Machine Gun Viterbo is out for blood while Frankenstein has other plans. Let the shenanigans begin.
At the time of this writing, Death Race 2000 is available to stream from Tubi, Popcornflix, Cultpix, and PPV from Apple TV.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Bill, will be Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977), showcasing Ray Harryhausen’s genius, Jane Seymour, Patrick Troughton, and . . . Patrick Wayne? That should be interesting.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“What was that maniac drinking? Tastes like the Volga river at low tide!” Muddy water turned to wine? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they check out the Tanned One as the undead Count in Love at First Bite (1979).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 184 – Love at First Bite (1979)
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When the Communist regime ejects the Count from his ancestral home, he and Renfield go in search of the current incarnation of Dracula’s true love, a fashion model living in New York City. The Count finds it difficult to adjust to life in the Big Apple in the late 1970s, but true love triumphs in the end.
Join Doc, Jeff, Bill, and Chad as they go disco dancing with George Hamilton’s Count Dracula as they review Love at First Bite (1979). For a time, this comedic take on Bram Stoker’s Dracula was the highest-grossing independent film of all time. But, it is actually… funny and the Grue-Crew are here to share their thoughts. If nothing else, it has a great cast. Alongside Hamilton are Susan Saint James, Richard Benjamin, Arte Johnson (doing his best Dwight Frye!), and Dick Shawn. Enjoy!
At the time of this writing, Love at First Bite is available to stream from YouTube and on a Scream Factory Blu-ray disc as a double feature with Once Bitten (1985).
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Jeff, will be Death Race 2000 (1975) starring David Carradine, Simone Griffeth, Sylvester Stallone, Mary Woronov, and Martin Kove. Roger Corman is the producer so you know stuff is gonna ‘splode.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Yeah, you know, always on a full moon, the pigs get hungry. … They got used to eating human flesh. … You know the first time it happened was an accident. They got loose in the field. There was a drunk. He was asleep. Yeah, he was asleep.” Yeah. That’s right. An accident. It was all an accident. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they check out Pigs (1973), a bit of a vanity project, written and directed by Marc Lawrence for his daughter, Toni.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 183 – Pigs (1973)
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The owner of a roadside diner and his new helper kill people and feed them to pigs.
What film would you rather see? Pigs or Daddy’s Deadly Darling? Yeah, it’s a toss-up. Thankfully, they’re the same film. Woot! Daddy’s deadly darling is a bit mad, you see. She whacks anyone she dislikes and then feeds them to the pigs. Or,… are they turned into pigs? Nah, just old-fashioned, psychotic murder and body disposal here. Check out what the Grue-Crew thinks of this multi-titled, muti-released, and multi-edited 70s flick!
At the time of this writing, Pigs is available to stream from the Classic Horror Movie Channel, PLEX, Cultpix, and Amazon (PPV). A Blu-ray disc of Pigs is available from Vinegar Syndrome.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode in their very flexible schedule, chosen by Doc, will be Love at First Bite (1979), featuring Geroge Hamilton as the undead Count and Susan Saint James as his ideal inamorata.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Not your baby! Our baby! Satan’s baby!!” You seemed like a folksy small-town doctor but it turns out, you’re really the head, satanic dude. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they check out The Brotherhood of Satan (1971), a Black Saint favorite from the producing team (L.Q. Jones and Alvy Moore) that brought you A Boy and His Dog (1975).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 181 – The Brotherhood of Satan (1971)
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A family is trapped in a desert town by a cult of senior citizens who recruit the town’s children to worship Satan.
Back in the fall of 2013, just prior to launching Gruesome Magazine, Doc’s cohost on Horror News Radio, Santos Ellin, Jr., The Black Saint, joined him on the Monster Movie Podcast to discuss their favorite films of the Seventies. Exploring two films from each year between 1970 and 1979, this two-episode retrospective would give birth to Decades of Horror 1970s.
For the year 1971, Santos picked The Brotherhood of Satan featuring Strother Martin, L.Q. Jones, Alvy Moore, and Charles Bateman. At long last, the Grue-Crew set their eyes on this often overlooked classic. The film holds up amazingly well over 50 years later, spotlighting Martin chewing the scenery in style and featuring some impressive cinematography. Seriously, only Strother Martin can handle dialog such as this and keep a straight face while delivering these lines and looking so menacing.
At the time of this writing, The Brotherhood of Satan is available to stream from Tubi and a variety of other PPV options. Regarding physical media, the film is currently available as a Blu-ray from Arrow Video.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode in their very flexible schedule, chosen by Bill, will be The Ghoul (1975), a Tyburn Films production directed by Freddie Francis starring Peter Cushing, Veronica Carlson, and John Hurt. Gotta be good, right?
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“I was kicked out of the church. I drank too much. I lusted. I was an adulterer… and other things.” Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take on yet another made-for-TV horror movie, The Possessed (1977). Pssst . . . this one has some surprises in the cast.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 180 – The Possessed (1977)
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A former priest, now an exorcist, battles the Satanic forces that are threatening the students at a school for girls.
Made-for-TV horror movies in the Seventies are the go-to for any monster kids growing up during that time, gathering around the tube with the family to watch chilling favorites such as The Night Stalker (1972), Duel (1971), Gargoyles (1972), and Trilogy of Terror (1975). Whoa boy, those were the times. Many a time the film was to serve as a pilot for a TV series ala Kolchak. With a familiar cast (P.J. Soles, James Farentino, Joan Hackett, and more), The Possessed (1977) would make an attempt at such a lofty goal only to miss the mark. Regardless, those who saw the film may remember the nail-spitting, cackling creepy lady at the end, or fans of Indiana Jones and Han Solo star Harrison Ford may seek this one out to catch his last role prior to Star Wars (1977). Sadly, time has not been kind to this post-Exorcist attempt at the supernatural but the Grue-Crew review it all the same.
At the time of this writing, The Possessed is available to stream from YouTube. In terms of physical media, the film is currently available as a DVD from the Warner Brothers Archive Collection.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode in their very flexible schedule will be The Brotherhood of Satan (1971), from the production company that brought you A Boy and His Dog (1975), starring Strother Martin, L.Q. Jones, Alvy Moore, Charles Bateman, and Ahna Capri.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Over 50 years ago, Bram Stoker wrote the greatest of all horror stories. Now, for the first time, we retell exactly as he wrote, one of the first – and still the best – tales of the macabre.” Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they get sucked into their first film directed by Jess Franco, Count Dracula (1970), starring no less than Christopher Lee, Herbert Lom, and Klaus Kinski.
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 179 – Count Dracula (1970)
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Count Dracula, a gray-haired vampire who regains his youth by dining on the blood of maidens, is pursued in London and Transylvania by Professor Van Helsing, Jonathan Harker, and Quincey Morris after he victimizes them and their loved ones.
Sir Christopher Lee is perhaps the best Dracula on film. (Okay, you could argue Bela Lugosi – that’s fair.) He’s most famous for playing the Count in the series of Hammer films from (Horror of) Dracula (1958) to The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973). However, he also teamed up with Jess Franco to deliver a “truer” adaptation of the Bram Stoker novel in Count Dracula (1970). Notable actors Herbert Lom and Klaus Kinski are also on board as Van Helsing and Renfield respectively. So, how does this version stand up against the Hammer Horror films and the Universal Monster movies? The 70s Grue-Crew is here to find out and they are pleasantly surprised . . . for the most part.
At the time of this writing, Count Dracula is available to stream from Wicked Horror TV, Tubi, Kanopy, Crackle, Plex, Crackle, Filmzie, and various PPV options. In terms of physical media, the film is currently available as a Blu-ray from Severin.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode in their very flexible schedule will be The Possessed (1977), another one of those TV horror movies of the 1970s. You might recognize some of the cast.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“Dang creature . . . I’m gonna get my shotgun and make a rug outta that damn thing!” And Jack Elam is just the one who can do it! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they make a trip to the bayou to check out Creature from Black Lake (1976) and its new Synapse Films Blu-ray, released December 13, 2022. It’s a beauty!
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 178 – Creature from Black Lake (1976)
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Two young students from the University of Chicago hear of the mysterious happenings at Black Lake and armed with a van packed with scientific equipment set out to solve the mystery.
To begin with, your Decades of Horror 1970s Grue Crew are universally impressed with the quality in the look and sound of the new Synapse Films Blu-ray release of Creature from Black Lake. In the past, many of the crew had seen the film in a cropped, pan-and-scan version on TV or videotape. They discovered that Creature from Black Lake is an excellent movie that had been marred by the poor quality of many of the prints to which they had access. The Synapse Blu-ray release is a great showcase for Dean Cundy’s cinematography and facilitates a far more enjoyable viewing experience. As far as bigfoot movies of the era, Creature from Black Lake moves to the top among a select few. Synapse did a great service to horror fans in restoring Creature from Black Lake to this pristine, widescreen format.
After gushing over the Synapse Blu-ray, the Grue-Crew gushes equally over the movie itself. A great cast of character actors led by Jack Elam, Dub Taylor, Bill Thuman, Dennis Fimple, and John David Carson, supported by a well-cast group of locals, makes Creature from Black Lake a heck of a fun watch. In fact, they were having so much fun, they forgot to mention that Cathryn Hartt (credited as Catherine McClenny), who played Eve-the-waitress, is Morgan Fairchild’s sister. And be assured, there are plenty of creature shenanigans to supply the tension required in a good bigfoot film.
The crew’s thanks go out to Synapse Films for supplying them with the Blu-ray screeners! The official release date is Tuesday, December 13, 2022. You can purchase your copy at Creature from Black Lake (1080p Blu-ray + Limited Edition Slipcover) – Synapse Films. You know you want it!
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode in their very flexible schedule will be Count Dracula (1970), directed by Jesús “Jess” Franco and starring Christopher Lee, Herbert Lom, Klaus Kinski, Maria Rohm, and Soledad Miranda. Yes, Grue Believers, this is their first Jess Franco movie.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.
“You’re a strange girl, Lizzie, one minute as hard and cold as a grave so, next as loving as any father could wish. Wonder what goes on in that mind of yours, I guess I’ll never know.” Actually, he’s about to find out right quick. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they check out the representation of the most infamous crime involving the numbers 40 and 41 as depicted in The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975).
Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 177 – The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975)
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Synopsis: In 1893 Massachusetts, Lizzie Andrew Borden is put on trial for murdering her father and stepmother with an axe.
The Legend of Lizzie Borden, an ABC Monday night movie of the week, is Bill’s pick. He’s always loved Elizabeth Montgomery and this film blew him away. He describes it as far creepier than most TV fare of the time and though the blood now seems understated, it was plenty enough for the time.
Learning it was a true story after hearing his mom recite the rhyme, Chad then watched The Legend of Lizzie Borden with his mom. It gave him nightmares as a youngster and though not as creepy now, it’s still a compelling thriller. Jeff points out the emphasis on women’s plight – their position in society of the time – given in The Legend of Lizzie Borden. He also loves the well-known character actors in the cast – Katherine Helmond, Fionnula Flanagan, Bonnie Bartlett, Ed Flanders, and Don Porter – and the first reappearance of Gloria Stuart after a 29-year absence from film.
The 70s Grue Crew gives unanimous praise to Elizabeth Montgomery for her Emmy-nominated performance and gives the movie a strong recommendation. As of this writing, The Legend of Lizzie Borden is available to stream from Amazon Prime.
Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode in their very flexible schedule, in a departure from what was originally announced, will be Creature from Black Lake (1976) starring Jack Elam and Dub Taylor and featuring the cinematography of Dean Cundey.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.