“What is this bullshit? Them man-eating dust mops got us roped up tighter than a blue-ribbon bull, and all you folks can do is stand here and play kick-the-can with some punk kid!” Barry Corbin as Harv-the-former-sheriff delivers this line and the goods! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Jeff Mohr, and guest Ralph Miller III – as they watch a new batch of Critters hatch just in time for Easter in Critters 2: The Main Course (1988).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 284 – Critters 2: The Main Course (1988)

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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Eggs of the small but voracious alien creatures called Krites are left behind on Earth and, after hatching, set their appetites on the small farm town of Grover’s Bend.

• Director: Mick Garris
• Writers: David Twohy (as D.T. Twohy) and Mick Garris
• Produced by: Robert Shaye (executive producer), Barry Opper (producer)
• Music Composed by: Nicholas Pike
• Director of Photography: Russell Carpenter
• Edited by: Charles Bornstein
• Special Effects Supervisor: Marty Breslin
• Critters Created By: Chiodo Brothers Productions (Charles Chiodo, Edward Chiodo, Stephen Chiodo)
  • Production Coordinator: Linda Chiodo 
  • Sculptors: Brian Wade, William Whitten
  • Mechanics: Dwight Roberts (Mechanics Supervisor), David Sosalla, Ralph Miller III, Jene Omens, David Mesloh, Steve Lebed
  • Fabricators: C. Mitchell Bryan, Niels Nielsen, Bradford Plows
  • Cosmetics: Ans Ellis, Deborah Galvez
  • Painter: Robert Tharp
  • Special Fabrication: Jarn Heil, Jim Kundig
  • Production Assistant: Steve Kellener
• Visual Effects: VCE/Peter Kuran
• Miniature Effects Photography: Jim Aupperle (uncredited)
• Krite Translations: Karl P. Anno Institute of Intergalactic Semantic Research
• Selected Cast:
  • Terrence Mann as Ug
  • Don Keith Opper as Charlie (credited as Don Opper)
  • Cynthia Garris as Zanti
  • Scott Grimes as Brad
  • Al Stevenson as Bus Driver
  • Tom Hodges as Wesley
  • Douglas Rowe as Quigley
  • Liane Curtis as Megan
  • Lindsay Parker as Cindy
  • Herta Ware as Nana
  • Sam Anderson as Mr. Morgan
  • Lin Shaye as Sal
  • Barry Corbin as Harv
  • Eddie Deezen as Hungry Heifer Manager
  • Frank Birney as Reverend Fisher
  • David Ursin as Sheriff Corwin
  • Roxanne Kernohan as Lee
  • Randy Spears as Lee/Ug ‘Nothing-Face’ (credited as Gregory Patrick)
  • Tom McLoughlin as Church Guard
  • Patrick Campbell as Farmer
  • Montrose Hagins as Farm Woman
  • Gary Cashdollar as Scared Man
  • Candace Laughlin as Woman
  • J. Christopher Sullivan as Townie
  • Edward Chiodo as Puppeteer (uncredited)
  • Mick Garris as Critters (voice) (uncredited)
  • William Hanna as Critters screams and shrieks (archive sound) (uncredited)

After discussing Critters (1986) in their last episode, it seemed only natural for the Grue-Crew to take on Critters 2 (1988) next. This is another fantastic film from New Line Cinema with heart, humor, and excellent effects work. Scott Grimes, Terrence Mann, and Don Keith Opper reprise their roles from Critters and Barry Corbin ably replaces M. Emmet Walsh as Harv. This time, the Grue Crew brings reinforcements in the form of Ralph Miller III, an effects artist who worked on the film for Chiodo Brothers Productions. Ralph gets into the nitty gritty details while describing some of his effects work and experiences while working on the film. The Grue-Crew loved it, and they hope you will too!

At the time of this writing, Critters 2 (1988) is available to stream from Tubi, Plex, and several pay-per-view sources. It is also available on physical media in The Critters Collection [Blu-ray], a 4-disc boxed set that includes Critters 1-4 from Scream Factory.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Chad, will be Intruder (1989). Just when you thought it was safe to go to the supermarket again! You’ll see some excellent special effects work and a lot of familiar faces, including Bruce Campbell, Ted & Sam Raimi, Alvy Moore, Tom Lester, and Emil “Hold hands you lovebirds” Sitka. It’s slasher time at Decades of Horror 1980s.

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“Keep your shirt on, asshole.” Did he mean on “your” asshole or is he calling you an asshole? It does make a difference, you know. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they follow the battle for survival between the tiny, very hungry, escaped, galactic prisoners and a band of mostly courageous, small-town residents and farmers in Critters (1986).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 283 – Critters (1986)

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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: A group of small but vicious alien creatures called Crites escape from an alien prison transport vessel and land near a small farm town on earth, pursued by two shape-shifting bounty hunters.

• Director: Stephen Herek
• Writer: Domonic Muir and Stephen Herek (screenplay); Domonic Muir (story); Don Keith Opper (additional scenes written by) (as Don Opper)
• Special Effects: 
  • Chiodo Brothers Productions, Inc. (special critter effects)
    • Critter Designer & Supervisor: Charles Chiodo, Stephen Chiodo
    • Critters Crew: Edward Chiodo, Linda Chiodo, C. Mitchell Bryan, Jason Cardwell, Rene Dorian, Ans Ellis, Deborah Galvez, Kenneth J. Hall, Mike Jones, Michael Joyce, Justin Kohn, Jene Omens, Bradford Plows, Eugene P. Rizzardi, Dwight Roberts 
  • Chuck E. Stewart (special effects supervisor), Casey Cavanaugh, Frank Ceglia, Ray Massara, R. Bruce Steinheimer, Ken Tarallo
  • Clark Hunter (puppeteer)
• Selected Cast:
  • Dee Wallace as Helen Brown (credited as Dee Wallace Stone)
  • M. Emmet Walsh as Harv
  • Billy Green Bush as Jay Brown
  • Scott Grimes as Brad Brown
  • Nadine Van der Velde as April Brown
  • Don Keith Opper as Charlie McFadden (credited as Don Opper)
  • Billy Zane as Steve Elliot
  • Ethan Phillips as Jeff Barnes
  • Terrence Mann as Johnny Steele/Ug
  • Jeremy Lawrence as Preacher
  • Lin Shaye as Lin Shaye
  • Michael Lee Gogin as Zanti
  • Art Frankel as Ed
  • Douglas Koth as Bowler #1
  • Montrose Hagins as Organist
  • Roger Hampton as Jake
  • Chuck Lindsly as Pool Player #1 (credited as Chuck Lindsley)
  • David Stenstrom as Pool Player #2
  • Adele Malis-Morey as Woman #1
  • Corey Burton as Critters (voice)
  • Edward Chiodo as Puppeteer(uncredited)
  • Kevin Thompson as Giant Critter (uncredited)
  • Che Zuro as Johnny Steele – Guitarist (uncredited)

In this episode, Decades of Horror 1980s tackles another franchise-starting film with Critters (1986). The filmmakers swear the story was written before they knew anything about Gremlins (1984), but it’s still regarded by most as a Gremlins rip-off. Even so, the 80s Grue-Crew consider it worthy of a watch in its own right. Firstly, the special critters effects are provided by Chiodo Brothers Productions (Killer Klowns from Outer Space, 1988). Critters is also populated by a strong cast featuring Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, Scott Grimes, Billy Green Bush, Billy Zane, Ethan Phillips, and Lin Shaye to name just a few. Director Kevin Herek has put together a fun horror comedy that spawned four sequels.

At the time of this writing, Critters (1986) is available to stream from Hoopla, Tubi, and several pay-per-view sources. It is also available on physical media in The Critters Collection [Blu-ray], a 4-disc boxed set that includes Critters 1-4 from Scream Factory.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Crystal, will be Critters 2: The Main Course (1988). It seemed like the logical picture to cover. Once again, the effects work of Chiodo Brothers Productions (Killer Clowns from Outer Space, 1988) are showcased, but this time, the director is Mick Garris. Scott Grimes, Terrance Mann, and Don Keith Opper return and are joined in the cast by Cynthia Garris, Sam Anderson, Linn Shaye, Barry Corbin, and Eddie Deezen. This should be fun!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“One hundred years before this story begins, it was a time of darkness in Transylvania, a time when Dr. Abraham Van Helsing and a small band of freedom fighters conspired to rid the world of vampires and monsters and to save mankind from the forces of eternal evil. … They blew it.” Will the Monster Squad blow it, too? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they follow the battle between the young monster fighters and the pseudo-Universal Monsters in The Monster Squad (1987).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 282 – The Monster Squad (1987)

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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: A group of 12-year-olds form a Universal Monsters fan club called The Monster Squad and have to save their hometown from Count Dracula and his monsters when they show up for real.

• Directed by: Fred Dekker
• Writing Credits: Shane Black & Fred Dekker
• Special Effects by: Stan Winston Studio
  • Stan Winston (monster creator)
  • Alec Gillis (head monster maker: Dracula and bat transformation)
  • Shane Mahan (head monster maker: Mummy)
  • Matt Rose (head monster maker: Gillman)
  • Steve Wang (head monster maker: Gillman)
  • John Rosengrant (head monster maker: Wolfman)
  • Tom Woodruff Jr. (head monster maker: Frankenstein)
• Monster mechanical department: Steven James, David Kindlon, Richard J. Landon, Dave Nelson, Wayne Sturm
• Monster art department: David LeRoy Anderson, Eric Fiedler, Emilio M. Gonzales, Leonard MacDonald, Lindsay MacGowan, Dave Matherly, Steve Patino, Anton Rupprecht, Shannon Shea, Brian Simpson, Michiko Tagawa, Jackie Tichenor
• Selected Cast:
  • Andre Gower as Sean (as André Gower)
  • Robby Kiger as Patrick
  • Stephen Macht as Del – Sean’s Dad
  • Duncan Regehr as Count Dracula
  • Tom Noonan as Frankenstein’s Monster
  • Brent Chalem as Horace
  • Ryan Lambert as Rudy
  • Ashley Bank as Phoebe
  • Michael Faustino as Eugene
  • Mary Ellen Trainor as Emily
  • Leonardo Cimino as Scary German Guy
  • Jon Gries as Desperate Man (as Jonathan Gries)
  • Stan Shaw as Detective Sapir
  • Lisa Fuller as Patrick’s Sister
  • Jason Hervey as E.J.
  • Adam Carl as Derek
  • Carl Thibault as Wolfman
  • Tom Woodruff Jr. as Gillman
  • Michael Reid MacKay as Mummy (as Michael MacKay)
  • Jack Gwillim as Van Helsing
  • David Proval as Pilot
  • Daryl Anderson as Co-Pilot
  • Robert Lesser as Eugene’s Dad
  • Gwil Richards as Mr. Metzger (as Gwill Richards)
  • Ernie Brown as Night Watchman
  • Sonia Curtis as Peasant Girl
  • Charly Morgan as Vampire Bride with Possom
  • Mary Albee as Pantry Girl / Vampire
  • Brynn Baron as Pantry Girl / Vampire (as Joan-Carrol Baron)
  • Julie Merrill as Pantry Girl / Vampire
  • Marianne De Camp as Mrs. Carlsen

The Monster Squad (1987), underappreciated at its release, has, nonetheless, risen to become a fan favorite over the years. With effects provided by the Stan Winston Studio and dialogue from the pens of Shane Black and Fred Dekker, the film follows the proven template used in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), i.e., the copies of Universal monsters are deadly serious while the youthful monster fighters provide humor. In light of current events, it is an excellent time to revisit this horror comedy with a heart and a happy ending. And while you’re at it, take in Wolfman’s Got Nards (2018), the documentary about the film and its growth in popularity. It might bring a tear or two to your eyes.

At the time of this writing, The Monster Squad (1987) is available to stream from Hoopla, PlutoTV, Prime, and several PPV sources. It is also available on physical media as a 3-disc set that includes a 4K UHD disc, a Blu-ray disc, and Wolfman’s Got Nards (2018) Blu-ray disc, from KL Studio Classics.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be Critters (1986), another franchise-starting film showcasing the effects work of Chiodo Brothers Productions (Killer Clowns from Outer Space, 1988) and an experienced cast featuring Dee Wallace and M. Emmet Walsh. The Grue Crew is excited about discussing this one.

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“I’m running this monkey farm now, Frankenstein!” Who wouldn’t want to run the monkey farm? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they discuss George A. Romero’s Day of the Dead (1985), a film worthy of sitting alongside Night of the Living Dead (1968) and Dawn of the Dead (1978).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 281 – Day of the Dead (1985)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: As the world is overrun by zombies, a group of scientists and military personnel sheltering in an underground bunker in Florida must decide how they should deal with the undead horde.

• Selected Cast & Crew
  • Writer/Director: George A. Romero
  • Special Make-Up Efx: Tom Savini
  • Special Make-Up Efx Crew: David Kindlon, John Vulich, Howard Berger, Everett Burrell, Michael Trcic
  • Assistant to Tom Savini: Greg Nicotero
  • Selected Cast:
    • Lori Cardille as Dr. Sarah Bowman
    • Terry Alexander as John
    • Joseph Pilato as Capt. Henry Rhodes (as Joe Pilato)
    • Jarlath Conroy as Bill McDermott
    • Anthony Dileo Jr. as Pvt. Miguel Salazar (as Antonè DiLeo)
    • Richard Liberty as Dr. Matthew Logan
    • Sherman Howard as Bub (as Howard Sherman)
    • Gary Howard Klar as Pvt. Walter Steel (as G. Howard Klar)
    • Ralph Marrero as Pvt. Robert Rickles
    • John Amplas as Ted Fisher
    • Phillip G. Kellams as Pvt. Miller
    • Taso N. Stavrakis as Pvt. Juan Torrez
    • Greg Nicotero as Pvt. Johnson (as Gregory Nicotero)

The 80s Grue-Crew unleash another double-tap by covering George A. Romero’s Day of the Dead (1985), a film first discussed almost eight years ago in Episode 114 (audio-only) hosted by Thomas Mariani, Santos Ellin Jr., Christopher G. Moore, and guest Derek Tatum. This time around, the GC are understandably in awe of the effects created by the legendary Tom Savini and his team. Sherman Howard (Bub), Lori Cardille (Sarah), Joseph Pilato (Rhodes), Richard Liberty (Dr. Logan / Frankenstein), and the rest of the characters, cast, and crew also get their share of love. And what of Day of the Dead’s place in Romero’s Pantheon of the Dead? Well, your faithful 80s Grue-Crew dive into that subject as well. Once again, there’s sooo much to discuss.

At the time of this writing, Day of the Dead (1985) is available to stream from Shudder, Peacock, Tubi, Kanopy, and several other sources. It is also available on physical media as a standard Blu-ray-formatted disc from SHOUT! FACTORY

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Jeff, will be The Monster Squad (1987), directed by Fred Dekker and written by Dekker and Shane Black. Is it a cult film? By the way, exactly what is a cult film? Hmmm.

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“Th-th-th-that’s all, Ethel!”  Poor Ethel. It’s bad enough being married to Fred, but now, Anthony has sent Ethel to cartoon land, only to be eaten by an animated dragon. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they discuss the infamous Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 280 – Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: Prologue: a driver has a big surprise with his passenger; Segment 1 – “Time Out”: A bigot hates Jews, Blacks, Arabs, and Asians and is transported to situations where he feels the effects of his hatred; Segment 2 – “Kick the Can”: In a nursing home, the elder inhabitants learn that their minds can keep them young; Segment 3 – “It’s a Good Life”: a traveler hits a boy on a bicycle with her car and takes the boy home. Soon she learns that the powerful boy brought her home indeed; Segment 4 – “Nightmare at 20,000 feet”: a writer is scared to fly and soon he sees a monstrous creature destroying the airplane engines during a stormy night.

• Cast & Crew
  • Music by: Jerry Goldsmith
  • Makeup Department:
    • Craig Reardon (special makeup effects artist) (segments 1-4)
    • Bob Westmoreland (makeup artist) (segment 1) (as Robert Westmoreland)
    • John M. Elliott Jr. (makeup artist) (segments 2-4) (as John Elliott)
    • Rob Bottin (special makeup effects artist / special makeup effects designer) (segment 3)
    • Margaret Prentice (special makeup effects cosmetic painter: Rob Bottin crew) (segment 3) (uncredited)
    • Michael McCracken (special makeup effects artist) (segment 4)
    • Michael Shawn McCracken (special makeup effects assistant) (segment 4) (uncredited)
  • Visual Effects by: 
    • David Allen (visual effects) (segment “4”) (as David Allan)
    • Jim Aupperle (end titles/compositing: titles)
    • Jim Danforth (visual effects/effects photography/matte artist) (segment “4”)
    • Albert Whitlock (matte consultant) (segment “4”) (uncredited)
  • Animation Department: Sally Cruikshank (cartoon supervisor) (segment “3”)
  • Prologue:
    • Writer/Director: John Landis
    • Selected Cast:
      • Dan Aykroyd as Passenger / Ambulance Driver 
      • Albert Brooks as Car Driver
  • Segment 1: “Time Out”
    • Writer/Director: John Landis
    • Selected Cast:
      • Vic Morrow as Bill Connor
      • Doug McGrath as Larry
      • Charles Hallahan as Ray
      • Rainer Peets as German Officer (credited as Remus Peets)
      • Kai Wulff as German Officer
      • Sue Dugan as Waitress No. 1
      • Debby Porter as Waitress No. 2 
      • Steven Williams as Bar Patron
      • Annette Claudier as French Monther
      • Joseph Hieu as Vietnamese
      • Al Leong as Vietnamese
      • Stephen Bishop as Charming G.I.
      • Thomas Byrd as G.I. 
      • Vincent J. Isaac as G.I.
      • William S. Taylor as G.I. (credited as William B. Taylor)
      • Domingo Ambriz as G.I.
      • Eddy Donno as K.K.K.
      • Michael Milgrom as K.K.K. 
      • John Larroquette as K.K.K.
      • Norbert Weisser as Soldier No. 1
  • Segment 2: “Kick the Can”
    • Director: Steven Spielberg
    • Writer: George Clayton Johnson, Richard Matheson, Melissa Mathison (as Josh Rogan); George Clayton Johnson (story)
    • Selected Cast:
      • Scatman Crothers as Mr. Bloom 
      • Bill Quinn as Mr. Leo Conroy
      • Martin Garner as Mr. Weinstein
      • Selma Diamond as Mrs. Weinstein
      • Helen Shaw as Mrs. Dempsey
      • Murray Matheson as Mr. Agee 
      • Peter Brocco as Mr. Mute
      • Priscilla Pointer as Miss Cox
      • Scott Nemes as Young Mr. Weinstein
      • Tanya Fenmore as Young Mrs. Weinstein
      • Evan Richards as Young Mr. Agee
      • Laura Mooney as Young Mrs. Dempsey
      • Christopher Eisenmann as Young Mr. Mute
      • Richard Swingler as Mr. Gray Panther
      • Alan Haufrec as Mr. Conroy’s Son
      • Cheryl Socher as Mr. Conroy’s Daughter-in-Law 
      • Elsa Raven as Nurse No. 2 
  • Segment 3: “It’s a Good Life”
    • Director: Joe Dante
    • Writer: Richard Matheson; Jerome Bixby (from a story by)
    • Selected Cast:
      • Kathleen Quinlan as Helen Foley
      • Jeremy Licht as Anthony
      • Kevin McCarthy as Uncle Walt
      • Patricia Barry as Mother
      • William Schallert as Father
      • Nancy Cartwright as Ethel
      • Dick Miller as Walter Paisley
      • Cherie Currie as Sara
      • Bill Mumy as Tim
      • Jeffrey Bannister as Charlie
  • Segment 4: “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet”
    • Director: George Miller
    • Writer: Richard Matheson; Richard Matheson (based on a story by)
    • Selected Cast:
      • John Lithgow as John Valentine
      • Abbe Lane as Sr. Stewardess
      • Donna Dixon as Jr. Stewardess
      • John Dennis Johnston as Co-Pilot
      • Larry Cedar as Creature
      • Charles Knapp as Sky Marshal 
      • Byron McFarland as Pilot Announcement 
      • Christina Nigra as Little Girl
      • Lana Schwab as Mother (credited as Lonna Schwab)
      • Margaret Wheeler as Old Woman 
      • Eduard Franz as Old Man 
      • Margaret Fitzgerald as Young Girl 
      • Jeffrey Weissman as Young Man 
      • Jeffrey Lampert as Mechanic No. 1 
      • Frank Toth as Mechanic No. 2 
      • Carol Serling as Passenger

It’s another double tap for the ’80s Grue-Crew. This time, it’s Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), first covered by a completely different crew on episode 104 in March 2017. Inspired by Rod Serling’s landmark TV series, the film includes new versions of three classic tales, one new segment, and a loose wraparound. Joe Dante, George Miller, Stephen Spielberg, & John Landis handle the directing chores with a cast including Dan Aykroyd, Albert Brooks, Vic Morrow, Scatman Crothers, Kathleen Quinlan, and many, many more. The film is also shrouded in tragedy and controversy. There will most definitely be plenty to discuss.

At the time of this writing, Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) is available to stream from Kanopy, Plex, Roku, and multiple PPV sources.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Chad, will be George A. Romero’s Day of the Dead (1985)! The third entry in Romero’s “Dead” series is a showcase for Joe Pilato’s performance as Captain Rhodes and the special effects magic of Tom Savini et al.

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“Look, Miss Hoity Toity. The woman cannot answer the goddamn door ’cause she can’t get out of her goddamn bed. Is that goddamn clear enough for ya?” Crystal. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as Jeff gets his Rory Calhoun fix and the rest of the crew decide what they think of Angel (1983).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 278 – Angel (1983)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: High-schooler Molly secretly earns her living as Angel, a street prostitute whose only family and friends are the ones she works with on the streets. She must survive against a serial killer who is targeting people of her profession.

• Directed by: Robert Vincent O’Neil
• Writing Credits: Robert Vincent O’Neil & Joseph Michael Cala (as Joseph M. Cala)
• Selected Cast:
  • Donna Wilkes as Molly ‘Angel’ Stewart
  • Cliff Gorman as Lt. Andrews
  • Susan Tyrrell as Solly Mosler
  • Dick Shawn as Mae
  • Rory Calhoun as Kit Carson
  • John Diehl as The Killer
  • Elaine Giftos as Patricia Allen
  • Donna McDaniel as Crystal
  • Graem McGavin as Lana
  • Mel Carter as Collins
  • Steven M. Porter as Yoyo Charlie
  • David Underwood as Ric Sawyer
  • David Anthony as Howie
  • Joshua Cadman as Spike (as Josh Cadman)
  • Greg Lewis as Themopolis
  • Karyn Parker as Diane
  • Dennis Kort as Wayne
  • Ken Olfson as Mr. Saunders
  • Peter Jason as The John
  • Gene Ross as Vice Cop
  • Jackie De Rouen as Tanya
  • Laura Sorrenson as Roxie
  • Joseph Michael Cala as Usher
  • Donna Fuller as Jesus Peddler
  • Ross Hagen as Urban Cowboy
  • Robert Acey as Driver
  • Dick Valentine as Older Cop
  • Marc Hayashi as Young Cop
  • Bob Gorman as Zigmand
  • Todd Hoffman as Punker
  • Christian Dante as Police Sketch Artist

Is Angel (1983) a horror film or not? A serial killer who practices necrophilia and cuts the bodies of his victims into pieces? Jeff doesn’t really care as long as it has Rory Calhoun in the cast. The Grue-Crew are divided on this one, especially Chad (actually, Chad is pretty certain), but they all agree the strength of the movie is its cast. Susan Tyrrell and Dick Shawn steal every scene they’re in, and Rory plays an actor from B-movie westerns like the actor from B-movie westerns he is. Cliff Gorman is the earnest and compassionate detective who completes the caring group of friends acting as Molly/Angel’s (Donna Wilkes) family. Angel is a quirky one, but three-fourths of the Grue-Crew enjoyed the film. However, the three sequels might be a different story.

At the time of this writing, Angel (1983) is available to stream from PlutoTV, Plex, Vudu/Fandango, Night Flight, and Troma Now. It’s also available on physical media as a Blu-ray formatted disc from Vinegar Syndrome, 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be Dario Argento’s Inferno (1980), the second film in his Three Mothers Trilogy. Italian horror? Yay!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“I wonder if we’ll find anything down here? I bet we’re going to find a big blue monkey.” Or maybe you won’t. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, Jeff Mohr, and guest Ralph Miller III – as they do their best to find the blue monkey in Blue Monkey (1987). It’s Canadian horror, ay.

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 277 – Blue Monkey (1987)

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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: Detective Jim Bishop and Dr. Rachel Carson must find a way to stop a giant monstrous insect before it procreates and spreads a deadly infection it’s carrying. Meanwhile, it’s eating people in Dr. Carson’s quarantined hospital.

• Directed by: William Fruet
• Writing Credits: George Goldsmith (written by); Chris Koseluk (story editor)
• Executive Producers: Sandy Howard, Tom Fox, Michael Masciarelli
• Special Effects by: Steve Neill (creature maker: Sirius Effects (uncredited) / creature supervisor: Sirius Effects (uncredited))
• Selected Cast:
  • Ivan E. Roth as The Creature
  • Steve Railsback as Detective Jim Bishop
  • Gwynyth Walsh as Dr. Rachel Carson
  • Don Lake as Elliot Jacobs
  • Helen Hughes as Marwella Harbison
  • Sandy Webster as Fred Adams
  • Susan Anspach as Dr. Judith Glass
  • Bill Lake as Paramedic
  • Peter Van Wart as Oscar Willets
  • Don Ritchie as Orderly #1
  • Stuart Stone as Joey
  • Marsha Moreau as Marcy
  • Nathan Adamson as Tyrone
  • Sarah Polley as Ellen
  • Joy Coghill as Dede Wilkens
  • Cynthia Belliveau as Alice Bradley
  • John Vernon as Roger Levering
  • Philip Akin as Anthony Rivers (as Phillip Akin)
  • Laura Dickson as Desk Nurse #1
  • Robin Duke as Sandra Baker
  • Joe Flaherty as George Baker
  • Jane Dingle as Desk Nurse #2
  • Dan Lett as Ted Andrews
  • Michael J. Reynolds as Albert Hooper
  • Michael Caruana as Technician
  • Gina Wilkinson as Nurse Michelle
  • David Clement as Surgeon
  • Ursula Balzer as O.R. Nurse
  • Les Rubie as Rollo Jordan
  • Reg Dreger as Policeman
  • Karen Scanlan as ISO. Nurse
  • Ralph Small as Security Guard
  • Harry Booker as Bill Clemmins
  • Jo Bates as Lobby Nurse (as Jo Anne Bates)
  • Walker Boone as Johnson
  • Rob Wilton as Orderly #2 (as Robert Wilton)
  • Alan Rosenthal as Dr. Steinberg (as Allan Rosenthal)
  • Ken Quinn as Patient

The 80s Grue-Crew and guest Ralph Miller III take a trip to a hospital in Canada to diagnose Blue Monkey (1987). This one features the beginnings of an epidemic, some ludicrous laser shenanigans, an extraordinary amount of green goo, and a freaky larva that magically metamorphoses (we think) into a giant insect that begins killing patients in the now quarantined hospital. All of this is accomplished with some generally good effects work and an abundance of pseudo-sciencing. Steven Railsback, Gwynyth Walsh, Don Lake, Susan Anspach, and John Vernon jump into the fray, accompanied by Marwella and Dede, a pair of golden girls getting drunk in the background, and Robin Dukes and Joe Flaherty having their first baby. Ah, yes. Canadian horror has such a unique flavor. As you can tell, there’s plenty of material for our talkabout… even though there’s no actual blue monkey.

At the time of this writing, Blue Monkey (1987) is available to stream from Tubi and multiple PPV sources. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Jeff, will be Angel (1984), starring… wait for it… Rory Calhoun! Joining him are Donna Wilkes, Cliff Gorman, Dick Shawn, Susan Tyrrell, and John Diehl, all cavorting on the strip. Unfortunately, there’s a serial killer on the prowl.

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“I think it’s unwise to use movies as a guide for reality. Don’t you, Inspector?”  Now they tell you! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in Dario Argento’s Opera (1987).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 275 – Opera (1987)

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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: A young opera singer is stalked by a deranged fan bent on killing the people associated with her to claim her for himself.

• Directed by: Dario Argento
• Writing Credits: Dario Argento & Franco Ferrini
• Special Effects by: Renato Agostini (special effects designer)
• Selected Cast:
  • Cristina Marsillach as Betty
  • Ian Charleson as Marco
  • Urbano Barberini as Inspector Alan Santini
  • Daria Nicolodi as Mira
  • Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni as Giulia (as Coralina Cataldi Tassoni)
  • Antonella Vitale as Marion
  • William McNamara as Stefano
  • Barbara Cupisti as Signora Albertini
  • Antonino Iuorio as Baddini (as Antonio Juorio)
  • Carola Stagnaro as Alma’s Mother
  • Francesca Cassola as Alma
  • Maurizio Garrone as Maurizio – Raven Trainer
  • Cristina Giachino as Maria – Assistant Director
  • György Gyõriványi as Miro (as Gyorivany Gyorgy)
  • Bjorn Hammer as Cop #1
  • Peter Pitsch as Mara Czekova’s Assistant
  • Sebastiano Somma as Cop #2

Dario Argento’s Opera (1987) is set during a production of Macbeth, a Giuseppe Verdi opera, and is filmed mainly in Teatro Regio di Parma, an opera house in Parma, Italy. The film features lavish costuming and many of the standard giallo tropes – a killer in black gloves, inept police, creative cinematography, and innovative kills – along with an unkindness of ravens. Or is it a conspiracy of ravens? There’s not much new in Opera story-wise, but the Grue Crew still had fun with the visuals and the ravens plopped down right in the middle of an operatic production of Shakespeare’s legendary, cursed play.

At the time of this writing, Opera (1987) is available to stream from Shudder and Night Flight with subscriptions and PPV from Apple TV. It is also available on physical media from Severin as a 2-Disc Blu-ray, a 3-Disc 4K UHD, and a Limited Edition 5-Disc 4K UHD + Booklet w/Slipcase.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Crystal, will be Dead and Buried (1981), a film covered over 8 years ago by a different 80s crew. Eerie deaths in a sleepy coastal town with effects by Stan Winston? The Crew is in… again!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“Man, this is the dumbest movie I ever saw!”  What does it mean when one of the movie’s characters makes this pronouncement? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in TerrorVision (1986), a no-holds-barred, goofy festival of excess.

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 274 – TerrorVision (1986)

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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: Stan installs satellite TV for his family, but soon, he picks up a signal from another planet, and his television system becomes the gateway between the two. When a creature comes to his apartment, only their son Sherman sees it, but his parents don’t believe the boy.

• Written & Directed by: Ted Nicolaou
• Special Makeup Effects Artist: R. Christopher Biggs
• Special Effects by:
  • John Carl Buechler (tv monster and special effects makeup designer and supervisor: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Brent Armstrong (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Michael Deak (MMI Liaison USA: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Cleve Hall (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Daniel Hoffman (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Robert Kurtzman (creature effects: fabrication & operation)
  • Michelle Oggeri (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Margherita Regina (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Desiree Soto Vaughn (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.) (as Desiree Vaughn-Soto)
  • John Vulich (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
• Selected Cast:
  • Diane Franklin as Suzy
  • Gerrit Graham as Stan
  • Mary Woronov as Raquel
  • Chad Allen as Sherman
  • Jon Gries as O.D. (as Jonathan Gries)
  • Bert Remsen as Grampa
  • Alejandro Rey as Spiro
  • Randi Brooks as Cherry
  • Jennifer Richards as Medusa
  • Sonny Carl Davis as Norton
  • Ian Patrick Williams as Nutky
  • William Paulson as Pluthar
  • John Leamer as Chauffeur
  • Frank Welker as Monster voice

TerrorVision!! It’s a perfect example of “over-the-top” in all aspects of the film: the acting, the effects, the production design, and the script. The 80s Grue Crew also laud the casting and directing, resulting in pitch-perfect performances from Diane Franklin, Mary Woronov, Gerrit Graham, Chad Evans, Bert Remsen, Alejandro Rey, Randi Brooks, Jennifer Richards, and Sonny Carl Davis. Even the effects provided by John Carl Buechler and his shop could be perceived as over-the-top. What a fun fun movie! Check out our talkabout and see if you agree!

At the time of this writing, TerrorVision (1986) is available to stream from YouTube. It is also available on physical media along with The Video Dead as a double-feature Blu-ray formatted disc from SHOUT! Factory.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be Dario Argento’s Opera (1987). Everybody loves giallo for the holidays!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“They used to laugh at me and say that I was crazy. But now they’re going to know. Yes, they’re going to know… and it’s going to be alright.”  Yeah, that’s the ticket. It’s all going to be alright. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in Without Warning (1980), a character actor-studded science fiction horror entry.

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 273 – Without Warning (1980)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Sandy and Greg are teenagers who go camping with their friends despite warnings not to. They soon encounter aliens who are using the area as a hunting ground.

• Directed by: Greydon Clark
• Writing Credits: Lyn Freeman, Daniel Grodnik, Bennett Tramer (as Ben Nett), Steve Mathis
• Cinematography by: Dean Cundey (director of photography)
• Makeup Department:
  • Rick Baker (special makeup effects designer & creator)
  • Greg Cannom (special makeup)
  • Alistair Mitchell (makeup artist)
• Special Effects by:
  • Joe Quinlivan (special effects) (as Phillip Joseph Quinlivan III)
  • Dana Rheaume (assistant special effects)
• Selected Cast:
  • Jack Palance as Joe Taylor
  • Martin Landau as Fred ‘Sarge’ Dobbs
  • Tarah Nutter as Sandy
  • Christopher S. Nelson as Greg
  • Cameron Mitchell as Hunter
  • Neville Brand as Leo
  • Sue Ane Langdon as Aggy
  • Ralph Meeker as Dave
  • Larry Storch as Scoutmaster
  • Lynn Theel as Beth
  • David Caruso as Tom
  • Mark Ness as Bill
  • Bert Davis as Man in Bar
  • Jeffrey Sudzin as Ambulance Driver
  • Darby Hinton as Randy
  • Kevin Peter Hall as The Alien (as Kevin Hall)

Yes! The 80s Grue Crew finally covered Without Warning (1980)! Originally scheduled for an October 2 recording date, it was postponed to record an episode on an unexpectedly available Ghost Story (1981). We even recorded Without Warning early this time because of previously scheduled overeating (Thanksgiving).

What a fun movie! Special effects from Rick Baker and Greg Cannom by way of a giant alien head and some nasty Frisbee-like creatures; the cinematographical stylings of the great Dean Cundy; effective scenery-chewing performances from Jack Palance and Martin Landau; and cameos by Cameron Mitchell, Larry Storch, Sue Ane Langdon, Neville Brand, and Ralph Meeker make Without Warning a blast. You have to love Larry Storch’s attempt to light a cigarette using a flint and a rock!

At the time of this writing, Without Warning (1987) is available to stream from Tubi, Amazon Prime, MGM+, and Flix Fling. It is also available on physical media as a Blu-ray formatted disc from the Kino Lorber. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Jeff, will be TerrorVision (1986), a favorite of Chad’s. With effects by John Carl Buechler’s MMI (Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.) and a cast that includes Diane Franklin, Mary Woronov, and Gerrit Graham, it’s no wonder Chad is a fan. The 80s Grue Crew can’t wait!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“We accidentally summoned demons, … who used to rule the universe, …  to come and take over the world!” Accidentally. By reading ancient Latin incantations. R-i-g-h-t. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in The Gate (1987), a movie that’s more fun than a barrel of special effects!

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 272 – The Gate (1987)

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Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: Kids left home alone accidentally unleash a horde of malevolent demons from a mysterious hole in their suburban backyard.

• Directed by: Tibor Takács (as Tibor Takacs)
• Writing Credits: Michael Nankin (written by)
• Produced by: John Kemeny
• Music by: Michael Hoenig, J. Peter Robinson
• Cinematography by: Thomas Vámos
• Editing by: Rit Wallis
• Production Design by: William Beeton
• Set Decoration by: Jeff Cutler, Marlene Graham
• Special Visual Effects:
  • Designed and Supervised by: Randall William Cook
  • Crew: Jim Aupperle, Fumi Mashimo, Michael F. Hoover (miniatures/computer motion control), 
  • Illusion Arts: Mark Freund (visual effects cameraman), Lynn Ledgerwood (special rigging), Mark Sawicki (production coordinator), Catherine Sudolcan (animator), David S. Williams Jr. (optical coordinator)
    • Matte Supervisor: Syd Dutton
    • Matte Photographer: Bill Taylor
    • Matte Artist: Mark Whitlock (Illusion Arts)
    • Additional Matte Effects: Albert Whitlock (uncredited)
• Special Makeup: Craig Reardon (prosthetic makeup creator & designer)
• Special Effects: Frank C. Carere
• Selected Cast:
  • Stephen Dorff as Glen
  • Christa Denton as Al
  • Louis Tripp as Terry
  • Kelly Rowan as Lori Lee
  • Jennifer Irwin as Linda Lee
  • Deborah Grover as Mom
  • Scot Denton as Dad
  • Ingrid Veninger as Paula
  • Sean Fagan as Eric
  • Linda Goranson as Terry’s Mom
  • Carl Kraines as Workman
  • Andrew Gunn as Brad

If you are looking for an entry-level 80s horror film, the 80s Grue-Crew thinks The Gate (1987) might be just the ticket. During a decade of frequently mean-spirited films, The Gate is the opposite, complete with a happy ending. The film is an unexpected showcase of special effects for the time — stop-motion animation, forced perspective, practical effects, suit actors, and matte paintings — seamlessly integrated into the world of the 12- to 16-year-old characters.

If you haven’t seen The Gate for a while, it might be time to check it out. You might come away with a different point of view. The Grue Crew certainly did.

At the time of this writing, The Gate (1987) is available to stream from Hoopla, Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee, Amazon Prime, and various PPV options. It is also available on physical media as a Blu-ray formatted disc from the Lionsgate Vestron Video Collector’s Series. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Chad, will be Without Warning (1980), an alien invasion featuring Jack Palance and Martin Landau, and supported by Sue Ane Langdon, Neville Brand, Ralph Meeker, Cameron Mitchell, Larry Storch, and an early appearance from David Caruso! And don’t forget the alien designs and effects of Rick Baker and Greg Cannom. 

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“No! Stop! That meat might be Rudy!” You finally gave up on the cannibals-are-a-myth idea, aye? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they feast on their second Italian cannibal film. This time, it’s Umberto Lenzi’s Cannibal Ferox (1981).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 271 – Cannibal Ferox (1981)

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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: Three friends set out to disprove cannibalism on a trip to the Amazonian jungle, where they meet two men trying to escape a vicious cannibal tribe.

• Written & Directed by: Umberto Lenzi
• Special Effects by: Gino De Rossi
• Selected Cast:
  • Giovanni Lombardo Radice as Mike Logan (credited as John Morghen)
  • Lorraine De Selle as Gloria Davis
  • Danilo Mattei as Rudy Davis (credited as Bryan Redford)
  • Zora Kerova as Pat Johnson (credited as Zora Kerowa)
  • Walter Lucchini as Joe Costolani (credited as Walter Lloyd)
  • Fiamma Maglione as Myrna Stenn (credited as Meg Fleming)
  • Robert Kerman as Lt. Rizzo
  • John Bartha as Mafioso
  • Venantino Venantini as Sgt. Ross
  • Miguel Ángel Rincón as Juanito (credited as ‘El Indio’ Rincon)
  • Giovanni Bergamini as Clerk (uncredited)
  • Riccardo Petrazzi as Hunter (uncredited)
  • Perry Pirkanen as Paul (uncredited)
  • Dominic Raacke as Tim Barrett (uncredited)
  • Jake Teague as Professor (uncredited)

First, Decades of Horror 1980s covered Ruggero Deodato’s Cannibal Holocaust (1980) in episode 176. Now comes Umberto Lenzi’s Cannibal Ferox (1981)! The 31 countries that initially banned the film can’t all be wrong. It even comes with its very own pre-movie warning, and The Last Drive-In host, Joe Bob Briggs, gave it a “98 on the vomit meter.” By the way, “ferox” is Latin for cruel or ferocious. They’re not lying. But what will the Grue Crew think of this cannibal exploitation horror film? You can bet they’ll have plenty to say. They also play catchup on Grue Believer feedback. Enjoy their talkabout!

At the time of this writing, Cannibal Ferox (1981) is available to stream from Tubi, Kanopy, and AMC+. It is also available on physical media as a deluxe 3-disc set (2 Blu-ray + CD soundtrack) from Grindhouse Releasing. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Crystal, will be The Gate (1981). Kids, absent parents, a mysterious hole in the backyard, a demon horde, stop-motion animation, forced perspective, and… well, let’s just say, shenanigans ensue!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“All I saw was an old man with a funky hand, … that’s all I saw.” Well, there’s a lot more to see than a funky hand! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr, along with special guests Jeff Farley and Ralph Miller – as they get down and dirty and gloppy with The Blob (1988) and its special effects. [NOTE: Technical issues forced Jeff Farley to drop out early in the recording. Bill and Jeff rescheduled a later discussion with Jeff, which was spliced near the end of the original recording.]

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 270 – The Blob (1988)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: A deadly entity from space crash-lands near a small town and begins consuming everyone in its path. Panic ensues as shady government scientists try to contain the horrific creature.

• Directed by: Chuck Russell
• Writing Credits:Chuck Russell & Frank Darabont (screenplay)
  • 1958 Version: Theodore Simonson and Kay Linaker (as Kate Phillips) (screenplay); Irvine H. Millgate (story)
• Produced by: Jack H. Harris & Elliott Kastner
• Cinematography by: Mark Irwin
• Make up effects designed and created by: Tony Gardner
• Creature effects designed and created by:Lyle Conway
  • Selected crew members:
    • Jeffrey S. Farley (creature effects crew)
    • Ralph Miller III (blob mechanic: blob effects crew)
• Special visual effects by: Dream Quest Images
• Visual effects supervisor: Hoyt Yeatman
• Selected Cast:
  • Kevin Dillon as Brian Flagg
  • Shawnee Smith as Meg Penny
  • Donovan Leitch Jr. as Paul Taylor (as Donovan Leitch)
  • Jeffrey DeMunn as Sheriff Herb Geller
  • Candy Clark as Fran Hewitt
  • Joe Seneca as Dr. Meddows
  • Del Close as Reverend Meeker
  • Paul McCrane as Deputy Bill Briggs
  • Sharon Spelman as Mrs. Penny
  • Beau Billingslea as Moss Woodley
  • Art LaFleur as Pharmacist / Mr. Penny
  • Ricky Paull Goldin as Scott Jeske
  • Robert Axelrod as Jennings
  • Bill Moseley as Soldier #2 (in sewer)
  • Frank Collison as Hobbe
  • Michael Kenworthy as Kevin Penny
  • Jack Rader as Col. Hargis
  • Billy Beck as Can Man
  • Jack Nance as Doctor
  • Erika Eleniak as Vicki De Soto
  • Jacquelyn Masche as White Suit #2
  • Julie McCullough as Susie
  • Daryl Sandy Marsh as Lance (as Daryl Marsh)
  • Richard Anthony Crenna as Soldier Outside Town Hall (as Richard Crenna Jr.)
  • Pons Maar as Theatre Manager
  • Portia Griffin as Gospel Singer

First, there was the original The Blob (1958), covered by Decades of Horror: The Classic Era #123. After that, there was the sequel, Beware! The Blob (1972), braved by the Grue Crew in Decades of Horror 1970s #63. Then came The Blob (1988), an updated retelling of the original as imagined by Frank Darabont and Chuck Russell and discussed by a previous 80s Grue Crew in Decades of Horror 1980s #126. 

Finally, the current 80s Grue Crew, having some contacts in the effects community, decided to do a deeper dive into The Blob (1988) with a focus on the film’s effects work and enlisted the aid of effects artists Jeffrey S. Farley and Ralph Miller III who worked on Lyle Conway’s blob crew. Ralph shares several mechanical devices used for blob manipulation and stories of the hard work put into the film. Jeff focuses on his work on The Blob, occasionally wandering to other aspects of his career, including Abruptio, his current release.

At the time of this writing, The Blob (1988) is available to stream from Peacock, Paramount+, PlutoTV, and multiple PPV sources. It is also available on physical media as a Limited Edition Steelbook 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray and as a Collector’s Edition [4K UHD] from Scream Factory. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be Cannibal Ferox (1981), directed by Umberto Lenzi with special effects by Gino De Rossi. Yup. It must be time for a film initially banned in 31 countries.

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“The killer’s comin’! The killer’s gonna get you!” Ah, yes, the childhood game everyone played. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they discover who wins and loses in Prom Night (1980).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 268 – Prom Night (1980)

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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

At a high school senior prom, a masked killer stalks four teenagers who were responsible for the accidental death of a classmate six years previously.

• Directed by: Paul Lynch
• Writing Credits: William Gray (screenplay); Robert Guza Jr. (from a story by)
• Music by: Paul Zaza, Carl Zittrer
• Cinematography by: Robert C. New (director of photography)
• Selected Cast:
  • Leslie Nielsen as Mr. Hammond
  • Jamie Lee Curtis as Kimberly Hammond
  • Casey Stevens as Nick McBride
  • Anne-Marie Martin as Wendy Richards (as Eddie Benton)
  • Antoinette Bower as Mrs. Hammond
  • Michael Tough as Alex Hammond
  • Robert A. Silverman as Mr. Sykes (as Robert Silverman)
  • Pita Oliver as Vicki
  • David Mucci as Lou Farmer
  • Jeff Wincott as Drew Shinnick
  • Mary Beth Rubens as Kelly Lynch (as Marybeth Rubens)
  • George Touliatos as Lt. McBride
  • Melanie Morse MacQuarrie as Henri-Anne
  • David Gardner as Dr. Fairchild
  • Joy Thompson as Jude Cunningham
  • Sheldon Rybowski as Seymour ‘Slick’ Crane
  • Rob Garrison as Sayer
  • David Bolt as Weller
  • Beth Amos as Housekeeper
  • Sonia Zimmer as Melanie
  • Sylvia Martin as Mrs. Cunningham
  • Elizabeth M. Mason as Adele (as Liz Stalker-Mason)
  • Pam Henry as Car Hop
  • Ardon Bess as Teacher
  • Lee Wildgen as Gang Member
  • Brock Simpson as Young Nick
  • Leslie Scott as Young Wendy
  • Tammy Bourne as Young Robin
  • Dean Bosacki as Young Alex
  • Debbie Greenfield as Young Kim
  • Karen Forbes as Young Jude
  • Joyce Kite as Young Kelly

Prom Night (1980) is one of six horror films in which Jamie Lee Curtis appeared over a three-year span from 1978 to 1981 and the last covered by the Grue-Crew. Three John Carpenter films (Halloween, The Fog, Halloween II) and Prom Night are joined by Road Games and Terror Train. 

Prom Night is not the best of Curtis’s 1978-1981 six-pack of horror movies (does that go without saying?), but is it the worst? Leslie Nielsen, soon to go through his transformation to a standout comedic actor, has little to do as Curtis’s character’s father and the school’s principal. There’s also the student body providing fodder for the killer, the creepy kids that set the whole thing in motion fifteen years earlier, and athe disco music and dancing. Don’t worry. The Grue Crew will give you the straight poop.

At the time of this writing, Prom Night is available to stream from Shudder, Amazon Prime, Peacock, Hoopla, Kanopy, Tubi, PlutoTV, and Freevee. It is also available on physical media as a Blu-ray formatted disc from Synapse Films. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Chad, will be Ghost Story (1981), based on Peter Straub’s 1979 novel! The Grue-Crew has been wanting to do this one for a long time! If you heard them announce Without Warning (1980) on the podcast, they apologize for the change, but it is on the schedule for November. Be patient, fellow babies.

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“Forty years at sea and you end up being a straight man for a smart-ass comedian.” Good heavens, the Captain is a party pooper. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take a cruise on the Death Ship (1980).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 267 – Death Ship (1980)

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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/), which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s 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 mysterious ghostly freighter rams and sinks a modern-day cruise ship whose survivors climb aboard the freighter and discover that it is a World War II Nazi torture vessel.

• Directed by: Alvin Rakoff
• Writing Credits: John Robins (screenplay by); (story by) Jack Hill and David P. Lewis
• Selected Cast:
  • George Kennedy as Captain Ashland
  • Richard Crenna as Trevor Marshall
  • Nick Mancuso as Nick
  • Sally Ann Howes as Margaret Marshall
  • Kate Reid as Sylvia
  • Victoria Burgoyne as Lori
  • Jennifer McKinney as Robin Marshall
  • Danny Higham as Ben Marshall
  • Saul Rubinek as Jackie
  • Murray Cruchley as Parsons (as Lee Murray)
  • Doug Smith as Seaman No. 1
  • Anthony Sherwood as Seaman No. 2 (as Tony Sherwood)
  • Andrew Semple as Strangled Sailor (uncredited)

Death Ship (1980) has a great poster and a decent cast (George Kennedy, Richard Crenna, Sally Ann Howes, Nick Mancuso, Victoria Burgoyne, Kate Reid, and Saul Rubinek). Its premise is also promising: A WW2 Nazi torture ghost ship rams and sinks a modern-day cruise ship and wreaks havoc with the nine survivors. To top it off, the film is co-scripted by Jack Hill (Spider Baby or, The Maddest Story Ever Told; 1967) and  David P. Lewis. The ingredients appear to be a potent combination, but do they combine to create a palatable whole? Of course, the Grue Crew has some thoughts on the matter. Check out their talkabout and discover the Gruesome truth.

At the time of this writing, Death Ship is available to stream from Amazon Prime and Tubi, and is also available on physical media as a Blu-ray formatted disc from Scorpion Releasing. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Crystal, will be Prom Night (1980)! Jamie Lee Curtis stars in her third of five horror films released 1978-1981. Slasher time, everyone!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“Stay in the car. ...  Stay In The Car! ... GET BACK IN THE CAR!!” No one ever follows directions in horror movies. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, Jeff Mohr, and guest Dirk Rogers – as they try to figure out precisely what is going on in Xtro (1982).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 266 – Xtro (1982)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s 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 alien creature impregnates a woman who gives birth to a man who was abducted by aliens three years ago. The man reconnects with his wife and son for a sinister purpose.

• Directed by: Harry Bromley Davenport
• Writing Credits: Iain Cassie, Robert Smith; (story by) Harry Bromley Davenport, Michel Parry; Jo Ann Kaplan (additional dialogue “Americanized”)
• Produced by: 
  • Robert Shaye (executive producer)
  • Mark Forstater (producer)
  • James Crawford (associate producer) (as James M. Crawford)
• Music by: Harry Bromley Davenport
• Cinematography by: John Metcalfe
• Special Effects by:
  • Tom Harris (mechanical effects / special effects supervisor)
  • Francis Coates (Creature Effects)
• Selected Cast:
  • Philip Sayer as Sam Phillips
  • Bernice Stegers as Rachel Phillips
  • Danny Brainin as Joe Daniels
  • Maryam d’Abo as Analise Mercier
  • Simon Nash as Tony Phillips
  • Peter Mandell as Clown
  • David Cardy as Michael
  • Anna Wing as Mrs. Goodman
  • Robert Fyfe as Doctor
  • Katherine Best as Jane
  • Robert Pereno as Ben
  • Sean Crawford as Commando (credited as Tok)
  • Tim Dry as Monster (credited as Tik)
  • Susie Silvey as Woman in Cottage
  • Arthur Whybrow as Mr. Knight
  • Anna Mottram as eacher
  • Robert Austin as Van Driver
  • Vanya Seager as Paula Phillips

Xtro (1982) is one of those movies. Either you love it… or you say, “WTF?” Or maybe both! Luckily, the 80s Grue-Crew are joined by guest host Dirk Rogers, an Xtro fan, to help sort out the mess and to point out why he likes it so much. It took a while for the crew to get the finer points, so you’ll have to check out the episode to see if any of Dirk’s teachings sink in. 

The film depicts an alien impregnating human women with a “plunger” appendage and giving an eleven-year-old boy the power to bring anything he can imagine into reality. How could one expect anything but a five-ring circus?

At the time of this writing, Xtro is available on physical media as an all-region import Blu-ray formatted disc from Second Sight Films. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be Death Ship (1980)! Co-written by Jack Hill (Spider Baby or, The Maddest Story Ever Told; 1967) and starring George Kennedy, Richard Crenna, Nick Mancuso, Sally Ann Howes, Kate Reid, and Victoria Burgoyne. Yo, baby!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“Let’s get one thing straight! A successful semester to me means making out with as many cute boys as possible. Let’s put it this way: anything in pants!” That quote doesn’t age well but Lucio Fulci never was politically correct. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they check out more of Lucio Fulci’s innovative deaths in Aenigma (1987).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 265 – Aenigma (1987)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s 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 spirit of a comatose teenage girl possesses the body of a newcomer to her girls’ boarding school to enact bloody revenge against the elitist coeds responsible for her condition.

• Directed by: Lucio Fulci
• Writing Credits: Lucio Fulci, Giorgio Mariuzzo
• Selected Cast:
  • Jared Martin as Dr. Robert Anderson
  • Lara Lamberti as Eva Gordon (as Lara Naszinski)
  • Ulli Reinthaler as Jenny Clark
  • Sophie d’Aulan as Kim Wilkins
  • Jennifer Naud as Grace O’Neal
  • Riccardo Acerbi as Fred Vernon
  • Kathi Wise as Virginia Williams
  • Milijana Zirojevic as Kathy (as Mijlijana Zirojevic)
  • Dragan Bjelogrlic as Tom (as a different name)
  • Ljiljana Blagojevic as Ms. Jones (as Lijlijana Blagojevic)
  • Franciska Spahic as Joanne
  • Dusica Zegarac as Mary
  • Zorica Lesic as Miss James
  • Rade Colovic as Tom
  • Lucio Fulci as Police Inspector (uncredited)

Travel with the 80s Grue-Crew to St. Mary’s College, an all-girls school in Boston (not really Boston, but hey, it’s the movies) for a Lucio Fulci homage to Carrie (1976), with a heavy dose of Patrick (1978) and a dusting of Suspiria (1977). The students and faculty in the school all seem to be sociopaths. The problem is, who do you root for? This Italian-Yugoslavian joint production is not one of Fulci’s best, but it’s certainly watchable, and, as usual, the victims are dispatched with style. Escargots anyone? Enjoy the Grue-Crew’s talkabout!

At the time of this writing, Aenigma is available to stream from Wicked Horror TV, Shudder, Screambox, and Tubi, and on physical media as a Blu-ray formatted disc from Severin. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Jeff, will be Xtro (1982)! Yikes!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“Uh, if you take a black cat and broil it in the oven, and you peel off the skin on the bones and take it off… and you chew on the bone, you’ll be invisible.” Just a little something for show and tell. Don’t try it at home, children. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they check out some very weird parents in the aptly titled film… Parents (1989).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 264 – Parents (1989)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/), which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s 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 young boy living in 1950s suburbia suspects that his parents are cannibalistic murderers

• Director: Bob Balaban
• Writer: Christopher Hawthorne
• Selected Cast:
  • Randy Quaid as Nick Laemle
  • Mary Beth Hurt as Lily Laemle
  • Sandy Dennis as Millie Dew
  • Bryan Madorsky as Michael Laemle
  • London Juno as Sheila Zellner (as Juno Mills-Cockell)
  • Kathryn Grody as Miss Baxter
  • Deborah Rush as Mrs. Zellner
  • Graham Jarvis as Mr. Zellner
  • Helen Carscallen as Grandmother
  • Warren Van Evera as Grandfather
  • Wayne Robson as Lab Attendant
  • Uriel Byfield as Little Boy
  • Mariah Balaban as Little Girl
  • Larry Palef as Announcer

You might not get what you’re expecting in Bob Balaban’s Parents (1989). Labeled as a horror comedy and starring Randy Quaid, one might expect some wild-and-crazy, whack-a-doodle hijinx. Instead, you get the button-down collar, tie-and-lab-coat-wearing version of Mr. Quaid, and some very dark humor with a heavy emphasis on dark. Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt are the parents of Michael (Bryan Madorsky), an emotionally flat and expressionless kid living a nightmare with his parents. Enter Sandy Dennis as Millie Dew, the school social worker, who jumps right into the frying pan. Literally. Mileage may vary regarding outright laughs, but the Grue-Crew enjoyed the watch and have much to discuss.

At the time of this writing, Parents is available to stream from Tubi and on physical media as a Blu-ray disc from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Chad, will be Aenigma (1987). It’s Fulci time!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“By the four beasts before the throne. By the fire which is about the throne. By the most holy and glorious name, Satan. I, Stanley Coopersmith will return. I WILL RETURN!” Well, he’s Clint Howard. Of course, he will return! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they hang out in the church basement with young Cadet Coopersmith in Evilspeak (1981).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 263 – Evilspeak (1981)

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An outcast military cadet taps into a way to summon demons and cast spells on his tormentors through his computer.

• Directed by: Eric Weston
• Writing Credits: Joseph Garofalo, Eric Weston
• Cinematography by: Irv Goodnoff
• Selected Cast:
  • Clint Howard as Stanley Coopersmith
  • R.G. Armstrong as Sarge
  • Joe Cortese as Reverend Jameson (as Joseph Cortese)
  • Claude Earl Jones as Coach
  • Haywood Nelson as Kowalski
  • Don Stark as Bubba Caldwell
  • Charles Tyner as Colonel Kincaid
  • Hamilton Camp as Hauptman
  • Louie Gravance as Jo Jo
  • Jim Greenleaf as Ox
  • Lynn Hancock as Miss Friedemeyer
  • Loren Lester as Charlie Boy
  • Kathy McCullen as Kelly
  • Lenny Montana as Jake
  • Leonard D’John as Tony
  • Bennett James as Captain Merrill (credited as Bennett Liss)
  • Katherine Kelly Lang as Susie Baker
  • Richard Moll as Father Esteban
  • Robert Tafur as Old Priest
  • Sue Casey as Mrs. Caldwell

Evilspeak answers the question, “What happens when a bullied, military school cadet finds a Satanic tome written in Latin in the basement of the academy chapel?” Of course — with a helping hand from an early Apple PC — shenanigans ensue! Heads are lost, hearts are ripped out, and worst of all… the hogs are released! Yikes! Clint Howard, as Stanley Coopersmith, plays the bullied cadet transformed into a possessed Satanic priest with gusto and is expertly supported by a cast of experienced character actors. The story starts a bit slow, but the Grue-Crew promises you will be rewarded during the final act of Evilspeak. And never fear. The bullies get their just deserts.

At the time of this writing, Evilspeak is available to stream from Shudder, AMC+, and Plex. 

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Crystal, will be Parents (1989), a horror comedy featuring Randy Quaid, Mary Beth Hurt, and young Bryan Madorsky as the Laemles. The question is, what do Mr. And Mrs. Laemle serve for dinner?

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

Quid: “Aren’t you kind of young to be hitchhiking out here all by yourself?” Hitch: “Aren’t you kind of old to be picking me up?” She’s got a point. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take another trip down under for some Ozploitation with Richard Franklin’s Roadgames (1981).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 262 – Roadgames (1981)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s 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 laid-back American truck driver in south Australia suspects that the driver of a green van is killing young women along his route, and plays a game of cat-and-mouse to catch him.

• Directed by: Richard Franklin
• Writing Credits: Everett De Roche (screenplay); Everett De Roche & Richard Franklin (original story)
• Music by: Brian May
• Cinematography by: Vincent Monton (director of photography)
• Editing by: Edward McQueen-Mason
• Production Design by: Jon Dowding
• Visual Effects by:
  • Roger Cowland (visual effects)
  • Jack Endacott (process operator)
  • Bill Hansard (process photography)
  • Richard Wilmot (optical effects printer) (uncredited)
• Stunt Coordinator: Grant Page
• Truck Driver / Dog Owner: Tom Glass
• Selected Cast:
  • Stacy Keach as Pat Quid
  • Jamie Lee Curtis as Hitch
  • Marion Edward as Frita
  • Grant Page as Smith or Jones
  • Thaddeus Smith as Police
  • Steve Millichamp as Police (as Stephen Millichamp)
  • Alan Hopgood as Lester
  • John Murphy as Benny Balls
  • Bill Stacey as Captain Careful
  • Robert Thompson as Sneezy Rider
  • Ed Turley as Roadhouse Proprietor
  • Angelica La Bozzetta as Hitchhiker (as Angie La Bozzetta)
  • Colin Vancao as Fred Frugal
  • Paul Harris as Frugal Child
  • Rochelle Harris as Frugal Child
  • Tony Bishop as Honeymooner
  • Abbe Holmes as Honeymooner
  • Carole-Ann Aylett as Cleaning Lady (as Carol Ann Aylett)
  • Killer as Boswell
  • Les James as Mechanic tending to alarm (uncredited)
  • Tom Ryan as Jackaroo (uncredited)

It’s Ozploitation time again for the Grue Crew! This go-around, the Crew discusses Richard Franklin’s Roadgames (1981) starring Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis as the pair trek across Southern Australia’s Nullarbor Plain hauling pig carcasses from Melbourne to Perth. Conceived as Hitchcock’s Rear Window (1954) as seen from a tractor-trailer, Roadgames features encounters along the road with a cast of recurring travelers and a serial killer. Keach’s and Curtis’ chemistry is apparent in their engaging performances. Though not straight horror, Roadgames is horror-adjacent while generating its share of suspense amid horrific events.

At the time of this writing, Roadgames is available to stream from Amazon Prime, Peacock, Tubi, PlutoTV, and multiple PPV sources. The movie is available on physical media as a standard Blu-ray disc from Shout! Factory.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be Evilspeak (1981), one of the video nasties, featuring Clint Howard as an outcast military cadet, R.G. Armstrong as Sarge, and Richard Moll in a supporting role. This should be interesting! 

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“You get what you deserve in them Deep Barons, you lez-beans! You won’t be causing no one no trouble no more!” Really? That’s all you got? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they celebrate one of their favorite holidays Troma-style with Mother’s Day (1980).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 261 – Mother’s Day (1980)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Two brothers kidnap and brutalize three women for the pleasure of their demented mother.

• Directed by: Charles Kaufman
• Writing Credits: Charles Kaufman, Warren Leight
• Produced by:
  • Alexander Beck (executive producer)
  • Michael Herz (associate producer)
  • Charles Kaufman (producer)
  • Lloyd Kaufman (associate producer}
  • Michael Kravitz (producer)
• Cinematography by: Joseph Mangine
• Editing by: Daniel Loewenthal
• Production Design by: Susan Kaufman
• Art Direction by: Sandy Hamilton
• Assistant Art Director: Rex Piano
• Costume Design by: Ellen Lutter
• Special Makeup Effects by: Josie Caruso, Rob E. Holland
• Selected Cast:
  • Nancy Hendrickson as Abbey
  • Deborah Luce as Jackie
  • Tiana Pierce as Trina
  • Gary Pollard as Ike (credited as Holden McGuire)
  • Michael McCleery as Addley (credited as Billy Ray McQuade)
  • Beatrice Pons as Mother (credited as Rose Ross)
  • Robert Collins as Ernie
  • Peter Fox as The ‘Dobber’ (credited as Karl Sandys)
  • Luisa Marsella as Terry (credited as Marsella Davidson)
  • Kevin Lowe as Ted
  • Scott Lucas as Storekeeper
  • Ed Battle as Doorman
  • Robert Carnegie as Tex
  • Stanley Kaufman as Older Man at Pool Party

Mother’s Day, directed by Charles Kaufman and featuring an admirable performance from Beatrice Pons as “Mother,” looks far better than it deserves to look. Except for Pons and cinematographer Joseph Mangine, Mother’s Day features a group of relative novices, and yet, the acting, story, and humor propel this film from beginning to end, even though it’s a bit tough to watch in places. Hey! The three lead victims of Mother’s clan even have story arcs! Eli Roth’s favorite movie can’t be all bad, can it?

At the time of this writing, Mother’s Day is available to stream from Shudder, Tubi, PlutoTV, and several PPV sources. The movie is available on physical media from Vinegar Syndrome in a 2-disc Region Free Set: 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Jeff, will be Roadgames (1981), directed by Richard Franklin (Patrick, Psycho II) and starring Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis. Get ready for some Ozploitation!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“Your mother, did she date other men?” Define “date.” Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they try to figure out Ulli Lomel’s version of The Boogey Man (1980).

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 260 – The Boogey Man (1980)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
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Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s 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 young girl witnesses her brother murder their mom’s boyfriend through a reflection in a mirror. Twenty years later the mirror is shattered, freeing the dead boyfriend’s evil spirit, which seeks revenge for his death.

• Directed by: Ulli Lommel
• Writing Credits: (screenplay by) Ulli Lommel, Suzanna Love, David Herschel; (written by) Ulli Lommel
• Music by: Tim Krog
• Cinematography by: David Sperling, Jochen Breitenstein
• Editing by: Terrell Tannen
• Selected Cast:
  • Suzanna Love as Lacey
  • Ron James as Jake
  • John Carradine as Dr. Warren
  • Nicholas Love as Willy
  • Raymond Boyden as Kevin
  • Felicite Morgan as Aunt Helen
  • Bill Rayburn as Uncle Ernest
  • Llewelyn Thomas as Father Reilly
  • Jay Wright as Young Willy
  • Natasha Schiano as Young Lacey
  • Gillian Gordon as Lacey and Willy’s Mother
  • Howard Grant as The Lover
  • Jane Pratt as Jane
  • Lucinda Ziesing as Susan
  • David Swim as Timmy
  • Katie Casey as Teenager
  • Ernest Meier as Teenager
  • Charles David Richards as Teenager (as Stony Richards)
  • Claudia Porcelli as Teenager
  • Catherine Tambini as Katy

Sporting a title that has burrowed its way into every child’s nightmares, The Boogey Man also borrows from or pays homage to several previous horror films, among them The Exorcist (1973), Halloween (1978), and The Amityville Horror (1979). Helmed by the famous (or is it infamous?) director, Ulli Lommel, this low-budget supernatural slasher is a family affair: Lommel’s wife, Susanna Love, stars; the cast is spotted with her friends and relatives; and it’s even shot on her uncle’s farm. Does the result live up to its chilling title? The 80s Grue-Crew has plenty to say on that subject and many more as they frequently get sidetracked in this episode.

At the time of this writing, The Boogey Man is available to stream from Shudder and Amazon PPV. The movie is available on physical media from Vinegar Syndrome in a 2-disc Blu-ray edition: one 4K Ultra HD disc and one standard format Blu-ray disc.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Chad, will be Mother’s Day (1980), directed by Charles Kauffman. It’s Troma time, just in time for Father’s Day!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“I’m sorry… I was having an hallucination…” That explains a lot! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, Jeff Mohr, and guest host Scott Wells – as they take in Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Santa Sangre (1989), a disarming film tattooed with symbolism … including the disarming part.

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 259 – Santa Sangre (1989)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s 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 former circus artist escapes from a mental hospital to rejoin his armless mother – the leader of a strange religious cult – and is forced to enact brutal murders in her name as he becomes “her arms.”

• Directed by: Alejandro Jodorowsky
• Writing Credits: 
  • Original Story by: Alejandro Jodorowsky
  • Adapted for the Screen by: Roberto Leoni
  • Screenply by: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Roberto Leoni, Claudio Argento
• Producer: Claudio Argento
• Selected Cast:
  • Axel Jodorowsky as Fenix
  • Blanca Guerra as Concha
  • Guy Stockwell as Orgo
  • Thelma Tixou as The Tattooed Woman
  • Sabrina Dennison as Alma
  • Adan Jodorowsky as Young Fenix
  • Faviola Elenka Tapia as Young Alma
  • Teo Jodorowsky as Pimp
  • Mary Aranza as Fat Prostitute (as Ma. De Jesus Aranzabal)
  • Jesús Juárez as Aladin (as Jesus Juarez)
  • Sergio Bustamante as Monsignor
  • Gloriella as Rubi (as Gloria Contreras)
  • S. Rodriguez as The Saint
  • Zonia Rangel Mora as Trini
  • Joaquín García Vargas as Box-Office Attendant (as Borolas)
  • Teo Tapia as Business Man
  • Edgar E. Jiménez Nava as Monsignor’s Chauffeur (as Edgar E. Jimenez Nava)
  • Jacobo Lieberman as Monsignor’s Secretary
  • Héctor Ortega as Doctor (as Hector Ortega Gomez)
  • Brontis Jodorowsky as Orderly 1
  • Valérie Crouzet as Orderly 2 (as Valerie Crouzet)
  • Óscar Serafín Álvarez as Soldier 1 (as Oscar Serafin Alvarez)
  • Billy Motton as Soldier 2
  • Hilario ‘Popitekus’ Vargas as Wrestler 1
  • Guadalupe ‘TNT’ Aguilar as Wrestler 2
  • Arturo ‘Rinoceronte’ Contreras as Wrestler 3
  • Gustavo Aguilar Tejada as Beggar
  • Roger Fayard Arroyo as Beggar

In this episode, Jeff, Chad, and Bill welcome guest-host Scott Wells to review the 1989 “avant-garde surrealistic psychological horror film” from director Alejandro Jodorowsky. While the film is in English, Santa Sangre is a Mexican and Italian co-production that features a truly bizarre tale that has to be seen to be believed. The less said here, the better – it’s so much better to join the Grue-Crew to revisit this unpredictable, gorgeous, must-see mind-bender.

At the time of this writing, Santa Sangre is available to stream from Shudder, AMC+, Screambox, Kanopy, and Tubi, and is available on physical media from Severin in three releases: Blu-ray (2011), 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray (2021), and a 4K Ultra HD 4-Disc Limited Edition Collector’s Set (2021). Both 2021 releases are made from a 4K scan of the original negative supervised by the director.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Crystal, will be The Boogey Man (1980), directed by Ulli Lommel and featuring the formidable John Carradine … and a mirror? This should be a fun one!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

“You keep breeding in the same family long enough, something’s bound to snap.” Oh, snap! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they go to Oregon for the little-known slasher Just Before Dawn (1981) from Jeff Lieberman.

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 258 – Just Before Dawn (1981)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel!
Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content!
https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Five young people venture into the backwoods of Oregon to claim a property, and find themselves being stalked by a hulking, machete-wielding psychopath.

• Directed by: Jeff Lieberman
• Writing Credits: Mark Arywitz & Jeff Lieberman (credited as Gregg Irving); Jonas Middleton (story) (as Joseph Middleton)
• Music by: Brad Fiedel
• Cinematography: Dean King, Joel King
• Special Effects Makeup: Matthew W. Mungle (as Matthew Mungle)
• Selected Cast:
  • George Kennedy as Roy McLean
  • Mike Kellin as Ty
  • Chris Lemmon as Jonathan
  • Gregg Henry as Warren
  • Deborah Benson as Constance
  • Ralph Seymour as Daniel
  • Katie Powell as Merry Cat Logan (credited as Kati Powell)
  • John Hunsaker as Mountain Twins
  • Charles Bartlett as Vachel
  • Jamie Rose as Megan
  • Hap Oslund as Pa Logan
  • Barbara Spencer as Ma Logan

Just Before Dawn (1981) – directed by Jeff Lieberman (Squirm, 1977; Blue Sunshine, 1977; Satan’s Little Helper, 1995) and starring George Kennedy, Deborah Benson, Chris Lemmon, and Gregg Henry – features yet another hulking, machete-wielding psychopath jumping onto the big screen to slice and dice their way through a group of hikers in the wild woods of Oregon, USA. Is it an underappreciated gem or deserving of its status as a “lesser known” in the 80s slasher canon? The Grue Crew has something to say on that subject.

At the time of this writing, Just Before Dawn is available to stream from Wicked Horror TV.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode’s film, chosen by Bill, will be Santa Sangre (1989), by director Alejandro Jodorowsky and producer Claudio Argento. As the tagline proclaims, forget everything you have ever seen!

Please let them know how they’re doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.