Welcome to Horror

It’s episode 250! And to celebrate the team have decided to play “what if?”. We have all chosen a film outside of the genre to be remade as a horror: Who do you cast? Who’s directing it? What changes about the story and what stays the same? It’s just a bit a daft laff, but if you enjoy this episode, let us know what your choices would be. Technically there’s no spoilers (or spoilers for films that don’t exist?), so just put on your party hat and join us.

Adam returns to the Welcome To Horror Fact Library for a bonus episode of extra material left over from our recent episode on “The Blood On Satan’s Claw”. As always, we recommend you listen to our main episode (number 234) first, before plowing into this fiendish field of facts. We hope you enjoy this little transmission from the Welcome To Horror Fact Library.

It’s weird sequel time, and there’s few that come weirder than “House II: The Second Story”. A film in which we learn that portals are a common problem in old houses (a bit like dry rot, but with more murder); that old cowboys don’t die (they just get rat-arsed in the basement); and that Bill Maher is an oily heap of shit. Whilst an anthology film franchise should endeavour to make each entry as different to what has gone before as possible; it is still is a hell of a whiplash to view this after the first “House” film. Certain things remain - the humour, marvellous practical effects, and a guest star role for someone from “Cheers”, but the differences are far greater. Whilst the first film is definitely a horror, this falls much more into the category of family adventure; and could be an entry level horror film for kids, with nothing too scary, a set of goofy, likeable characters and amusing puppets. This family-friendly spookiness was possibly influenced by the huge success a few years earlier of the likes of “Ghostbusters”, “Gremlins” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. After this, the franchise went into more obvious horror territory, but, unfortunately, never quite achieved the inventive potential displayed in the first two entries. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

This week, we’re discussing Don Coscarelli’s “Bubba Ho-Tep”, and usually at this point, we would write a few amusing sentences about the film. But nothing we can come up with beats this premise: Elvis Presley didn’t die and is now stuck in an Old People’s Home in Texas. He teams up with a fellow resident (a black man who claims to be a post-assassination JFK) to fight a soul-sucking Mummy in Cowboy boots. Seen and loved by many at the time of release, now 23 years later, “Bubba Ho-Tep” seems, sadly, overlooked. Despite its horror royalty combination of “Phantasm” creator Coscarelli behind the camera, and a magnificent portrayal of a bitter and forgotten Elvis/delusional Elvis impersonator by Bruce Campbell (in possibly his best role outside of “The Evil Dead”’s Ash), it just doesn’t seem to get mentioned much anymore. Which is a shame; Campbell’s marvellous double act with the impeccable Ossie Davis as JFK give this mondo idea some real humour and heart. Despite the madcap premise, the film is also a reflection on the regrets, sadness and indignities of old age, with Elvis mourning his lost potential, and his body’s decline (in a scatalogically graphic narration). Like its protagonists, this film shouldn’t be forgotten as it ages, but allowed its time to shine forever. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

We present a spoiler free look at director Jennifer Wolfe’s debut feature “Happy Ending”. A couple losing the spark in their relationship seek advice from friends who recommend a trip to a massage parlour with “extras”. An already uneasy and awkward visit for the pair is reflected in the back rooms of the parlour, where the workers are troubled by their situation and the obsessive attentions of a dangerous former customer. Events spiral into an eruption of chaos and violence, drawing everyone into the maelstrom. Whilst that may sound like pure thriller fare, what sets “Happy Ending” apart is that it’s also extremely funny; our two main leads are engaging and realistic, their comfortable but strained partnership brings the laughs as they navigate their way through the tribulations of their relationship, and, latterly, attempt to get out of the deadly situation alive. A big thank you to Jennifer Wolfe for reaching out to us (on recommendation from previous guest, “Bampire” director Zoë Wassman) and giving us the opportunity to view this excellent comedy/thriller. “Happy Ending” is currently streaming on Amazon Prime, Plex and Fandango ar Home, and we urge you to seek it out!

Settle in your best (and only) coffin, grab a drink or twelve and join us for “The Comedy of Terrors”. In film in which we hear possibly the only use of the phrase “Toss Pot” outside of the UK; Orangey displays why he was considered one of the finest cactors of his generation; and Osgood Fielding III gives the best scream this side of a Tom and Jerry cartoon. Sadly, this is the last time that Vincent Price and Peter Lorre demonstrated their magnificent comedy double act as part of this amazing ensemble with Joyce Jameson, Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone, all of whom totally embrace the grotesque insanity of their characters and the tale itself. “The Comedy of Terrors” is a real refinement of the dark vein of humour the various cast members had begun exploring with Roger Corman in the Poe adaptations “Tales of Terror” and “The Raven”, but this time, it’s the legendary Jacques Tourneur behind the camera, with an original script from the pen of the great Richard Matheson, both of whom mould this original gem of Gothic Black Comedy. Sadly, “The Comedy of Terrors” failed to perform at the box office, and with Lorre’s death only a few months after release, it closed a chapter on what could have been a far more interesting direction for producers AIP. Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.