The Haunting (1963)

October Challenge Day 6

There is a crack in the soles of my shoes, and never is that crack more noticeable than when it rains. So after a night of visiting friends, walking through rain and puddles, and going through two pairs of  soaking socks, when I arrived home last night I wanted nothing more than to curl up on the couch to a spooky little tale (and some french onion soup). 

A dark, raining night simply screams blankets, soups, and spooky stories, so when it occurred to me that it's been far too long since I've seen the classic The Haunting, I knew what had to be done.

Based on (the magnificent) Shirley Jackson and her (stunning) novel, The Haunting of Hill House, this downright chilling story follows a paranormal investigator's quest to prove ghosts exists and the people he brings along for the terrifying ride.

Shirley Jackson is one of my most favorite authors. There's a chance I might even worship her a little bit... So I'm delighted beyond words at how well made this adaptation is - how well they captured the essence of her absolutely chilling atmospheres and outcomes.

Now, there are few things that *truly* frighten me in horror stories (books or film), except growling and the sound of pounding. Growling and pounding. There you are folks - that stuff scares the crap out of me. And wouldn't you know it! In the book and the film there is quite a lot of pounding! Thankfully no growling, not sure how I would have handled that. It's thanks to this story that prompted my fear of pounding! The Changling didn't help matters.

Hard to picture yourself scared of the sound of pounding? Then just help yourself to a healthy helping of this film! You know it's a well made horror feature when you are now afraid of everyday things, like doors, a spiral staircase, and pounding...

Heady, atmospheric, chilling, and jaw-dropping, this ghost story is unique and stunning in so many different ways (e.g., a people and paranormal study). Pairs with soup, tea/coffee/whiskey, and lots of blankets to curl up under. Looking to make it a double feature night? Add The Innocents (1961) to the watch list.

I rented this film. You can use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to locate where else you can find this goose bump-riddled feature. 

Dead of Night (1977)

October Challenge Day 5

When I have no idea what to watch I often turn to an anthology. Or, in rare instances, a somewhat raunchy cartoon comedy.

There were no raunchy cartoons this evening, however... So there I was, evening all to myself, cats all curled up on the couch with me and I had no idea what I wanted to see. Until I stumbled up on this 1970's made-for-TV goodness, Dead Of Night, while one of my favorite childhood dishes (spaghetti casserole) was heating up in the oven.

The thing I love about anthologies, especially made-for-TV anthologies, is that I *know* at least one of the stories is going to be great. They are also going to be deliciously cheesy - but not too much cheese - just enough to delight the savory senses. Just like my awesome casserole.

Such is the case with this gem!

*Note, this one should not to be confused with the absolutely stellar anthology gem, Dead of Night (1945).

The first story is a heart-felt love story, the second a sinister tale of deception, while the third story (it's always the third story) is probably the best. Or at least the most memorable.

Throughout the first two stories I knew I hadn't seen this show. The third one though, I sat up on the couch, leaned closer, and said to no one: "I've seen this story..."

Couldn't tell you when, where, or how I saw the last tale of this show, but I know I saw it and it a left a disturbing impression on me, and perhaps one of the first to resonate "Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it". It's also probably so impressionable because it's a perfect horror story: at what lengths will you go to bring a loved one back and what price will you pay?

[queue weathering a dark stormy night in front of a hearth fire, thunder rings, ominous sounds bellow in the distance]

This is a really well made show, and a fine collection of familiar/not familiar stories. Richard Matheson fans rejoice - if you're not familiar with this show then I suggest you get on this pronto. Make it a double feature with Trilogy of Terror!!!

Pairs with your favorite comfort food, clothes, and a few close friends. Best watched as the Fall blows in and on a blustery night.

I saw this film on the Shudder channel. Use the Find It. Watch It. links on Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this delightfully chilling gem.

The Fly (1986)

October Challenge Day 4

I was in the mood for a little horror, little Sci-Fi, little classic, and settled comfortably on the 1986 marvel: The Fly.

I've seen this film before - in fact, seen it as recently as this most recent New Years! Because that's what normal people do. They watch The Fly to welcome in the new year! Normal!

Although I've seen this film several times over the last few decades, a few new things popped out to me:

#1: Why am I always so surprised how gross this film becomes? WHY. This film is disgusting and I can't understand why it always surprises me.

#2: Further solidifies my belief that many wonderful horror films were made in the 1950s but only a few were selected to be reborn in the 1980s as GREAT films.

#3: If you replace the fly aspect with a drug then this is a horror story on a whole new level....

This is a remarkable horror film. Engaging, sympathetic, intriguing, dramatic, GROSS GROSS GROSS, horrifying, and still heartfelt - all while being about a man, his pursuit for good and science - and a fly. Creative geniuses for the win again!

What really struck me during this most recent viewing was the uncanny resemblance to watching someone descend into a madness - through drugs and alcohol, for instance - and this scientist making a mistake in his work.

A harmless mistake. No one saw it coming. Just this one time won't harm anything. I have it under control.

Anyone who has watched someone loss their mind, body, and soul to drugs and/or alcohol, will understand what I'm talking about here. The transformations in face, body, and personality. The anger. The night/day of behavior and predictability. The horror of watching it happen (by the person or the public) and feeling completely helpless. You get it.

All of these things happen in the film, to a startlingly mirror image of real life events. Except in the story it's a fly that infests a human's DNA. In reality, it's other items that infest our well being.

I didn't mean for this to happen.

There are very few *good* "mad scientist" movies out any more. Almost seemed they hit their peak in the '30s with a few occurrences in the '70s and 80s. Perhaps what startles me most about any mad scientist story is that the scientist doesn't scare me - it's who they become as a result of their blind pursuits that scare me. Blind, well intended, pursuits. Oh, hello there Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

This is an excellent horror film. An excellent moral story. An excellent gore fest. It's an excellent film. Pairs with good ideas that are made bad by booze, and maybe some mediocre steak.

I watched this film on Hulu. Use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this goretastic scream fest. 

Piranha (1978)

October Challenge Day 3:

OH MY GAWD

Where in the world did this beautiful yet terribly entertaining masterpiece crawl out from? From giant water basins of experimental evil, that's where!

Piranha, I never expected you to be so delightfully fantastic.

Pull open the tabs on your beers, slather on the baby oil, and prepare yourself for a Jaws (in miniature) adventure! 

What could possibly go wrong when the military begins biological warfare experiments on PIRANHAS? But wait, could it get any worse when those experimental waters are accidentally drained into rivers that are popular with tourists?

Sit back folks, rest assured, it all goes down hill and drains into the largest body of water available - all for our thrill-seeking pleasure.

Honestly, this is a surprisingly entertaining film and a hilarious blood bath. Literally, most of the blood seen is in water, like a bath, but bloody.

Obviously trying to sail on the Jaws scenes, according to IMDB, this film was sued by Universal Studies but Stephen Spielberg liked it so much the lawsuit was dropped. Entertaining horror film and a happy ending - win win!

Bask in the ridiculous wonder of this film alone or with a group of friends - guaranteed hilarity regardless. Be sure to pack that picnic basket, hide the flask, and venture into uncharted waters in either your most comfortable or revealing clothes. 

I watched this film for free on Tubi. Use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to locate where else you can find this welcoming and absurd creature feature.

PS: What's Up With The Creature Walking Around in the Lab?!?!?!?!??!!? I need answers!!!!!

Thirteen Women (1932)

October Challenge Day 2:

It was a dark night last night. Surprisingly dark, menacing, and dreary - perfect atmosphere for curling up on the couch to a black and white classic!

Let me introduce you to the very surprising Thirteen Women. (Note, not 13 Women, as I've made the mistake of searching for this film by...)

Folks, wow. So many different wows. I'll explain.  

First of all, I found this film daring and shocking in many ways:

Subject: elite sorority women are being menaced by horoscopes (that's right, horoscopes) suddenly arriving in the mail, informing them of their unavoidable and untimely death. 

Race and Religion: Ah, I'd like to blame a lot of things on the ignorance of 1932 but seeing as we've recently had the Ghost In The Shell nonsense AND this movie dives even deeper into culture, religion, and race topics - and... it gets real right quick. Right quick. The ending of this film deserves a whole hell of a lot of conversation.

Costumes: These f*cking costumes are AMAZING. Holy sh*t. I was gobsmacked by these outfits and I honestly can say I've never said that about costumes in any film. Ever.

Money and Power: It's never made clear why these woman have so much money, power, and no longer have husbands. As one woman said to the other, essentially, "Why don't you get married again?" and the other responds with "Not going to make that mistake again." In fact, throughout the film, husbands and men are toys, a nuisance, or unnecessary. Mind blown - considering this was 1932.

Bullying and Privilege: Well. Let's just say the conversations needed in 1932 are still needed in 2018. Very much so. This whole film is a walking, talking, much needed conversation!

In all, this spooky little feature packs a lot into its surprising story line. A Lot.

But that's not all!!

This film was recommended to me by a fan of my Roku channel, asking if I could show it. Sadly, I don't yet have access to this film but I was intrigued, so I did a little digging....

Now, folks. I'm a huge paranormal fan. My research into this realm is never ending. So, naturally, I knew all about the haunting at the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. I knew the story is that an aspiring starlet jumped to her death after a failed career. I knew of the stories that rumored her ghost terrorized trespassing teens and unsuspecting visitors. I even knew the legend was based on fact, and her name is: Peg Entwistle.

What I did not know was that Thirteen Women helped prompt that terrible leap.

Peg, just 24, had determined dreams to make it in Hollywood. Although already a successful stage actress - she wanted the silver screen. Finally her first chance came as a supporting access in Thirteen Women. Shortly after the release of this film, however, the reviews of her performance came in and they were, apparently, negative. 

Depression and alcohol crawled deep into her bones one night not long after the release and those bastards did not let go. She left a note apologizing she didn't do it sooner.

I'd like to send a message to Peg right now. 

I thought you did great! I do not understand how or why anyone could have given your performance anything but a glowing review. Your scenes were too short, that's my only complaint. You weren't given enough time. On and off the screen. 

Sister, you don't need to be haunting that sign anymore. Be free.

If anyone needs help at anytime, please reach out. Her name was dragged across the papers - a tragic story that sold. No one deserves that and there is help. There is always help: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. 

Peace and keep talking.

Peg Entwistle