American filmmaker and former critic for Film Bulletin circa 1969-1974.
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The Light at the Edge of the World 1971
Though a title like Jules Vern's "The Light at the Edge of the World" promises adventure in the traditional science-fiction vein, this Spanish/U.S. co-production is a strictly mundane pirate picture which piles sadism upon violence with no particular skill or style.
Despite better-than-average marquee factors in top billed Kirk Douglas (who also produced), Samantha Eggar, and Yul Brenner, the national general release is best suited to saturation playoffs on duel bills in action-houses and drive-ins. Although, six minutes of violence…
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Witchcraft '70 1970
Weird, if faked, shockumentary doesn’t live up to its promotional promises, but the ballyhoo angles are ample to garner good grosses for fast play‑offs in drive‑ins and action markets. Rating: X.
The undeniable appeal of “Unspeakable Cults! Bizarre Rituals! Erotic Rites!”—not to mention “Actual Human Sacrifice on the Bloodstained Altar of Baal”—can be counted on to put over this fakey Mondo‑Witchcraft documentary in action‑ballyhoo situations and drive‑ins. Fast play‑offs and hard‑sell are prerequisites to offset disappointed word‑of‑mouth reaction to the…
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The Legend of Hell House 1973
Well done haunted house chiller offers plenty for the shiver‑and‑shock fans. A fitting swan song for [AIP co-founder] Jim Nicholson, this could roll up good grosses in general, ballyhoo, drive‑in markets if Fox gives it an appropriately strong sell. Rating: PG.
“This house… it knows we’re here!” Of such ominous dialogue are classic style horror pictures made and THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, while no classic, is spookily amusing, sometimes scary stuff with plenty of mass appeal for summer playdates.…
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The Beast Must Die 1974
Which one is the werewolf? Finding the answer makes a neat gimmick, smart promotion of which should make this otherwise tame British import a strong contender in ballyhoo markets. Rating: PG.
This British horror mystery has a good audience‑participation gimmick going for it: a “Werewolf Break,” during which the story stops to allow viewers to shout out the name of whichever suspicious character they think is the werewolf that’s been wiping out other cast members.
Reminiscent of the sort of…
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