Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by mbnx01 (A) on December 09, 2012 at 12:57:52

Something different this week. This is for a certain kind of viewer. If you're a big fan of 50's and 60's black and white supernatural shows (think 'One Step Beyond' or more famously 'The Twilight Zone') this movie will be right up your alley.

It stars Richard Boone (Paladin of 'Have Gun Will Travel' fame) as a man in charge of a cemetery who makes a frightening discovery - he seems to have the power of life and death in his hands.

There is a map of the cemetery showing all the plots, and each plot has a pin. White pins mean you bought the plot. Black pins mean you're buried in it. When our protagonist changes a white pin to a black one... well, you can guess what happens.

It's a very strong concept and is developed nicely. This film has a nice visual style. The mysterious map has an suitably spooky design and is genuinely frightening at times.

This is not 'Citizen Kane'. It's a low budget thriller, but if you like this sort of thing I'll bet you'll enjoy it. I remember seeing it when I was five and I never forgot it. I enjoyed re-watching it the other evening.

If this whets your appetite for 60's spooky shows try watching some episodes (also on Netflix Streaming) of the classic series 'One Step Beyond'. Think 'Twilight Zone' only with a 'this is a true story' conceit. It is hosted by John Newland, second only to Rod Serling himself, IMHO, as the best of the 'anthology hosts'. It also has all time best ever 'spooky supernatural show' theme song.

"Lock up when you're done and don't touch the piano."
-Dr. Greg House

Edits: 12/09/12   12/09/12