Lagrange point between "The Addams Family" and THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE.

I've never seen a movie that strikes the tone this one does, an intersection between scary, funny, sexy, completely heartfelt, and totally disreputable. Lon Chaney's tearful late film monologue should be legendary if it isn't already. Same goes for Sid Haig's completely unhinged performance.

In Memoriam.

Rest in Peace Sid Haig.

A truly wonderful, mesmerising craftsman.
A deeply felt loss.

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Film #5 of the "Scavenger Hunt" Challenge!
Task #26 : An Exploitation film!
letterboxd.com/naughty/list/scavenger-hunt/

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Unfortunately I was immune to the charm others claim to have seen in this exploitation film! In my eyes the descriptive summary of the film was far more impressive than what unfolded onscreen! Most of the horrifying aspects of the film are either implied innuendo or happens off screen! What we are allowed to see doesn't amount to a hill of beans!

Highlights of the film would be a very young Sid Haig (Ralph) And the greatest wolfman ever Lon Chaney (Bruno) who quite frankly gave this film his all!

Somewhere between this and Zombie Shark Cheerleaders (or whatever DTV horror comedy is currently in post production somewhere on Earth this minute) we as a culture forgot that a movie that has horror elements can also be funny without being overtly self-referential, jokey, and stupid (2011's THE WOMAN is a notable counter example). Everyone plays their part with a straight forward conviction that makes the humorous aspects even more absurd and enjoyable. Lon Chaney Jr in particular summons something deep, dark and true in his turn as the straight man to his ghoulish family.

Also, a great theme song *or* the greatest theme song of all time?

Set in a pretty traditional haunted house but hints of the definitive 'genetically defective' family dinner to come shine thru here and there. Some people just aren't right you know. Not me or you or anyone we know but people out there, people that might try and trap you in a web or wear a great gatsby dress to dinner, you just don't know! That being said, the 'kids' are pretty adorable.

Also I've noticed offscreen animal deaths don't necessarily bother me? Easier to picture the cat just being cute and getting paid for his or her fine acting with tuna and plenty of chin scratches.

#143

This is almost like the Umbrellas of Cherbourg of the first big wave of regional American exploitation, looking back and taking cues from the Universal horror canon while also producing a work that feels unmistakenly modern. Like a cross between Night of the Living Dead and Multiple Maniacs, with a subject matter that's every bit as lurid, but with the shock politics replaced by a genuine want to please and thrill. Such a treat to get to see this on 35mm.

I don't think that's how vegetarianism works

The credits dub this 'the maddest story ever told,' a promise that's well on the way to being fulfilled in the opening scene alone, when Virginia traps and kills a hapless deliveryman in her makeshift web. She's one of three siblings who suffer from a unique genetic disorder that causes them to regress back to childhood, while retaining the physical strength and sexual maturity of adults.; ; Lon Chaney Jr. gave one of his most memorable late performances as Bruno, their guardian and protector, who has managed to cover up their crimes until two distant relatives lay claim to their house. When they insist on moving in, Bruno has to cross his fingers and hope that the `children' behave towards their new guests...; ; This was the first solo feature by Jack Hill (Coffy, Switchblade Sisters), whom Quentin Tarantino dubbed 'the Howard Hawks of exploitation filmmaking,' and it remains one of his wildest and weirdest.;

This highly influential cult classic from writer-director Jack Hill (Switchblade Sisters, Foxy Brown) tells the demented and darkly comic tale of the Merrye children -- Elizabeth (Beverly Washburn), Virginia (Jill Banner) and Ralph (Sid Haig)-- all of whom suffer from a rare genetic malady that causes its victims to mentally regress to a condition of 'pre-human savagery and cannibalism.'; ; The children live in the old family mansion, and though under the cautious guardianship of chauffeur Bruno (Lon Chaney Jr.), they manage to terrorize anyone or anything which passes through the gates. So when the family is visited by a pair of distant relatives and their greedy lawyer, a wild night of murderous thrills ensues.; ; Dark Sky Films proudly presents the Director's Cut of Spider Baby, transferred and restored in High Definition from the original 35mm negative under the personal supervision of Jack Hill and featuring previously lost footage, rounded out with; never-before-seen featurettes created.

I was entranced from the minute this started till the very end. 
What a strange film this. 
The shots they get are wicked, the story is incredibly bizarre. 
The acting is so perfect for this film. It’s still pretty creepy at times. 
Wow I really really loved this

properly bonkers yeah

Gross and funny... just totally over the top.

The genesis of 70’s horror, it’s all here in truly the “maddest story ever told” from the mind of Jack Hill.

Another movie with the skeleton of an interesting story, but then loses control of itself with a few decisions.

Nothing else strikes this perfect balance of comedy & creep.

Shout out to the two beautiful brachypelmas who's performances frankly carried the film

Texas Chainsaw x Cat and the Canary x House on Haunted Hill realness

Easily the best film released during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration.

The best thing Rob Zombie ever did for cinema was declaring this as one of his favorites. The worst thing Rob Zombie ever did for cinema was to start making his own.