PHANTASM (1979) – Episode 239 – Decades of Horror 1970s

“You play a good game, boy, but the game is finished. Now you die.” Sounds very familiar, doesn’t it, B-O-O-Y-Y-Y? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, Gregory Crosby, and Jeff Mohr – as they cover this legendary franchise-starter, Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm (1979). Balls of steel, anyone?

Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 239 – Phantasm (1979)

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Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: Newly orphaned teenager Mike Pearson, his older brother Jody, and their friends face off against a mysterious grave robber known as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons in their southern California town.

• Written/Directed by: Don Coscarelli
• Selected Cast:
  • A. Michael Baldwin as Mike (as Michael Baldwin)
  • Bill Thornbury as Jody
  • Reggie Bannister as Reggie
  • Kathy Lester as Lady in Lavender
  • Terrie Kalbus as Fortuneteller’s Granddaughter
  • Kenneth V. Jones as Caretaker (as Ken Jones)
  • Susan Harper as Girlfriend
  • Lynn Eastman-Rossi as Sally (as Lynn Eastman)
  • David Arntzen as Toby
  • Ralph Richmond as Bartender
  • Bill Cone as Tommy
  • Laura Mann as Double Lavender
  • Mary Ellen Shaw as Fortuneteller
  • Myrtle Scotton as Maid
  • Angus Scrimm as The Tall Man
  • Dac Coscarelli as Funeral Guest (uncredited)
  • Kate Coscarelli as Funeral Guest (uncredited)

Phantasm (1979) was the subject of Decades of Horror 1970s Episode 29, first published over nine years ago, and hosted by Doc Rotten, The Black Saint, and Thomas Mariani. It is Gregory Crosby’s turn to choose the subject film, and he chose Phantasm. Since it was covered so long ago, and because this episode’s Grue-Crew is comprised of all different personnel, we decided to go for it. Phantasm is definitely worthy of a double-tap, and the crew has fun discussing it. There are so many iconic images and memorable lines, not to mention the dreamlike plot. Oh, wait. We did mention it. And of course, Angus Scrimm! In fact, there’s enough to provide the basis for four sequels. 

At the time of this writing, Phantasm (1979) is available to stream from Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto TV, Plex, Peacock, and Prime. The movie is available on physical media as Phantasm: Remastered [Blu-ray] Steelbook Limited Edition, Phantasm: Remaster [Blu-ray/DVD Combo], and Phantasm 5-Movie Collection, all from Well Go USA.

Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next ‘70s episode, chosen by Chad, will be Corpse Eaters (1974), a micro-budget, Canadian horror flick. Oh, boy! We can’t wait? Or can we?

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