MADHOUSE (1974) - Episode 270 - Decades of Horror 1970s
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
Release Date: 07/01/2026
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
For this episode, Doc picks MADHOUSE (1974), an Amicus / AIP horror film with a notorious reputation. Who knew? On set conflicts, heavy editing from the production team, Dr. Phibes director drops out with a celebrated editor taking the reins, and a script that was being rewritten every day are just some of the things that troubled this shoot. But what does the film have going for it? At it's core, it is a splendid idea, the locations and designs are often well done, and the cast is remarkable: Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, Robert Quarry, and Adrienne Corri. And then there's the "horror icon"...
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The Grue-Crew tackle the American pre-Code mystery-horror film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, Glenda Farrell, and Frank McHugh. That film is MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM (1933). Jeff invites a special guest-host and DoH Grue-Believer, Chris (ManCaveMan), to help better understand the special color process utilized to make this early color film. We also deep dive into the cast of characters, the taglines, marketing, and cast and crew. This episode (and this movie) should not be missed! Enjoy! MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM (1933) Episode 231 - Decades of Horror: The...
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Crystal picks the cult classic slasher film THE SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE (1982) for the Grue-Crew to review this week. This movie has some bizarre background and strong reactions. Does the film live up to its reputation? Does the film actually come across as either a parody or a feminist horror movie? The debate is on with this review as the crew also explores the taglines, the cast of characters, the promotion and posters along with the cast and crew. And what's up with the oversized drill with a never-draining battery? Huh, huh, huh? It's a great discussion and should not be missed. Enjoy! THE...
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Bill and Jeff welcome guest-host Gregory Crosby to review the TV thriller SATAN'S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS (1973) directed by David Lowell Rich and produced by Aaron Spelling. The wonderful Pamela Franklin is in the lead, suffering the death of her sister, as she investigates the school her sister attended, convinced her death was a... murder. Jo Van Fleet is the headmistress, Roy Thinnes and Lloyd Bochner are some of the teachers. Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, and Jamie Smith-Jackson are schoolmates. As Bill says in the review, "What the devil is going on?" Oh, that Bill... SATAN'S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS...
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The Grue-Crew tackle the early Italian horror film THE VAMPIRE AND THE BALLERINA (1960, L'amante del vampiro) from director Renato Polselli. This is a first watch for each of the crew: Bill, Daphne, Doc, and Jeff. Walter Brandi makes for an interesting vampire appearing mostly in a oddly effective monster mask while Maria Luisa Rolando fills the role of Countess Aldo - also a vampire. Much of the film is reminiscent of the Dracula story but set near Rome, Italy, shot in the spectacular castle of Artena in 1959. This is a fun episode as we dive into the cast of characters, the posters, the...
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Jeff, Bill, and Crystal are joined by Gregory Crosby to review the experimental, B&W, bizarre TETSUO-THE IRON MAN (1989). Enjoy as the Grue-Crew explore this difficult to explain classic. TETSUO: THE IRON MAN (1989) Episode 312 – Decades of Horror 1980s Quote: “Just show me. Nothing much scares me… Nothing shocks me…I told you I could take it. ” – girlfriend Synopsis: A businessman accidentally hits The Metal Fetishist, who gets his revenge by slowly turning the man into a grotesque hybrid of flesh and rusty metal. Writer/Director: Shin’ya Tsukamoto (also Producer,...
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The Grue-Crew tackle a bizarre, vaguely supernatural comic book adaptation BABA YAGA (1973) based on the works of Guido Crepax featuring his character Valentina (portrayed by Isabelle De Funès). In the story, Baba Yaga (Carroll Baker) is a mysterious witch occupying a creepy presumably abandoned mansion who sets her eyes on Valentina for a secretive agenda she may, or may not, share with the audience. The film is more of an artsy exploration of the source material featuring many of its exploitive aspects. Does it succeed as a horror (adjacent) movie? Does it adapt its source material in a...
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The Grue-Crew settle in to review EVIL SPAWN (1987) with special guest host Ralph Miller, who has a very special relationship with the movie. Written and directed by Kenneth J. Hall, the film features Bobbie Bresee as Lynn Roman facing an monstrous change and an aggressive appetite. Check the review to find out more. EVIL SPAWN (1987) Episode 311 - Decades of Horror 1980s Quote: "This sounds like something out of a bad science fiction film." - Lynn Synopsis: A scientist is using Microbes in experiments but dies before the work is finished. An aging actress injects herself the serum and the...
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With a film chosen by Jeff, the Grue-Crew tackle a bizarrely interesting vampire/possession/nun-sploitation film ALUCARDA (1977) from director Juan López Moctezuma. Tina Romero stars as the title character and makes a strong impression, the film firmly rests upon her shoulders. Bravo. Susana Kimini is Justine, Claudio Brook is both Dr. Oszek and the Hunchback Gypsy. Tina French is Sister Angélica. The film has a strong possession film atmosphere with a brilliant blood-soaked vampire segment, and a fiery Carrie-like ending. Check out what the Grue-Crew have to say. Enjoy. ALUCARDA (1977)...
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“Do you understand what this means? These things want flesh, any kind of flesh. And once they sense it, they’ll eat their way through anything that comes between them and their meat.” Okay, okay. Ich verstehe! Join this episode’s Grue-Crew – Bill Mulligan, Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in (1964), the low-budget cult classic from a one-time director and a screenplay written by a comic book legend. Decades of Horror: The Classic Era Episode 229 – The Flesh Eaters (1964) Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine...
info_outlineFor this episode, Doc picks MADHOUSE (1974), an Amicus / AIP horror film with a notorious reputation. Who knew? On set conflicts, heavy editing from the production team, Dr. Phibes director drops out with a celebrated editor taking the reins, and a script that was being rewritten every day are just some of the things that troubled this shoot. But what does the film have going for it? At it's core, it is a splendid idea, the locations and designs are often well done, and the cast is remarkable: Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, Robert Quarry, and Adrienne Corri. And then there's the "horror icon" created for the film, Dr. Death! In fact, there are two designs with the Vincent Price skull-faced make-up approaching greatness. Remember the Famous Monster of Film Land issue 109 cover? Yet, something went horribly wrong. Find out what the Grue-Crew have to say about this Price and Cushing completist filmography entry. Enjoy!
MADHOUSE (1974)
Episode 270 - Decades of Horror 1970s
Quote: "... there is always room for more in the coffin of time!" - Paul Toombes
Synopsis: A horror movie star returns to his famous role after years in a mental institution. But the character seems to be committing murders independent of his will.
Director: Jim Clark
Writer: Ken Levison, Greg Morrison, Angus Hall
Cast: Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, Robert Quarry, Adrienne Corri, Natasha Pyne, Michael Parkinson, Linda Hayden
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Next up for Decades of Horror 1970s , picked by Jeff, is NIGHT OF THE SEAGULLS (1975) featuring The Blind Dead. See you there!
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