Horror Theater Video house of the seven corpses film review

"House Of The Seven Corpses" must be one of the most invisible films known to film goers. By invisible is that it is almost impossible to find in any reference books, especially Zombie Films (of which there are many), considering it is indeed a zombie film.

Coming from the great drive-in horror era of the early 70's, and featuring none other than John Carradine in one of his more restrained roles, this film predates most of the films about filmmakers making films, and has some great atmosphere and photography shots for such a low budget feature.

The film stars John Ireland, a low budget horror film director, shooting on location what he perceives his comeback epic horror film. His cast is made up of has been actors, washed out divas, and the latest, sexiest female star. However, the location he has chosen is a mansion where years before, brutal murders and slayings of an entire clan took place.

The estate's caretaker (Carradine) warns them that it may not be such a good idea to shoot a horror film here considering the circumstances of the deaths of the former owners. Of course the cocky director ignores the warning and when they are about complete, carnage happens to all the actors but by what entity? And just what is up with this David fellow working on the crew who knows a bit too much of the black arts?

This film is entertaining on several levels. There are many scenes of the film crew setting up for their shots. Knowing the low budget these may have been actual techs setting up for this film. There is also the atmosphere where the film takes place. A large, dark estate (though an obvious set) makes for lots of corners with moving shadows. Plus there are many great graveyard shots, foggy, rainy, very gloomy. The one negative, the climax of the film, which comes out of left field, happens during the last 10 minutes of the film. The film could have been a large step up from the low budget trash of the era, but it still is above average and worth taking a look.

My Rating:

REVIEWED BY tony bernardini