House of the Living Dead (1974)
Overview
On a South African plantation, a maniac is on the loose, first killing the estate's animals, then starting on the human members.
Cast
Mark Burns
Sir Michael Brattling / Dr. Breckinridge Brattling
Shirley Anne Field
Mary Anne Carew
David Oxley
Dr. Collinson
Ronald France
Col. Pringle
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Right off the bat, I previously had no idea that South Africa made any horror films, so, simply in that, I learned something.
Over a long career (1968-99), this was one of only three cinematic works that director Austin made (all in the early 70's)--usually he did TV work--and in fact, production value-wise, it seemed like made-for-TV fare. Basically a vineyard/plantation with black, witchcraft-practicing slaves, and the owner harbouring a dark secret: A genius twin brother, who was discredited in the medical community to begin with, and then, since an almost-fatal brain injury suffered in an accident a year ago, basically insane and confined to the mansion's attic.
It was decently made and, as late-night fare, perfectly acceptable. It could have been made a lot better in more capable hands. The underlying ideas were very interesting, though only decently carried out, and the climax was completely predictable, though no less enjoyable. I got my copy very cheaply, in Mill Creek's 50-pack 'Nightmare Worlds', and it's watchable, no better, no less.
