This week I'll talk about a classic British comedy-horror called Bloodbath at the House of Death. Incidentally, a friend had been recommending this flick for a long time and when we did get around to watching it on Halloween, I could see what the fuss is all about. Get ready for some funny-cheesy horror!

What's the story like in BatHoD (hmm, one more 'O' and we are sorted)? Well, since it is basically a comedy flick starring big ames like Vincent Price, Pamela Stephenson and Kenny Everett, a lot of it was utter craziness mingled with bits that parodied famous horror flicks of that time. Furthermore, it helps if viewers are also familiar with comedian Kenny Everett's comedy shows as his style of humor is prominent within this flick. He was well-known for his humorous play on words jokes. He also put together weird and wonderful characters for his shows and this flick is heavily inspired by such styles.

And now, for the summary. It's one of the most basic horror stories you can imagine. A bunch of people are murdered in a mansion called Headstone Manor. Now fast-forward to about a decade or so later (consider this that useful storytelling tactic that ensures that events stay as mysterious and unsolvable as possible). A group of scientists throng to the mansion because there are all sorts of paranormal activity going on in the house. It is a strange group consisting of folks. Everyone has got a somewhat distinct (or at least a hard-to-miss in a supermart) sort of personality. Added to this is the fact that almost everyone are struggling with demons from their past. Again, this is another story telling device of a normal horror and one that the movie-makers decided to play around with. Now, throw in a satanic cult into the mix. Seems like the whole town is part of the cult and they have received strict orders from their master. Nothing too fancy, just get rid of the house guests!

What follows is a bit of mad British humor. Admittedly, it is on the cheesy side and it can be a bit on the gross side at times (consider that a warning against the good doctor's flashback regarding an operating theater and a missing monocle). But the movie certainly holds together. You will see everyone fending off supernatural attacks whilst trying to overcome whatever the satanists have got planned. Of course, one by one, everyone falls victim to the freaky attacks. And what do you know, the satanists are going ahead with a ritual to raise their master. What happens next? Check it out and find out more.

When you watch this movie, just keep in mind that it is meant to be silly. It's supposed to be funny and it's meant to be mad and it's intended to be crazier than an espresso-addicted squirrel. And a lot of the content is actually homage to famous flicks; in some cases you must know the flicks in order to get the giggles. Therefore, note that almost all the attacks or flashbacks spoof a number of movies. The woman being attacked by a ghost is of course a jab at The Entity (alright, so some say it is the Invisible Man but am going with The Entity as it was a bit popular around this time). You'll also think of that horrid Alien tummy scene when the good doc has a horrid gastric moment. Remember Carrie and her creepy mom? Yea, the folks pay tribute to that as well.

One other trait that I loved about this movie was its cheesy jokes. It may be part of the dialog, it might be the silly signs or even the way they use a prop. For instance, the Carrie reference shows a religious mom who carried a make-shift confession booth. I'll also point to the instances when one character kept referring to an enormous mole on his arm, incidentally the same spot from which a blood-thirsty mole pops out to kill him. Feel free to have a facepalm moment there. I must say, I also loved the way the satanists took pains to wear disguises and yet were so easy to recognize.