I have to say, this was more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I would say the reason was the incorporated element of humour, most of which was tongue in cheek.
The people who live in Aunt Martha's King Edward Hotel are not your average guests. Such as Reverend Moon who trusts in numerology, astrology, and muscular men in speedos. It's the Rev. who adds most of the humour. Aunt Martha appears to be the only sane person around... though you know what they say about appearances...
When Cheryl Stratton's best friend, Judy, fails her, it leaves her with merely one place to go. Aunt Martha's hotel. Aunty reluctantly gives her a room for a few days, stating, categorically it will only be a few days. That night Cheryl hears strange noises coming from the room adjacent to hers. When asked, Martha replies that it's just a storage closet, and one that's been unused for a while. However, when she investigates further, she finds not only the peephole into her room, but one into the bathroom. Somebody is a peeping tom. Instead of feeling abused by the infringement of privacy, it arouses her.
And so begins this sexploitation horror flick.
What Philip Kearney and Les Rendelstein give the audience is a dark and twisted story about love, beliefs, and murder. These are always interesting. However, when you place them in such a peculiar and bizarre environment they become captivating. This hotel is not a place to be held captive. I liked the twist at the end, which pushed the film into the horror field. However, I figured out the ending as soon as I saw the bodies. There's no way to even guess before this point as they don't give us any clues.
Until the twist, the film sits solidly in the Chiller genre. You know somebody is watching her. You can even hazard a guess at the beginning, and you'd be right. But it's not about the whodunnit, it's about the psychology. Why is the individual observing her? How will she react? Now, what will she do? Kearney and Rendelstein are good at making you ask the questions... and then providing the answers, which leave you with more questions. This is a nice trick to draw you into the story and the characters' lives. It worked on me. My eyes remained glued to the screen.
Thanks also to director Paul Bartel. His visual techniques not only add an eerie atmosphere but also an Earthy perception to the film. Everything has a realistic impression. This is a large hotel, and the money's not coming in to keep it impeccable. Though most of the occupied rooms are decorated well, especially the photographer and love interest, George's. His room's stylised and awesome - in an art-house kind of way. I could move right in. The hallways could do with more attention. They have plastered the lone bathroom on Cheryl's floor. Though, they've not painted it so it remains a simple plaster grey. It's clean but not pristine. This all adds to the atmosphere. We've seen places like this. Maybe we've even resided in them. Which leaves you thinking, That guy, next door to me, two years ago... I wonder what that banging really was(?) Maybe it was the Rev...
Bartel throws in some nice subdued lighting effects and varied camera angles. These help to maintain the viewers' attention and to build the atmosphere. The strongest scene is the blood injection. This is symbolic of the carnal act. Bartel films this scene superbly. Though, it's the end of this sequence that will have you ill at ease.
Lucille Benson is awesome as Aunt Martha. That soft southern accent lulls you into accepting all is fine. As we progress through the film, we realise Aunt Martha belongs in this nuthouse of a hotel. Her accent and soft nature become creepy, and you feel unease creep under your skin. Laurie Main also provides a memorable performance as Reverend Moon. He has a wonderful twinkle in his eye and delight in his voice. The rest of the cast perform well in their roles, keeping the audience involved and entertained.
This horror film is worth one look-see, yet I can see myself going back to this title a few more times before I kark it. I would recommend this wholeheartedly to all horror fans and chiller connoisseurs. Even if it turns out to not be your cup of tea then it should, at the absolute least it'll give your face a smile.
My Ratings: The Story 1.25 - Direction 1.25 - Pace 1 - Acting 1.25 - Enjoyment 1.25 - TOTAL 6/10
Runaway to my Killer Thriller Chillers and Absolute Horrors lists and learn where this Aunty ranks.
Take Care and Stay Well.
The people who live in Aunt Martha's King Edward Hotel are not your average guests. Such as Reverend Moon who trusts in numerology, astrology, and muscular men in speedos. It's the Rev. who adds most of the humour. Aunt Martha appears to be the only sane person around... though you know what they say about appearances...
When Cheryl Stratton's best friend, Judy, fails her, it leaves her with merely one place to go. Aunt Martha's hotel. Aunty reluctantly gives her a room for a few days, stating, categorically it will only be a few days. That night Cheryl hears strange noises coming from the room adjacent to hers. When asked, Martha replies that it's just a storage closet, and one that's been unused for a while. However, when she investigates further, she finds not only the peephole into her room, but one into the bathroom. Somebody is a peeping tom. Instead of feeling abused by the infringement of privacy, it arouses her.
And so begins this sexploitation horror flick.
What Philip Kearney and Les Rendelstein give the audience is a dark and twisted story about love, beliefs, and murder. These are always interesting. However, when you place them in such a peculiar and bizarre environment they become captivating. This hotel is not a place to be held captive. I liked the twist at the end, which pushed the film into the horror field. However, I figured out the ending as soon as I saw the bodies. There's no way to even guess before this point as they don't give us any clues.
Until the twist, the film sits solidly in the Chiller genre. You know somebody is watching her. You can even hazard a guess at the beginning, and you'd be right. But it's not about the whodunnit, it's about the psychology. Why is the individual observing her? How will she react? Now, what will she do? Kearney and Rendelstein are good at making you ask the questions... and then providing the answers, which leave you with more questions. This is a nice trick to draw you into the story and the characters' lives. It worked on me. My eyes remained glued to the screen.
Thanks also to director Paul Bartel. His visual techniques not only add an eerie atmosphere but also an Earthy perception to the film. Everything has a realistic impression. This is a large hotel, and the money's not coming in to keep it impeccable. Though most of the occupied rooms are decorated well, especially the photographer and love interest, George's. His room's stylised and awesome - in an art-house kind of way. I could move right in. The hallways could do with more attention. They have plastered the lone bathroom on Cheryl's floor. Though, they've not painted it so it remains a simple plaster grey. It's clean but not pristine. This all adds to the atmosphere. We've seen places like this. Maybe we've even resided in them. Which leaves you thinking, That guy, next door to me, two years ago... I wonder what that banging really was(?) Maybe it was the Rev...
Bartel throws in some nice subdued lighting effects and varied camera angles. These help to maintain the viewers' attention and to build the atmosphere. The strongest scene is the blood injection. This is symbolic of the carnal act. Bartel films this scene superbly. Though, it's the end of this sequence that will have you ill at ease.
Lucille Benson is awesome as Aunt Martha. That soft southern accent lulls you into accepting all is fine. As we progress through the film, we realise Aunt Martha belongs in this nuthouse of a hotel. Her accent and soft nature become creepy, and you feel unease creep under your skin. Laurie Main also provides a memorable performance as Reverend Moon. He has a wonderful twinkle in his eye and delight in his voice. The rest of the cast perform well in their roles, keeping the audience involved and entertained.
This horror film is worth one look-see, yet I can see myself going back to this title a few more times before I kark it. I would recommend this wholeheartedly to all horror fans and chiller connoisseurs. Even if it turns out to not be your cup of tea then it should, at the absolute least it'll give your face a smile.
My Ratings: The Story 1.25 - Direction 1.25 - Pace 1 - Acting 1.25 - Enjoyment 1.25 - TOTAL 6/10
Runaway to my Killer Thriller Chillers and Absolute Horrors lists and learn where this Aunty ranks.
Take Care and Stay Well.