House of the Living Dead (1974)
On a South African plantation, a maniac is on the loose, first killing the estate's animals, then starting on the human members.
- Ray Austin
- Marc Marais
- John Brason
Rating: 4.7/10 by 7 users
Alternative Title:
Kill, Baby, Kill - US
Doctor Maniac - US
Country:
South Africa
Language:
Afrikaans
English
Runtime: 01 hour 27 minutes
Budget: $0
Revenue: $0
Plot Keyword: monster, experiment, supernatural, haunted house, afrikaans, scientist, cannibal, demon, ghost
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.
