Phil's Cult Classics: GLEN OR GLENDA (1953) from Image Entertainment - December 1, 2019

GLEN OR GLENDA DVD Cover

GLEN OR GLENDA (1953)

Starring Edward D. Wood Jr. (as Daniel Davis), Bela Lugosi, Lyle Talbot, Dolores Fuller, Conrad Brooks, Charlie Crafts, 'Tommy' Haynes
Written by Edward D. Wood Jr.
Cinematography by William C. Thompson
Edited by 'Bud' Schelling
Produced by George Weiss
Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr.
Originally released by Screen Classics
Re-released by Image Entertainment

A plethora of adjectives flood my mind when someone mentions the name Edward D. Wood Jr. They includes words like filmmaker, actor, alcoholic, pornographer, and a transvestite with a severe fetish for angora. Wood was all these things and so much more. He was a complex individual, who longed to become a filmmaker like his idol, the great Orson Wells. That did not happen, in fact, the complete opposite transpired. Two years after his death in 1978, film critics Michael and Harry Medved (known as the Medved Brothers) published their book "The Golden Turkey Awards" announced that Ed Wood was voted the "Worst Director of All time" while his 1958 sci-fi film PLAN NINE FROM OUTER SPACE won the "Worst Film of All Time" award. This garnered world wide attention to Wood, and soon after, he garnered a legion of new fans, his movies being played all over the world, VHS and DVD copies of his films selling like wildfire, and Wood himself being championed as a bona fide auteur. This is evident in his feature film debut GLEN OR GLENDA, which has gone on to become not only a cult classic, but an important documentation of transvestism, and a beloved film within the LGBTQ community.

The film's official synopsis: This is it! The true story of a man who lusted after women so much that he wanted to dress like them. The first film based on the strange tastes of legendary filmmaker Ed Wood and a sordid plea for acceptance in the world of bondage and the sexually confused, decades before THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and TV's Ellen. Starring famous shock star Bela Lugosi as the "Puppet Master" an Wood himself in the role of Glen/Gelnda. It also markes the screen debut of Wood's main squeeze at the time, Dorlores Fuller, who went on to become one of Elvis's star songwriters. An important film document, years before its time.

Original Theatrical Poster (1953)

Loosely inspired by the sex reassignment surgery of Christine Jorgensen in 1952, exploitation producer George Weiss was hoping to cash in on this hot story that was sweeping the headlines across the country. Wood convinced Weiss that he would be the perfect person to direct the film. However, he would make the ultimate film about self-expression, making a film about the understanding of transvestism (with about five minutes at the end talking about sex change). He would cast the great Bela Lugosi to appear in the film, portraying "The Scientist", or the "Puppet Master", or in actuality "God." By this time, Lugosi had been out of the spotlight and was a drug addict, but was hoping for a comeback. Wood cast himself in the lead role of Glen and Glenda under the handle Daniel Davis (Davis was his middle name), and cast his then girlfriend at the time Dolores Fuller as Glen's girlfriend/fiancée Barbara. He would also cast his friends Lyle Talbot (TV's Ozzy and Harriet) and Conrad Brooks (PLAN NINE FROM OUTER SPACE).

Shot in four days, Wood would break every conventional rule there was in filmmaking. He would often shoot scenes in one take, his dialogue sounded inept, he would shoot exterior scenes with no permits, spliced in stock footage to make his films look bigger, and continuity was pretty much tossed out the window. In fact, the stories of Wood often directing in drag in later films can be attributed to this film, having to direct several scenes while dressed as Glenda. But yet, he made his films to his unique and quarky vision, and he bared his soul in this film without question.

The movie received a limited released by Screen Classics in April 1953, under the main title, as well as under different titles like I Led Two Lives, He or She? and I Changed My Sex . The film bombed, but when Wood received the Golden Turkey awards, he became a hot Hollywood property. This led major motion picture studio Paramount Pictures to re-release the film to theaters in 1981. In 1983, Kansas City native Wade Williams acquired the rights to Ed Wood's films, along with several other intellectual properties, ranging from movies to television shows. He would team up with Rhino Home Video to release these films on VHS, with Image Entertainment re-releasing them on DVD.

GLEN OR GLENDA remains a true cult classic, inspiring transvestites and queer kids to dress in drag for decades to come! It also put Ed Wood on the map as a filmmaker, leading him to create some of the most off-the-wall, mondo bizzaro, cult classics that has ever graced the silver screen! The fact that we're still talking about him 41 years after his passing is testimony on how this strange and beloved human being has touched and enriched our lived for the better! And this film is a perfect example of his love of motion pictures, and it's importance to the world of cinema is unapologetic! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

GLEN OR GLENDA is currently available on DVD from Image Entertainment. To purchase a copy, visit your local retailer or visit the Amazon website at www.amazon.com. Also, check out the Wade Williams Collection of films at www.wadewilliamscollection.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil’s Exploitation Cinema: FUGITIVE GIRLS (1974) from Vinegar Syndrome - August 10, 2019

FUGITIVE GIRLS Blu-Ray Cover

FUGITIVE GIRLS (1974)

Starring Jabie Abercrombe, Rene Bond, Tallie Cochrane, Donna Young, Margie Lanier, Harvey Shain, Nicolle Riddell, Edward D. Wood Jr.
Screenplay by Stephen C. Apostolof (original screenplay) (as A.C. Stephen), Edward D. Wood Jr. (original screenplay)
Cinematography by Robert Birchall
Edited by Luigi Rogatoni (as Louigi Rogatoni)
Produced by Stephen C. Apostolof (as A.C. Stephen), S.B. Cooper
Directed by Stephen C. Apostolof (as A.C. Stephen)
Originally released by SCA Distributors
Re-Released by Vinegar Syndrome

Awww......is there anything better than 70's exploitation smut? The short answer is no! During this groovy decade, drive-ins and grindhouses were filled with these types of movies: sex crazed fiends, hot nude scenes, sizzling sex scenes, violence, and acting that ranks right below high school drama class. However, they were never boring; sometimes there were really risque with the subject manners ranging from lesbianism, rape, violence towards women, and prison treatment. A lot of these topics appear in the grindhouse sexploitation classic FUGITIVE GIRLS (which was co-written by the late, great Edward D. Wood Jr.) from Vinegar Syndrome!

The film's official synopsis: Beautiful Dee is implicated in a fatal liquor store shooting committed by her boyfriend. Sent to an all-female work camp, she quickly finds herself at the mercy of four other violent and sex crazed prisoners who force her into their daring escape plan. Once on the outside, the five fugitives embark on a brutal and sex filled rampage across the countryside, while making their way to a mystery site rumored to have a buried suitcase full of money!

Original Theatrical Poster (1974)

The movie was directed by Stephen C. Apostolof (as A.C. Stephen) and co-written by Edward D. Wood Jr. The same team that brought us ORGY OF THE DEAD (also from Vinegar Syndrome), this dynamic duo hit their peak with this movie (the two made nine films together). Hell, even Wood has a couple of roles in the movie, unfortunately you can see how hard life has hit him. Sadly, Wood would pass away on December 10, 1978, four years later after appearing here. Another legendary sexploitation star appears in the film. Rene Bond got her start acting in several Harry Novak produced exploitation flicks, such as COUNTRY CUZZINS, COUNTRY HOOKER, and PLEASE DON'T EAT MY MOTHER. She would also appear in several hardcore pornography films, and was one of the first actresses to have a breast enlargement. She left the film industry in the late seventies and was never seen again, until he appeared on the old game show Break the Bank in the mid-eighties. She passed away from of liver problems on June 2, 1996 at the young age of 45. Apostolof made two more movies after this, then left the film industry. He made several appearances in Ed Wood documentaries, then died on August 14, 2005, aged 77.

There were actually two different versions of the film being played back then. There was the exploitation version called FUGITIVE GIRLS without the softcore sex scenes, then there was the one with all the softcore sex scenes which was called FIVE LOOSE WOMEN. Now, thanks to Vinegar Syndrome, they were able to restore the film with all of the sexiness and put it out under the title.

Vinegar Syndrome once again has done an incredible job of restoring the film, featuring a newly 2k scan from the 35mm original camera negative. Some of the special features include the following: Audio commentary track with Frank Henenlotter (Exploitation filmmaker) and Rudolph Grey (Ed Wood biographer), archival audio interview with Tallie Cochrane (actress), moderated by Casey Scott, original theatrical and promo trailer, and English SDH Subtitles. The region free Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is limited to only 2,500 units, ans as I am writing this review, there are only eight copies left on their website!!

FUGITIVE GIRLS is a sexploitation cult classic for fans who love these films, and is a required addition to any Ed Wood library!! Here is a film that has been long overdue for a reissue and a rediscovery, and now you have a chance to won this amazing sex-filled, nudity laced, Ed Wood hamming it up acting, and lesbian loving gem of a flick! So what the hell are you waiting for? Order this movie now! 4 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!

FUGITIVE GIRLS is available in a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack from Vinegar Syndrome. To order a copy for yourself, visit their website at vinegarsyndrome.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil’s Exploitation Cinema: PAROLED FROM THE BIG HOUSE (1938) from Something Weird Video - April 20, 2019

PAROLED FROM THE BIG HOUSE DVD-R Cover

PAROLED FROM THE BIG HOUSE (aka Main Street Girl) (1938)

Starring Jean Carmen, Ted Adams, George Eldredge, Milburn Stone, Walter Anthony, Ole Olsen, Gwen Lee
Written by George Plympton
Cinematography by Edward Linden
Edited by Carl Pierson
Produced by J.D. Kendis
Directed by Elmer Clifton
Originally distributed by Syndicate Pictures
Re-released by Something Weird Video

Exploitation films hold a special place in my heart. The social norms of yesterday and what they thought was acceptable and what wasn’t tickles my funny bone. They were made fast and cheap, providing the sizzle to lure suckers into the theaters in hopes of seeing something naughty, racy, titilazing, or perhaps all three. Truth be told, some are good, some are bad, and some are just inept (more of those types of films later). Today’s trip down exploitation’s cinematic past come to us courtesy of Something Weird Video, The home of all things exploitation. Released in 1938, the film PAROLED FROM THE BIG HOUSE is a perfect example of the “its so bad it’s good” motto but provides audiences something amusing to watch and enjoy!

The film’s official synopsis: D.A. Milburn Stone is angry that the corrupt local parole board is recklessly releasing habitual criminals – like hitman Gunner Garson who callously mows down three people standing in front of a donut shop. Or conman “Slicker” Nixon who’s “the most dangerous of all because he has more brains than the average.” In fact, Slicker quickly reorganizes Gunner, pyromaniac Torchy, and other thugs into “a protective association” whose first attempt at strong-arming a local merchant ends with the man being shot dead. The merchant’s daughter, Pat Mallory (Jean Carmen), witnesses the murder and vows to get even. As Slicker’s fortunes rise, Pat sneaks into his home with a gun, almost gets caught, but is saved by rival racketeer “Red” Herron (George Eldredge of CAPTAIN VIDEO). She then goes to Slicker’s fancy new nightclub and is again saved by Red during a shootout. Taking a different approach, Pat next becomes a bathing-suit model in Slicker’s organization, but ends up being locked in a room with a sex maniac.

Back in the old days, exploitation films were either distributed to theaters or sold to specific territories. Hence, sometimes films were re-titled for different reasons. One of these reasons was if the distributor wanted to make more money off the film, they would re-title it and send it back out again. Another reason was if the theater wasn't making money from it, theaters would slap on a new, more profitable sounding title. It wasn't uncommon for audience members to see the same film twice.

Original Movie Poster w/Alternative Title (1938)

Kendis was part of a group of independent exploitation producers and distributor known throughout the film industry as The Forty Thieves. These individuals turned their back on the newly created Production Code of Censorship (better known as the Hays Code) and made films "exploiting" every single rule that the Production Code forbid. Depictions of nudity, sex, violence, vice, drinking, drugs, abortions, and homosexuality were displayed proudly and repeatedly. While Hollywood was struggling to make a profit, these exploitation pioneers were profiting and prospering, and this was during the Great Depression and before the United States entered World War II.

Kendis produced several classic exploitation films, including GUILTY PARENTS (1934), GAMBLING WITH SOULS (1936), SECRETS OF A MODEL (1940), and ESCORT GIRL (1941) just for starters (and all of these films are available from Something Weird Video). Kendis died in Los Angeles on August 2, 1957 at the age of 70. Director Elmer Clifton worked with D.W. Griffith in a number of projects between 1913 and 1922, and even acted in his films THE BIRTH OF A NATION (1915) and INTOLERANCE (1916). His feature film debut was DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS with Clara Bow in 1917. By the late 1920's his career was in decline, and found himself making movies for Poverty Row companies and lower-budget exploitation pictures, where he met Kendis. Clifton died on October 15, 1949 at 59 years old. Lead actress Jean Carmen appeared in several westerns, such as ARIZONA GUNFIGHTER (1937), THE PAINTED STALLION (1937) and BORN TO BATTLE (1935) before retiring to start her family. Carmen passed away on  August 26, 1993. She was 90 years old.

Something Weird Video was founded in 1990 by Mike Vraney, a former concert promoter who worked at several theaters during his teenage years. Named after the Herschell Gordon Lewis film, his Seattle based company would specialize in, "in releasing a rich array of low-grade trashy out-of-the-mainstream independent fare on both VHS and DVD alike that runs the gamut from horror features to softcore flicks to vintage classroom scare items to TV commercials to hardcore X-rated smut to theatrical trailers to collections of nudie loops and burlesque clips." He would go on to release the film libraries of some of the greatest exploitation filmmakers of all time, including Lewis, David F. Friedman, Harry H. Novak, Joseph W. Sarno, Doris Wishman, William Grefé, Bethel Buckalew and Barry Mahon. Unfortunately, Vraney died from lung cancer on January 2, 2014. He was only 56 years old. His wife Lisa Petrucci now runs the company and continues the legacy of her late, beloved husband.  

PAROLED FROM THE BIG HOUSE is one of most goofiest, cheesiest, and hilariously bad exploitation films of all time! It's an absurdly weird and wonderfully awful movie! The fact that it still exists for all of us to watch in the 21st century is amazing, and it's all because of the wonderful people at Something Weird Video! It doesn't get any better than this, folks!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended!!

PAROLED FROM THE BIG HOUSE is available on DVD-R from Something Weird Video. To purchase a copy for yourself, please visit their website at www.somethingweird.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!  

Phil's Exploitation Cinema: THE WAGES OF SIN (1938) from Something Weird Video - February 14, 2019

THE WAGES OF SIN DVD Cover

THE WAGES OF SIN (1938)

Starring Constance Worth, Willy Castello, Blanche Mehaffey, Clara Kimball Young, Carleton Young, Paula Bromleigh
Cinematography by Harvey Gould
Edited by Robert Jahns
Produced by Willis Kent
Directed by Herman E. Webber
Originally released by Willis Kent Productions (as Real Life Dramas)
Released by Something Weird Video

Welcome everybody to a brand new installment series entitled Phil's Exploitation Cinema! In case you don't know the term, an exploitation film, "is a film that attempts to succeed financially by exploiting current trends, niche genres, or lurid content; are generally low-quality B-movies." Since the dawn of cinema, exploitation films have been part of the movie-going experience. Case in point, imagine if you will: The year is 1939. The two biggest films of the year GONE WITH THE WIND and THE WIZARD OF OZ are battling it out at their respective theater chains. But down the street, around the corner, and down an ally way there's an independently owned movie theater where they're showing a different kind of motion picture. One that offers something different, more adult, and more scandalous. The film in question is the exploitation classic THE WAGES OF SIN.

The film's official synopsis: The sole support of her worthless family, Marjorie Benton (Worth) works during the day in a sweat shop. But when Florence (Mehaffey), a co-worker, asks her to go on a blind date, Marjorie’s taken to a roadhouse where she gets her first taste of booze and drugs. Marjorie promptly gets shitfaced and attracts the attention of slimy Tony (Castello). With big plans for her future, Tony arranges to have Marjorie fired from her job, then asks her to move in with him, promising to marry her in the morning. Three months later, they’re still not married when Tony decides to pimp her out. By the time another three months pass, Marjorie’s a hard boiled hooker turning tricks at a local hotel under the “professional name” of Judy. Starting to “look seedy,” Tony finally ships her off to Fat Pearl’s whorehouse. All of which ends with Marjorie on trial for murder and a contest for the audience: “What will the verdict be? $1,000 in cash prizes will be given for the best answers. Mail your opinion in not over 300 words to Real Life Dramas, 4376 Sunset Drive, Hollywood, CA...”

Original Theatrical Poster (1938)

Australian born actress Constance Worth was originally brought over by RKO, but then was dropped her after her first two American features films (1937's CHINA PASSAGE being one of them)  failed at the boxoffice. She worked for about three years at Columbia while also appearing in poverty row films and B-westerns like BORROWED HERO (1941), CITY WITHOUT MEN (1943), and WHY GIRLS LEAVE HOME (1945). She even has an uncredited role in Alfred Hitchcock's 1941 film SUSPICION. Willy Castello was notorious for playing the "heavy" in many B-movies! Look for him playing almost the same character in other Willis Kent films like SMASHING THE VISE TRUST (1937), RACE SUICIDE (1938), and MAD YOUTH (1939). Actress Blanche Mehaffey started off as a dancer with the Ziegfeld Follies before appearing in Hollywood comedies, westerns and dramas. She starred opposite Charley Chase and Glenn Tryon in several short comedies for the Hal Roach Film Company from 1923 to 1929, before leaving to go study voice and languages for more than a year in New York City. She made her return in 1931 film THE SUNSET TRAIL starring opposite Bob Steele. She went on to appear in other B-movies and westerns like RIDER OF THE NORTH (1931), BORDER GUNS (1934), and THE SILENT CODE (1935). She would retire from the movie business after the completion of this movie. 

Producer Willis Kent is one of the most famous producers out of what was dubbed "The Forty Thieves," a group of directors and producers that operated outside the Hollywood Production Code during this time of cinema. Kent started off producing cheap, low budget B-movie westerns before churning out some of the most infamous exploitation films, such as THE PACE THAT KILLS, COCAINE FIENDS, and MAD YOUTH (all available from Something Weird Video), as well as SMASHING THE VISE TRUST, RACE SUICIDE, and his infamous film CONFESSIONS OF A VICE BARON. The reason why this was one of his infamous films was that it was mostly made up of scenes from earlier exploitation films with new footage of actor Willy Castello as a prisoner about to be executed who dictates the the story of his life of crime added on to the front and end of it! Overall, Kent produced 43 films from  1929 till 1958. He passed away in Los Angeles on March 11, 1966 at the age of 87.

Something Weird Video was founded in 1990 by Mike Vraney, a former concert promoter who worked at several theaters during his teenage years. Named after the Herschell Gordon Lewis film, his Seattle based company would specialize in, "in releasing a rich array of low-grade trashy out-of-the-mainstream independent fare on both VHS and DVD alike that runs the gamut from horror features to softcore flicks to vintage classroom scare items to TV commercials to hardcore X-rated smut to theatrical trailers to collections of nudie loops and burlesque clips." He would go on to release the film libraries of some of the greatest exploitation filmmakers of all time, including Lewis, David F. Friedman, Harry H. Novak, Joseph W. Sarno, Doris Wishman, William Grefé, Bethel Buckalew and Barry Mahon. Unfortunately, Vraney died from lung cancer on January 2, 2014. He was only 56 years old. His wife Lisa Petrucci now runs the company and continues the legacy of her late, beloved husband.

THE WAGES OF SIN is one of most famous, funny, cheesy, and ludicrous exploitation films of all time! It's a highly entertaining, wonderfully absurd and bonkers movie that diehard exploitation fans will love and new viewers will get an education on the dangers of drugs, vice, and sex!! If you have never seen an exploitation movie before, this is the perfect place to start!! It doesn't get any better than this!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE WAGES OF SIN is available on DVD-R from Something Weird Video. To purchase a copy for yourself, please visit their website at www.somethingweird.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show! 

Phil's Horror Watch: DEADBEAT AT DAWN (1988) from Arrow Video - January 14, 2019

DEADBEAT AT DAWN Blu-Ray.

DEADBEAT AT DAWN (1988)

Starring Paul Harper, Jim Van Bebber, Megan Murphy, Ric Walker, Marc Pitman, Maureen Gentner
Written by Jim Van Bebber
Cinematography by Michael King
Edited by Jim Van Bebber
Produced by Michael King
Directed by Jim Van Bebber
Originally released by Ketchum Video
Released by Arrow Video

Welcome back to the first installment of Phil's Horror Watch of 2019! Today's feature leans more towards exploitation than horror, however, it exploits the horror of living in the town of Dayton, Ohio during the 1980's.  It's also a great example of the Do-It-Yourself independent filmmaking that was sweeping the nation during the decade. It's depictions of gang violence, lost love, and revenge made it a cult classic when it was first released back in 1988. Over three decades later, the fine folks over at Arrow Video gave the film a new and improved upgrade that it so richly deserved. Now, fans old and new can witness the brilliant and violent cinematic treasure called DEADBEAT AT DAWN!

The film's official synopsis: Written by, directed by, and starring Van Bebber, Deadbeat follows the story of Goose – a gang leader whose girlfriend is brutally slaughtered when he attempts to leave the thug life behind. Pulled back into the gang, who’ve now formed an uneasy alliance with the thugs that butchered his girl, Goose sees an opportunity to exact his brutal, deadly revenge. The very definition of DIY, independent filmmaking (VanBebber quit film school after his first year and used his student loan to fund the movie), DEADBEAT AT DAWN surpasses its low-budget origins to create a revenge movie that delivers more thrills and bloody spills than all of Chuck Norris’ films combined.

When I first watched the movie, I thought it was shot in New York City, but to my surprised, it was filmed in Dayton, Ohio. Van Bebber captures the plight of his city the same way that filmmakers have done prior for the Big Apple. Some of the names that come to mind are Abel Ferrara's DRILLER KILLER and MS.45, Buddy Giovinazzo's COMBAT SHOCK, and Susan Seidelman's SMITHEREENS for example. Van Bebber's style of directing is both beautiful and haunting, grotesque and confrontational. His camera doesn't shy away from those moments of both happiness and sheer violence of gang violence. His style lies somewhere between traditional and documentary, showing us that he isn't afraid of pushing the envelope, and then showing us what's inside. And it's all shot on glorious 16mm filmstock, giving it this aura of sleaze and griminess that looks like it would've been screened at a grindhouse theater on 42nd Street.

Original Theatrical Poster (1988)

Applause goes to Arrow Video for their tremendous job of restoring this beloved cult classic! They did a brand new 2K restoration from original film elements, supervised and approved by Jim VanBebber himself, and looks better than ever in High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation! The discs also offer the original uncompressed PCM mono audio, optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, and a reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Peter Strain.

The Blu-Ray/DVD also comes with a plethora of awesome special features. Included are a brand new free-wheeling audio commentary with Jim VanBebber ('Goose', The Ravens' Gang Leader), actor Paul Harper ('Danny Carmodi', The Spyders' Gang Leader) and guest Cody Lee Hardin, moderated by filmmaker Victor Bonacore (Diary of a Deadbeat: The Story of Jim VanBebber), Archival 1986 behind-the-scenes documentary Nate Pennington's VHS documentary on a failed Deadbeat shoot, Outtakes, newly transferred in HD, Four newly-restored VanBebber short films Into the Black (1983, 34 mins), My Sweet Satan (1993, 19 mins), Roadkill: The Last Days of John Martin (1994, 14 mins) and Gator Green (2013, 16 mins), Jim VanBebber Music Video Collection, featuring never-before-seen Director's Cuts, Chunkblower promotional trailer for an unfinished Gary Blair Smith-produced gore-soaked feature film, Extensive Image Gallery Never-Before-Seen Stills, Jim VanBebber, Deadbeat Forever! a brand new retrospective documentary on VanBebber and the Deadbeat legacy by Filmmaker Victor Bonacore, featuring first-time interviews, super-rare footage, VanBebber's college films and much, much more! Plus, a collector's booklet featuring new writing by Scott Gabbey and Graham Rae for the first pressing of the combo only!

DEADBEAT AT DAWN is a tried and true cult classic that examines the hardship of living in Regan's America during the 1980's!! With it's down and dirty gorilla filmmaking and over-the-top violence and brutality, the movie is a time capsule that captures the spirit of independent filmmaking during that decade! It also announces the masses the arrival of a true auteur whose film still manages to shock and surprise   5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

DEADBEAT AT DAWN is available on Blu-Ray from Arrow Video. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit the Diabolik DVD website at www.diabolikdvd.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Shudder Picks: KING COHEN: THE WILD WORLD OF FILMMAKER LARRY COHEN (2017) - December 16, 2018

Hell again readers and welcome back to another thrilling installment of Phil's Shudder Picks! Today's film was just added to the streaming service a couple of days ago, and it's a film that I've been hearing about for a while now. It's a documentary about one of the most underrated filmmakers of all time. Now I've been a fan of his for years, and when I first heard about the documentary, I was super excited to see it. He was long overdue to have a film about himself, as he has countless stories to tell and a large fanbase, who are very loyal to him and his work. So let's no wait another minute, and let me tell you all about the documentary KING COHEN: THE WILD WORLD OF FILMMAKER LARRY COHEN.

The film's official synopsis: Buckle up for KING COHEN, the true story of writer, producer, director, creator and all-around maverick, Larry Cohen (BLACK CAESAR, GOD TOLD ME TO, Q: THE WINGED SERPENT, THE STUFF). Told through compelling live interviews, stills and film/TV clips, the people who helped fulfill his vision, and industry icons such as Martin Scorsese, John Landis, Michael Moriarty, Fred Williamson, Yaphet Kotto and many more, including Larry himself, bring one-of-a-kind insight into the work, process and legacy of a true American film auteur. Few can boast of a career as remarkable or prolific, spanning more than 50 years of entertaining audiences worldwide!

The first Larry Cohen film I saw was the 1974 fright flick IT'S ALIVE, and I saw it on cable when I was about nine or ten years old. 

Phil's Shudder Picks: FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG (1973) - September 12, 2018

Well folks, this is it! What is it I'm talking about? Well, on today's edition of Phil's Shudder Picks, I'm going to review the final film in the FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION series! Yes my friends, all good things do come to an end. So let's not waste another minute, and let me tell you all about the final chapter of this immensely beloved franchise entitled FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG.

Original Japanese Poster (1973)

The film's official synopsis: The final film in the series, FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG (from director Yasuharu Hasebe; RETALIATION, MASSACRE GUN), shows a gentler side of Scorpion. When Nami falls in with Kudo, an ex-radical suffering from physical and psychological trauma caused by police torture, the pair become political rebels.

The film surprised me in several ways. The first being that we see a side of Nami that we haven't seen before. Actress Meiko Kaji brings a vulnerability to Nami that we really haven't seen since the first film, However, this doesn't last long, and at the end of the film, she becomes the Nami that we know and love!

Now, I'm debating on telling you how this movie ends. I'm not a big fan of spoilers, but the movie is 45 years old. If you haven't seen these films yet, for shame. Anywho, Nami kills the corrupt cop and Kudo. There, I said it! But it's pretty fucking sweet how it all went down!

As I said in my previous post, director Shunya Itō meant the franchise to be a trilogy. After he completed , he walked away from the series, even though the studio Toei Company had different ideas. Enter director Yasuharu Hasebe. Here, he gives a nice conclusion to the journey of Nami, even showcasing some cool exploitation compositions and set-ups that have become the trademark for Japanese grindhouse films of the 1970's. The overall effect is one that satisfies the hardcore fan of these type of genre films.

The Toei Company released the movie in Japan on December 29, 1973. What a way to close out the year!! The film wouldn't be available here in the states until Tokyo Shock released it on DVD in 2005. And then UK company released a 2K scan of the film as part of the Female Prisoner Scorpion: The Complete Collection boxset.

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG is a awesome conclusion to the original series of films!! While other companies have released their own film to the franchise, the original four films have earned their place in the annuls of cinema history! Now in the 21st century, old time fans and newbies can watch them all over again in the comfort of their home! 4 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!!

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: #701's GRUDGE SONG is now streaming exclusively on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror! 

Phil's Shudder Picks: FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE (1973) - SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

So, I would like to know who the hell comes up with these titles?!? As you may have noticed from my previous two posts, I've been making my way through the series on Shudder, and I am just amused by the title for this one. First there was FEMALE PRISONER: #701 SCORPION . Then came FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41. And now, the third film of the series and today's review entitled FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE! Yeah, that's a fucking crazy title, and so is this movie!

Original Japanese Poster (1973)

The film's official synopsis: The 3rd Female Prisoner film, the Gothic horror-inspired FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE finds Nami branded public enemy #1. She soon finds refuge with a sympathetic prostitute, but is on the run from a local gang, her ex-prison mate and a cop whose arm she hacked off (hell yeah).

The look of the movie is totally different than the previous two chapters. Director Shun'ya Itô abandons his arthouse meets grindhouse, supernatural lighting, sound stage sets look of the last film in favor for a more creepy looking, Gothic style movie. There's a lot of blues and greys in the film, almost melodramatic. It's a visually depressing representation of the environment of our old friend Nami is, now in another hell-hole women's prison. Itô also jettisons the European style directing in favor of a more straight forward exploitation found here. Overall, I missed the directing style of JAILHOUSE 41, but he, once again, delivers the goods and creates another classic flick, filled with nudity, violence, bloodshed, and a incestuous relationship between a sister and her fucked-up-in-the-head brother. What more could anyone ask?

Meiko Kaji proves once again that she is, without a shadow of doubt, the most beautiful and deadliest woman alive! Good grief, I love this woman!! I mean, how can you not?!? She's gorgeous, looks sexy as hell in her trademark black hat and outfit, and can kill you a hundred different ways!! I would love to see her in a movie today! But alas, she has long since retired from the silver scree, and as she puts it, she wants her fans to remember her the way she used to look in her films.

Now, this was supposed to be Shun'ya Itô's final film of the trilogy, and was written as the finale of the FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION series. And the way it ends, it does feel like a logical conclusion to the franchise, all wrapped up in a nice big bow. But when Toei Company released it to theaters in Japan on July 29, 1973, it was another huge blockbuster. However, this was the last FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION that Shun'ya Itô would be involved in.

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE is another Japanese exploitation classic in the franchise that fans will want to see over and over again! While not as visually stunning and experimental as FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41, there's still plenty for audiences to go crazy for! So grab some popcorn, grab some drinks and then watch this movie!! 4 out of 5 starts! Highly recommended!

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: BEAST STABLE is now streaming exclusively on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror! 

Phil's Shudder Picks: FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41 (1972) - September 11, 2018

Welcome back to another installment of Phil's Shudder Picks! Today's movie is the first sequel in the FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION franchise. Again, I was able to check out the film on the Shudder App, which has been awesome! So, ladies and gentlemen, let's discuss the 1972 sequel FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41.

Original Japanese Poster (1972)

The film's official synopsis: Scorpion returns. Nami and six other female prisoners are on the run in this 2nd FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION film, a visually stunning jailhouse escape spectacle.

Once again, actress Meiko Kaji returns as our heroine Nami, who is both bad ass and beautiful beyond description!! And like the first film, she barely says a word in this one too. If anything, I believe she had one line, maybe two. But then, she doesn't need dialogue to express herself. The way she moves, her glaring eyes, the expression on her face when she's sad, angry, and when she's cutting a bitch up! She looks indescribably breathtaking while looking like a prisoner being hosed by the cops in her cell or in her trademark black hat and matching outfit!

Kaji isn't the only one to return to the series. Co-writer/director Shun'ya Itô also returns to helm the movie, and holy shit it's batshit crazy!! The movie is leaps and bounds more visually stunning than the first chapter of the series. Itô showcases his maturity for set designs, mood lighting, sweeping on-location shots, and dynamic set-ups and compositions. Now remember, this film came out in 1972, five years before director Nobuhiko Ôbayashi's film HOUSE, which looks like it copied the look from this movie!! Coincidence? I think not!!

The film was originally released to theaters in Japan on December 30, 1972 from the legendary Toei Company. It was another success, but it didn't get discovered here in the states till years later. Thanks to the VHS boom of the 1980's, the movie achieved a cult-like status unheard of at that time. Eventually, the movie (as well as the rest of the entries of the series) were released on DVD, but the source material were on the rough side; the picture and sound quality weren't all that great. But then in 2016, British company Arrow Video released Female Prisoner Scorpion: The Complete Collection in a stunning Blu-Ray/DVD boxset! Arrow did a brand new 2k restorations of all four films, bonus features, and a booklet!

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41 is my favorite film of the FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION franchise! It's the perfect blend of arthouse movie, experimental film, and Japanese exploitation cinema!! Fans of the series have been raving about this film for decades, and now you can enjoy it in the comfort of your home! What more do you need to know!! Go watch this movie now!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41 is now streaming exclusively on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil's Shudder Picks: FEMALE PRISONER #701: SCORPION (1972) - September 11, 2018

Welcome back my fellow horror hounds to a new installment that I call Phil's Shudder Picks. If you are not hip to what the kids are watching, let me break it down for you: Shudder is an online horror streaming service that features the largest library of horror films. Backed by AMC, their catalog ranges from horror classics to indie darlings, silent films to cult classics, foreign fright flicks to Shudder exclusives not found anywhere, they have become the go-to app for horror fanatics. Recently, they've added a beloved Japanese exploitation series that I've been a huge fan of. So for today's review, I'll be talking about the grindhouse classic FEMALE PRISONER #701: SCORPION.

Original Japanese Poster (1972)

The film's official synopsis: When young Nami is framed and falsely imprisoned, she must find a way to escape and exact revenge upon the man who betrayed her. Meiko Kaji (LADY SNOWBLOOD) leads the 1st ferocious film in director Shun'ya Itô's stylish must-see FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION saga.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: The Japanese sure can make some awesome 70's exploitation classics! What makes it so much fun to watch is Meiko Kaji's stunning perfromance as Nami. She carries the film without hardly any dialogue. It's her mannerism, her body language, her facial expressions, and her ability take the audience with her on her journey. We sympathize with her; we want her to get revenge on those dirty bastards that put her in jail, the women that try to kill her, and those who want her to die. Kaji just radiates off the screen and grabs us by the throat and she doesn't let go until the very end of the film!

No only is Meiko Kaji a talented actress, but she is an amazing singer! Yup, she sing's the film's main theme song"Urami-Bushi", which became more well known when Quentin Tarantino used it for the soundtrack in his KILL BILL films. If that isn't cool, then I don't know what is? And yes, the song is available through iTunes, Spotify, and other musical platforms.

Credit for the movie's visuals and stylistic violence  goes to the outstanding Shun'ya Itô, Believe it or not, this was his feature film debut! He started out as a chief assistant director on the 1968 film ZOKE OTOSHIMAE before getting his big break directing this film. He also wrote "Urami-Bushi" for the film as well. While he did a great job making the film, he really matured by the time he directed his second film, which was the first sequel of the franchise FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41, which I will discuss further in my review of that film.

Now, a warning for the faint at heart. There is A LOT of carnage, rape, violence, bloodshed, gore, and nudity in the movie! If you're familiar with the genre, then you have already come to expect this. But there might be some of you out there that have never seen the movie, let alone a Japanese exploitation from this particular era. They don't shy away from any of this, and the camera longingly captures all of the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

FEMALE PRISONER #701: SCORPION is a true, bona fide, 1970's Japanese exploitation cult classic that is regarded viewing for all horror hounds!! It's influence on western cinema is far reaching, and continues to attract fans and haters alike!! So make sure you watch this and see how what movies were like back then! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! 

FEMALE PRISONER #701: SCORPION is now streaming exclusively on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror! 

Phil's Netfix Picks: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS (2014) - August 1, 2018

In the 1980's there was one studio that dared to be different, bold, and daring by releasing some of the most bizarre, inept, batshit crazy, out-of-this-world films of all time: Cannon Films. During this decade, they released WTF films like THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN, OVER THE TOP, NINJA III: THE DOMINATION, MISSING IN ACTION 1&2,  DEATH WISH 2-5, BREAKIN', MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, DELTA FORCE, and CYBORG just to name a few. Though no longer with us, those of us who came of age in this time period have a soft spot for Cannon Films. All of this nostalgia leads me to my Netflix Pick of the Week for the awesome documentary ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS and why you should watch it!

Official Theatrical Poster (2014)

The film's official synopsis: A documentary about Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus - two movie-obsessed cousins whose passion for cinema changed the way movies were made and marketed - and the tale of how this passion ultimately led to the demise of the company they built together.

I found myself relating to Menahem and Yoram because I'm just like them: I love movies. They transport us to different places, different times, telling us stories that we lived and ones that we haven't lived, etc. From the silent films to modern blockbusters, films have the power to take us on fantastic, magical rides. Menahem and Yoram did just this, only taking us more on a low budget ride on coach.

Writer/director Mark Hartley is no stranger to this subject of filmmaking, having made the incredibly awesome 2008 documentary NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF OZPLOITATION! and the phenomenal 2010 documentary MACHETE MAIDENS UNLEASHED! Here, Hartley does the same thing: providing the audience with some of the most outrageous stories about Cannon Films from those who were there like actresses Sybil Danning, Martine Beswick, Catherine Mary Stewart, Lucinda Dickey and Bo Derek, actors like Elliott Gould, Alex Winter, Michael Chambers, Michael Dudikoff and Richard Chamberlain. Also contributing to the documentary are industry veterans like Michael Hartman, John G. Avildsen, Mark Rosenthal, Tobe Hooper, Greydon Clark, and Charles Matthau just to name a few.

As a young kid and teenager coming up in the 1980's, I was there at my local theaters watching first hand these insane films that were being churned out by Cannon Films. I remember seeing BREAKIN', MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, OVER THE TOP, MISSING IN ACTION and SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE. They weren't all that great, but they were somewhat entertaining and I found myself just wondering how the hell these were even made to begin with! Well, now I know, thanks in large part to the documentary.

What I took away from this documentary was the passion that Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus had for films. They lived and breathed movies twenty-four hours and day, seven days a week. It's a shame that they split up and stopped talking to one another, and then Menahem was diagnosed with cancer. Lovingly known as the "Go-Go Boys", when Mark Hartley asked them to be part of this project, they declined, and instead, made their own documentary entitled THE GO-GO BOYS: THE INSIDE STORY OF CANNON FILMS. It was released four months before Hartley's film. Sadly, Menahem Golan passed away on August 8, 2014 in Tel Aviv, Israel at the age of 84.

ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS is a loving tribute to both Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus and the legendary Cannon Films!! If you're a die hard fan of 80's cinema and you went and saw these films in the theaters, then you'll have a fun-filled traveling down Memory Lane as you are transported to that decade of decadence. And if you missed out on all the fun, then watch this film and then go seek out those cinematic gems that have become cult classics! This is one of my favorite documentaries discoveries of this year on Netflix and you should definitely check it out!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! 

ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS is now streaming exclusively on Netflix. To start your subscription, visit their website at www.netflix.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Cult Classics: THAT'S SEXPLOITATION (2013) from Something Weird Video/Severin Films - May 14, 2015

As some of you might know, I'm a big fan of the old exploitation films, and I've been an avid fan of Something Weird Video, home of the largest library of exploitation films ever from the 1930's to the 1970's. Founded by Mike Vraney in 1990, the company has released thousands of films from all subgenres: Nudie Cuties, Roughies, Nudist Camps, Roadshow Rarities, Burlesque, Horror, Drive-In Classics, and Sexploitation. Before Vraney passed away in 2014, he along with filmmaker Frank Henenlotter teamed up with the "King of Exploitation" David F. Friedman to make the documentary THAT'S SEXPLOITATION, "The Untold Story of American Cinema from the 1920s to the 1960s!"

Original Theatrical Poster (2013)

The film's official synopsis: From director Frank Henenlotter (BASKET CASE, BRAIN DAMAGE) and co-producer Mike Vraney (the late founder of Something Weird Video) comes the epic documentary critics call “fascinating” (Video Watchdog), “titillating” (Time Out Los Angeles) and “jaw-dropping” (Seattle Weekly): Henenlotter and legendary exploitation monarch David F. Friedman – in his final film appearance – are your hosts for this eye-popping expedition through the world of pre-code peekaboos, stags, sex-hygiene films, goona-goonas, nudie-cuties, roughies, druggies, white-coaters and more, featuring thousands of spicy, steamy and downright sleazy slips from the SWV archives.

This was a very insightful, and fun documentary that sheds a bright spotlight on these overlooked and forgotten within film history. Friedman is our ringmaster; guiding us through the hills and valleys of exploitation's vast library of subgenres and movies. Highlights are the early Roadshow Films of the 1930's and the sex hygiene movies of the 1940's: BECAUSE OF EVE, MOM AND DAD, CHILD BRIDE, SECRETS OF A HIGH SCHOOL GIRL, and WAGES OF SIN are personal favorites of mine. I own them and have watched them repeatedly. It's so amusing at what was so controversial back then is so tamed by today's society (however CHILD BRIDE is still hard to watch today). I would have loved to see these movies play in theaters back then! All the balleyhoo, posters, lobby cards, fake doctors selling sex hygiene books, it all sounded like so much fun! And people like Friedman laughed all the way to the bank.

Henenlotter shows up from time to time in the movie to give us some information about the changing times in America, what and how each decade was defined by the exploitation movies that were made, and how the filmmakers, producers, and distributors stayed on step ahead to make sure their product was bringing in the cash. Henenlotter is also a great historian in his own right, and would love to meet him one day and just pick is brain. I mean, his first film BASKET CASE actually played in a grindhouse theater on 42nd Street! That's bragging rights till the end of time!

THAT'S EXPLOITATION Blu-Ray

Last person I would like to talk about is the late, great Mike Vraney, who produced the documentary. Vraney. He and Something Weird Video has released thousands of films, not only Friedman's movies, but also films from Harry Novak, Herschell Gordon Lewis, Doris Wishman, and many others. He championed these films and made them available for all those people who were into seeing something new and different. Mike Vraney died after a lengthy battle with lung cancer on January 2, 2014. He was just 56 years old. We owe this great man a debt that will never be able to pay back.

This was also David F. Friedman final film appearance. On February 14, 2011, Friedman died in his home in Anniston, Alabama at the age of 87. There will never, ever be another "King of Exploitation." But rest assured, both Friedman and Vraney are reunited somewhere out there.

Besides looking fantastic, the Blu-Ray also contains an audio commentary with Frank Henenlotter and Lisa Petrucci  (Vraney's widow who's now in charge of Something Weird Video), film's trailer and over "3.5 hours of Sexploitation Shorts from the Something Weird Archives!"

THAT'S SEXPLOITATION is a highly entertaining, wonderfully absurd and informative documentary that diehard exploitation fans will love and new viewers will get an education on these outrageous films!! I've been a fan for decades, and it's incredible to have this movie for us to watch over and over again!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THAT'S SEXPLOITATION is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD from Something Weird Video and Severin Films. To purchase a copy visit www.somethingweird.com or severin-films.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil Gets Tromatized: B.C. BUTCHER (2016) from Troma Entertainment - Sept. 13, 2017

B.C. BUTCHER DVD Cover

B.C. BUTCHER
Starring Leilani Fideler, Natasha Halevi, Molly Elizabeth Ring, Devyn Leah, Parker Love Bowling, Miranda Robin, Kato Kaelin, Kadeem Hardison, Rodney Bingenheimer, Dwayne Johnson
Written by Kansas Bowling and Kenzie Givens
Cimematography by
Edited by Robby DeFrain
Produced by Lloyd Kaufman and Kansas Bowling
Directed by Kansas Bowling
Released by Troma Entertainment

Welcome back to another edition of Phil Gets Tromatized! Today's film has been long overdue. As you may recall, I conducted a series of interviews (click here to read them) with the stars of the then upcoming Troma film B.C. BUTCHER. It was the feature film debut from Kansas Bowling, who made the film at the young age of 16. Since then, the film has become a huge cult classic and garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike. Bowling was kind enough to mail me an autographed screener of the film, which I've been wanting to watch for the past year. Well, like the old saying goes, "better late than never." So let me tell you why B.C. BUTCHER rocks my world and why you must see it!

The film's official synopsis: When a tribe of cavewomen imparts cruel justice on one of their own their fate takes a turn for the worst. After discovering and falling in love with the corpse sacrificed by the girl-gang, a lone wandering giant of pre-historic mythos is inspired to homicide. Consequently the cavewomen are menaced by the heartbroken and bloodthirsty cave-brute with a grudge, and the prophetess among them is ignored when she predicts the tragic outcome. “BC Butcher” is hailed as the first pre-historic slasher film to ever be made. Shot on brilliant 16mm film, the film features actor Kato Kaelin, a cameo from Rodney Bingenheimer of KROQ Radio and a performance by Southern California rock group “The Ugly Kids”.

One of the aspects that I loved about the movie was the actresses were incredible! Leilani Fideler's Neandra is such a spiteful and vindictive antagonist that she will lie to cover her own mistakes, even if it costs everyone else in her tribe their lives. Natasha Halevi's Anaconda is the smart, practical one who calls Neandra on her shit and is my favorite character in the film. The fun and bubbly Poppy, portrayed by Molly Elizabeth Ring, is the cave girlfriend we all want. Bamba is blind but has the gift of sight, and is played amazingly by Devyn Leah. Add special appearances by Kato Kaelin and Rodney Bingenheimer and the rest of the incredible cast, you've got yourself an awesome B-movie classic!

The directing was superb and Kansas Bowling definitely has that auteur eye for directing! Her set-ups and compositions hearken back to those glory days of exploitation cinema: handheld, fast and in-your-face gore and beautiful actress fighting monsters. The look of the film lend also lend it to those days as well, having the movie shot on 16mm film stock! It looks fantastic and has that grainy look that can't be replicated with today's technology. Bowling has continued with this mindset, as she has been making a series of music videos and their all on 16mm. I can't wait to see what this talented filmmaker will produce for us next!

B.C. BUTCHER is my favorite new indie horror/cult classic film of 2017!! If Doris Wishman directed ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. it would look exactly like this! Fans of Troma movies and classic grinhouse films will have a blast watching this! Easily one of the best films in the Troma library!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

B.C. BUTCHER is currently available on both Blu-ray and DVD at your local retailer
nd on the Troma website. To purchase this film as well as books, posters and Blu-Rays and DVDs, visit www.troma.com. 

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Top 10 Best Post GRINDHOUSE Films of all Time - April 27, 2017

GRINDHOUSE Theatrical Poster (2006)

In 2007, directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez's homage to exploitation double features GRINDHOUSE was released to theaters. With their films PLANET TERROR and DEATH PROOF, Rodriguez and Tarantino respectively, along with four fake trailers by Rodriguez (MACHETE), Edgar Wright (DON'T), Rob Zombie (WEREWOLF WOMEN OF THE S.S.) and Eli Roth (THANKSGIVING), they were able to recreate that visual experience of what it was like to go to these cinematic events. Their distributor The Weinstein Company thought they had gigantic hit on their hands, but instead, the exact opposite happened and it bombed both critically and financially. However, the film struck a chord with many young filmmakers, who were then inspired to make their own grindhouse style movie. This lead to a new trend of movies that harken back to the gritty, down and dirty days of 42nd Street cinemas and drive-ins.

In the past ten years, there's been a plethora of these films being released on home video, on demand and on streaming services. Some are incredibly amazing while others are just plain awful. But that's where I come in, weeding out the good, the bad and the ugly. So without further ado, here is my list of the 10 Best Post GRINDHOUSE Films of All Time.

HEADLESS Poster (2015)

10) HEADLESS (2015) Plot Synopsis: In this "lost slasher from 1978," a masked killer wages an unrelenting spree of murder, cannibalism, and necrophilia. But when his tortured past comes back to haunt him, he plunges to even greater depths of madness and depravity, consuming the lives of a young woman and those she holds dear. (View the film's trailer here)

This movie is not for the faint of heart. It's visually disturbing, graphically gory and just really, really creepy. Especially the little boy with the skull mask that he always wears. Director Arthur Cullipher holds nothing back on this feature. This is a perfect example of what old school grindhouse movies looked like! Fun Fact: HEADLESS is based on the film within a film from Cullipher's previous horror movie FOUND. To purchase a Blu-Ray or DVD copy for yourself, visit the film's website at headlessmovie.net.

RUN! BITCH!RUN! Poster (2009)

9) RUN! BITCH RUN! (2009) Plot Synopsis: Catherine and Rebecca are two Catholic school girls going door-to-door selling religious paraphernalia in order to pay for their books and education. Things go horribly wrong when they knock on the wrong door in the wrong neighborhood. (View the film's trailer here)

The film is a throwback to the classic rape and revenge films that dominated the 70's and early 80's. Think LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE and MS. 45 and you'll have a idea of what kind of movie this is. Joseph Guzman directed and co-wrote the film with Robert James Hayes II. Cheryl Lyone and Christina DeRosa's performances of Catherine and Rebecca respectively are riveting and hauntingly realistic. This dirty little flick has the making of becoming a cult classic. The movie is available on DVD from Freak Show Entertainment.

THE EDITOR Poster (2014)

8) THE EDITOR (2014) Plot Synopsis: Rey Ciso was once the greatest editor the world had ever seen. Since a horrific accident left him with four wooden fingers on his right hand, he's had to resort to cutting pulp films and trash pictures. When the lead actors from the film he's been editing turn up murdered at the studio, Rey is fingered as the number one suspect. The bodies continue to pile up in this absurdist giallo-thriller as Rey struggles to prove his innocence and learn the sinister truth lurking behind the scenes. (View the film's trailer here)

The Canadian film group Astron-6's tribute to Italian Giallos is both hilarious and spectacular! I was completely enamoured with the performances, the compositions, the lighting, the bloodshed and the incredible Casio soundtrack! If you're looking for something unique and fantastic, then you need to see this movie! The movie is available on Blu-Ray and DVD from Scream Factory. To learn more about the Astron-6 group and their movies, visit their website at astron-6.com.

NUDE NUNS WITH BIG GUNS Poster (2010)

7) NUDE NUNS WITH BIG GUNS (2010) Plot Synopsis: Upon taking her vows to become a nun, Sister Sarah is abused, brainwashed and drugged into submission by the corrupt clergy. On the verge of death from a lethal dose of drugs, Sister Sarah receives a message from GOD telling her to take vengeance on all those who did her wrong. Armed with God's will and an arsenal of big guns, she dispenses Judgment Day on her former tormentors. When the church hires the merciless motorcycle gang the "Los Muertos" to track down and kill her they soon realize that this SISTER IS ONE BAD MOTHER. (View the film's trailer here)

Director  Joseph Guzman makes it on the list again but this time with a film that mines a classic grindhouse subgenre: Nunsploitation! Actress Asun Ortega is incredible as Sister Sarah as she's both holy and deadly! There's nothing more sexier than a beautiful nun with big guns blowing bad guys away! This is one film that deserves your time and attention. The movie is available on Blu-Ray and DVD from Image Entertainment.

SHE KILLS Poster (2016)

6) SHE KILLS (2016) Plot Synopsis: Sadie's life is destroyed when a vicious gang called 'The Touchers' targets her for their sadistic fantasies after witnessing her sexy but innocent naked frolicking in a nearby field. On her wedding night they attack her and her husband Edward, brutalizing both of them. But during the attack the virgin bride discovers a dangerous secret about her body - she is cursed with the legendary 'Fire Crotch,' a condition where Satan has laid claim to her vagina. After visiting her fortune teller friend Casparella, a space exorcism is attempted on her meat flaps, but it only ends up unlocking secret hidden powers inside her. Her hatchet wound becomes lethal, her most deadly weapon in her thirst for revenge against The Touchers and her fight against lustful men everywhere! (View the film's trailer here)

If your a fan of THEY CALL HER ONE EYE, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE and THE CROW, then here's a movie that takes elements of all three and cranks the absurdity up to ten. The film doesn't take itself too seriously and director Ron Bonk knows this. He had fun making this film and we the audience are having fun watching it. Jennie Russo is riveting as Sadie and Trey Harrison's Dirk is one of the funniest villains of all time (the moustache gag is hilarious!). This is one movie that must be seen to believe. The film is available on DVD from SRS Cinema. To purchase a copy for your self, visit their website at srscinema.com/home.

DEAR GOD NO! Poster (2011)

5) DEAR GOD NO! (2011) Plot Synopsis: Outlaw motorcycle gang The Impalers tri-state rape and murder spree ended in a bloody massacre with rival club Satan's Own. The surviving members sought refuge in a secluded cabin deep in the North Georgia mountains. What first must of seemed like easy prey for a home invasion, became a living nightmare of depravity and violence. A young innocent girl being held captive may hold the key to the twisted secrets locked in the basement and the killing machine feasting on human flesh in the forest outside. (View the film's trailer here)

Drawing inspiration from old biker exploitation flicks such as WILD REBELS, THE BORN LOSERS and SATAN'S SADISTS, the movie is a perfect blend of bikes, blood and boobs. Mostly boobs. But there's a lot of bikes too. The violence is over-the-top gory fun, the characters are sick and twisted, and there's a topless girl wearing a Richard Nixon mask toting a machine gun. The film became an underground classic that is spawned the 2016 sequel FRANKENSTEIN CREATED BIKERS. Both movies are available on both Blu-Ray and DVD. To purchase a copy, visit the Big World Pictures website at www.bigworldpictures.us.

BLACK DYNAMITE Poster (2009)

4) BLACK DYNAMITE (2009) Plot Synopsis: This is the story of 1970s African-American action legend Black Dynamite. The Man killed his brother, pumped heroin into local orphanages, and flooded the ghetto with adulterated malt liquor. Black Dynamite was the one hero willing to fight The Man all the way from the blood-soaked city streets to the hallowed halls of the Honky House. (View the film's trailer here)

Blaxploitation is a film genre that catered to black audiences back in the early 1970's. Films like SHAFT, SUPERFLY, COFFY, THE MACK, SHEBA, BABY and BLACK BELT JONES became huge boxoffice hits and are now regarded as cinema classics. This film does the same thing, paying homage to those films while having some fun tongue in cheek moments. Michael Jai White is absolutely fantastic as the title role. The man was born to play this character. Not only does he star in the movie, he also co-wrote the screenplay as well. The film became a huge cult classic that it became a cartoon series on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, which made it even more popular. The film is available on Blu-Ray and DVD. To purchase a copy as well as other merchandise, visit the website blackdynamite.com.

MACHETE Poster (2010)

3) MACHETE (2010) Plot Synopsis: The highly skilled Federale Machete is hired by some unsavory types to assassinate a senator. But just as he's about to take the shot, he notices someone aiming at him and realizes he's been set up. He barely survives the sniper's bullet, and is soon out for revenge on his former employers, with the reluctant assistance of his brother Cheech Marin, who has become a priest and taken a vow of nonviolence. If you hire him to take out the bad guys, make sure the bad guys aren't you! (View the film's trailer here)

The first fake trailer that opened in GRINDHOUSE became the first to become a full length feature film. Robert Rodriguez's film fulfills the exploitation criteria while adding political and social commentary. Danny Trejo is such a bad ass in the film and when he teams up with Jessica Alba and Michelle Rodriguez to take down Robert De Niro, Jeff Fahey and Steven Seagal, it's a fucking blast to watch. The movie became a hug hit and in 2013 the sequel MACHETE KILLS was released. There is a rumor that the third film MACHETE KILLS AGAIN...IN SPACE (which is a fake trailer in MACHETE KILLS) is supposed to be still in the works. The movie is available on Blu-Ray and DVD.

HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN Poster (2011)

2) HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN (2011) Plot Synopsis: A vigilante homeless man pulls into a new city and finds himself trapped in urban chaos, a city where crime rules and where the city's crime boss reigns. Seeing an urban landscape filled with armed robbers, corrupt cops, abused prostitutes and even a pedophile Santa, the Hobo goes about bringing justice to the city the best way he knows how - with a 20-gauge shotgun. Mayhem ensues when he tries to make things better for the future generation. Street justice will indeed prevail. (View the film's trailer here)

Directed by Jason Eisener, the movie started out as a fake trailer made for an international contest to promote the release of GRINDHOUSE. He won the contest and his trailer was shown within the movie in parts of Canada. Due to the overwhelming demand from fans, he decided to make it into a feature length film. Legendary actor Rutger Hauer steals the film as our hobo hero, who dishes out justice one shell at a time. The violence is crazy gory, there's blood everywhere, and it's balls-to-the-wall crazy fun! Anyone who is fan of exploitation movies needs to see this film! The movie is available on Blu-Ray and DVD.

FATHER'S DAY Poster (2011)

1) FATHER'S DAY (2011) Plot Synopsis: Ahab, a man obsessed with exacting a brutal, violent revenge on the man who murdered his dad, joins John, an eager priest, and Twink, a hot-headed street hustler, on an epic quest to find and defeat this mythical monster known as Chris Fuchman AKA The Father's Day Killer. (View the film's trailer here)

The group Astron-6 takes the number one spot! This movie is not for the squeamish. There are multiple scenes of male rape, tons of male nudity (but there's also plenty of female nudity), graphic gore and even genital mutilation. In spite of all that, this is actually a comedy that serves as both a homage and a satire of exploitation films. Now when you watch the film, even though it's low budget, it looks rather expensive. Believe it or not, the film's budget was only $10,000! The movie looks incredible, which once again reinforces my point that you don't need a lot of money to make your film. FATHER'S DAY is without a doubt the BEST exploitation film ever made! The movie is available on Blu-Ray and DVD from Troma Entertainment. Visit their website at www.troma.com. To learn more about the Astron-6 group and their movies, visit their website at astron-6.com.

And folks, there you have it! My Top 10 Best Post GRINDHOUSE Films of All Time! Man, this sure was fun! And I hope all you jive turkeys, biker dudes, groovy chicks and soul brothas and sistas had a good time reading all about these far out flicks. Now, there is no reason that ya'll can't checkout these flicks because they're all available to watch, either on home video or they're On Demand, iTunes, Netflix and other streaming services. So if you wish you could relive those glory days of 42nd Street or you're new to the whole exploitation genre, then these ten films are required viewing. So turn off your phone, close the blinds, order some pizzas a beer and spend a day watching these exploitation classics! Just make sure you save me a seat, will ya?

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!