Bloodbath at the House of Death

Play "spot-the-movie" in this comedy which features allusions to Carrie, Close Encounters, The Invisible man, Jaws, Rocky Horror Picture Show and many more. Sing the inventory of killings at the "House of Death" to "The 12 Days of Christmas". Don't expect a great plot or serious social commentary because this spoof isn't that kind of film. If you just want to veg out and relax you can try to guess who will die next -- and how.

This completely bizarre horror-comedy is notable for a few reasons; mostly due to the fact that it features a late performance from the great Vincent Price and because it stars British comedian Kenny Everett. The humour is something of a mixed bag, as the film attempts to get laughs from a range of places; and doesn't always succeed. Some of the humour is absolutely pitch black to the point where I wasn't sure if I was supposed to laugh or not, while other areas of the movie are really stupid and overall, not much of it fits together nicely. The film does manage a few moments of hilarity, however, most notably the discussions about the deaths at the central location in a local pub and a great scene that sees Kenny Everett's doctor operating on a patient. The plot follows a group of scientists that travel to a house known as 'Headstone Manor', which is infamous for the savage murders that took place there some years earlier. The house is also inhabited by a group of satanic monks that won't sleep until they have purged the house of its unwelcome guests.

As you would expect; the film is at it's strongest during the scenes that include the great Vincent Price, but this is also one of the problems as there aren't enough of them. I don't know if director Ray Cameron simply couldn't afford to have Price in the film more, but Bloodbath at the House of Death would have been a better film if he could. Kenny Everett manages to keep things ticking over when Price isn't around, however, and the comedian does well in providing the film with most of its laughs. I'm not sure how into horror the director and lead star are as the film is mostly played out for laughs; but there is time to include some delicious horror elements. The central location is a nice play on the common 'haunted house' theme, and the house itself is dark, ominous and features numerous rooms. For a film with the word 'Bloodbath' in the title, there isn't a lot of gore; and this is slightly disappointing after the first sequence, which features a fair amount of it. Overall, this is undoubtedly a disjointed effort and not everything works, but it's a fun film and things such as the nods to classic films like Star Wars and The Evil Dead are nice.

Bloodbath at the House of Death is a strange beast, it has the feel of a Dario Argento Film in places with the P.O.V kills and the tripped out camera work! Others it's a bawdy seaside postcode with the kind of sight gag that made Kenny Everett a household name.

As such it sits between two stools occupying a strange place in terms of Genre cinema, is it a comedy, a horror or a thriller. To be honest I doubt the cast crew or writers new at the time either!

Vincent Price for the love of all that is holy what are you doing in this??? It's a far cry from Dr Phibes and theatre of Blood! Did it amuse me, yeah! Did it scare me, only the special effects. The kills are good the ending feels akin to trapping your head in a door repeatedly but overall an interesting diversion. Not without merit but it is hugely silly!

I really have to say that this one grew on me. I didn't like it a lot at first, but then I started watching it over and it's definitely been one of my favorites for awhile now. What's not to like about it? I, too, am glad to see the positive feedback on this fun movie. It's not as gory as some might have you believe, but, as a comedy, it is a classic. They parody all kinds of fantastically themed movies here, not just horror films. The "E.T." parody is a riot. I guess to say much more on it (aside from the basic plot, which is information provided already) would give away a lot of surprises, so I'll just leave it at that.

Not from Hellraiser, but from many other movies from the 80s or before (this movie was made). ET and the Alien scene being the most prominent one I'd reckon. But there are other references and jokes/spoofs/stabs this takes on things you know. I mean it even uses a lightsaber at one point ... I wonder how much that would cost to have in your movie nowadays ... but back to this.

And just to be clear if you haven't figured it out yet: it mixes comedy and horror. I have friends who think that is a combination that is an absolute no go. They don't like it, if you feel the same way - well better not watch this. It's quite the curiosity though. Having Vincent Price in it, who I can only imagine had quite the fun time with this. Many jokes are silly, but if you roll with them, you can still enjoy them.

There is still enough blood and violence ... not enough to warrant the title mind you, but I would assume they used that in a funny self deprecating way! A weird little movie with surely a weird (in a good way) fan base for it.

Edit: I re-watched this the other day ... and have to admit, I really more than enjoyed the re-watch ... I had forgotten many things ... and this was really funny ... especially the first half ... there is the cringe Poltergeist/invisible man scene I reckon ... might not play in the best way ... but enjoy this for what it is if possible ... silliness galore! With a Price - no pun intended ... he always lends gravitas.