psychokillerindhouse

I was born in 1964, so this was filmed 29 years before my time! But, that doesn't matter. Because, the local public library had a film festival every Wednesday morning during the summers, and Thursdays from 5 - 7 p.m. during the school year. And, this 1935 serial "The Phantom Empire" (12 episodes), along with the original 1936 serial "Flash Gordon" (13 episodes), were always the best part of attending every week. I honestly can't count on my fingers & toes how many times I hate sat through both serials since 1969! The country was still in the throngs of protest against the Vietnam War, while the "Greatest, Most Important & Powerful" chapter of the Equal Rights movement continued into a third decade. Although violence ensued like an out of control nationwide wildfire, it the multi racial community we lived, AS A COMMUNITY, we all united together and kept that violence away from our community! And this particular service was implemented to be a safe place for the children to go. Every week seemed almost magical, because of all the amazing different adventures we were taken on. I met the very first "Monster" I would end up having a life long love for... Boris Karloff's "Frankenstein" creature! Rode through Sherwood Forrest with Errol Flynn's "Robin Hood"! Sailed with Sinbad in many adventures. Then, later sailed to "Treasure Island" during another. Visited & made lifelong friends with Laurel & Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Abbott & Costello, The Little Rascals, Three Stooges, Ma & Pa Kettle, and too many more to begin to mention! All of this during what would actually become the worst 9 years of my life. And, would change me forever, whether I wanted it or not. And believe me, I MOST DEFINITELY DID NOT WANT IT! So, to be able to go back and revisit all of these WONDERFUL friends, I am able to get through those darker years with their help, even at 55! If you were never lucky enough to enjoy "The Phantom Empire" or others for yourself, I am very sorry! Because, you have honestly missed out on something special & exciting. And, it you were lucky, "THUNDER RIDERS AWAY!"

Just about everyone who watched this movie was left scratching their heads while pondering what should have been quite obvious.

Q: "This seems a tad bit familiar. Where have I seen this movie before?".

A: And you would be right! It should seem familiar, because you've most likely watched the original. "The Horror At 37,000 Feet" is not a remake, but a reimagining of one of William Shatner's greatest performances ever in "The Twilight Zone: Nightmare At 20,000 Feet". (Season 5, Episode 3)

"The Horror At 37,000 Feet" aired in 1973, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of "Nightmare At 20,000 Feet", which aired in 1963. So, just in case you didn't know this, you do now.

Between 1967 through 1991, television went through a period where the big 3 networks, ABC, CBS & NBC produced 100+ "Made For TV" movies, on a regular basis. And, although they were "Made For TV" movies, most of them were so much better than what thee major movie studios were producing. There was an occasional stinker. But, for the most part, they were pretty good. But, there were also several excellent movies that would have you talking about them around the water cooler the next day. Alas, "The Horror At 37,000 Feet" was neither of the latter two. YES! I admit it! This was one of those stinkers!

Black Circle Boys (1997) is loosely based on real events filled with drugs, satanism & murder. On June 19, 1984, 17 year old Ricky Kasso lured a local boy into the woods in the middle of the night in Northport, New York. There, he beat, tortured & murdered 17 year old Gary Lauwers, while several friends watched on. When several friends asked why he murdered Gary, Ricky met each inquiry with a different excuse. After the murder, Ricky & a friend ran away, destination California. Not getting far, they returned to Northport where they were arrested and charged with Gary's murder. During his interview, Ricky implicated his friend as taking part in the murder. Although Ricky told his friend that he would recant his participation the next day, Ricky Kasso hung himself in his jail cell on July 7, 1984, leaving his friend to hold the bag. 6 months after the murder, the testimonies & alibi's of his activities during the time of the murder, Ricky's friend was acquitted of all charges. (Ricky's friend's name was never officially released, the name used in the local paper was mistakenly used, but was never retracted.)

In 2000, the movie "Ricky 6" follows is a factual account of the murder, taken directly from court transcripts, testimonies & interviews of those who were present & witnessed the horror that stole the innocence of the woods & would haunt the town of Northport forever.

In my opinion, the only reason I like this movie is because of Scott Bairstow, who played Kyle Sullivan & Eric Mabius, who played Shane Carver. Scott reminds me of Shane West, but in a cute sort of way. And Eric is so freaking gorgeous, in a trailer park white trash sort of way.

Although "Black Circle Boys" seemed to have a bigger budget to make, it takes so many liberties in the events that took happened that night in the woods. I would much rather watch "Ricky 6". It stays true to the horrific crime that shocked the entire community of Northport, New York, in 1984.