Saturday is Horror Day #213 - The Haunting(1999)

 The Haunting(1999)

Eleanor, known as Nell (Lili Taylor) has not had it easy, taking care of her invalid mother for eleven torturous years, always at her beck and call and the incessant beating of her cane against the wall. Now that the old woman has passed, perhaps Lili can relax... except that her sister Jane (Virginia Madsen) and her husband Lou (Tom Irwin) have power of attorney and they have decided to sell the flat out from under Nell, leaving her homeless. Her sister says that Nell can come stay with them - if she wants to work for her living, including caring for their bratty child, Ritchie (Saul Priever). Just when all seems lost, Nell receives a phone call from a doctor telling her to look in the paper where she finds a study for insomnia that is paying participants $900 a week plus room and board. Nell leaps at the opportunity and is accepted for the study.

Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson) has placed an ad for an insomnia study. But what the participants don't know is that his actual purpose is to conduct a study on group fear. His assistant Mary (Alix Koromzay) objects that this isn't fair to the people involved, but the doctor insists he can't conduct the study any other way.

Nell follows the directions and finds herself at the gates of an enormous mansion where she meets the surly caretaker Mr. Dudley (Bruce Dern). He lets her in and tells her to ask for his wife (Marian Seldes). Next to arrive is Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and then Luke (Owen Wilson), followed by Dr. Marrow and Mary. From the beginning, strange things seem to be happening, including an accident which sends Mary to the hospital, never to be seen again.

Nell claims that there is something about the house and about the man who built it - allegedly as a home for his future children - something evil. But the others insist she is having a breakdown. Is the house haunted, or is Nell behind the mysterious goings on?

The Haunting is a remake of the 1963 film starring Julie Harris, which is from an original story by Shirley Jackson. Despite the famous cast, the star of the show is the actual mansion, which gives off elegant/creepy vibes from the beginning with its over the top opulence and its disturbing statuary of children, as well as a rotating room with its own carousel, and a fireplace you would fit a football team in. Lili Taylor does a good job as the tortured Nell, who only wants a place to belong, and someone to belong to. Catherine Zeta-Jones is stunning, as usual, and Owen Wilson clueless, while Liam Neeson swings between villain and victim. It's not a perfect film, but it does have a certain ambience as the people who are locked inside until morning (shades of House on Haunted Hill!0 try to negotiate what appear to be evil spirits. I think the ending will haunt you for a while. I'll give this film 3.75 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #38(8.4)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Avram and Dracula are left alone on Andrei's boat while he goes to join his family. When Avram suggests they go too, Nico reveals his snobbish side. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #38(8.4)

“Must you be so nasty?” Avram felt exasperation course through him unexpectedly. Perhaps the stress of their situation was getting to him. Or maybe Nico’s perpetual disdain of other people was too much.

For a split second, Avram thought he saw a wounded expression pass through the vampire’s eyes. But the next moment, he had returned to his usual inscrutable self.

“I am what I am,” he said simply.

“By the grace of God?” Avram easily finished the Biblical quotation.

“Hardly.” Nico sneered. “God’s so-called grace has no place in my life and you know it. If you persist in worshipping an invisible deity, that is your concern, not mine.”

Avram noticed that Dracula’s skin had taken on a faint tinge. Not a good sign, considering his poor circulation. He immediately regretted baiting him. He raised one hand in apology.

“I’m sorry, Nico. It’s a difficult time we are going through.”  He took a seat on the bench near the stern of the boat and patted the seat beside him.” Here, come sit down. Relax a little.” The vampire maintained a petulant attitude for all of ten seconds, then deigned to join Avram, as if doing so were his own idea.

They sat in mutual silence for a few minutes, as darkness fell around them. Dracula’s features were easily visible in the light of the nearly full moon, aided by the twinkling of myriad stars like jewels scattered across the dark cloak of night.

“You once belonged to the Church, did you not?” Avram broke the silence at length. He knew so little about Nico’s background, but he wanted to know more about the man who had raised him and kept him safe from harm all these years. Perhaps in part it was to make up for his own lack of family history, for he’d never been able to learn much about his parents and he barely remembered them.  He wasn’t even sure he’d receive an answer from the other man, but he felt the need to at least ask. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Another silence fell between them. Avram had decided he would receive no reply when Dracula spoke.

“At one time, yes. Church attendance was demanded of me. I had no choice.”

Avram decided to take a stab in the dark, as the old saying went. “Would that be in Gunther’s church?”

“Your priest friend? Yes, that church.”

Avram could read nothing decisive in Dracula’s tone of voice, but that would tend to explain why he had felt the need to desecrate that particular church in such a way. Especially if the memories it held were unpleasant ones, which he suspected they were.

Maybe he should change the subject. Something safer. Well, comparatively so.

“Nico,” he said softly, scooting closer to the vampire on the seat. “Tell me a story.”

The vampire snorted. “Aren’t you a little old for that now?” But his sarcasm was at least gentle, as if no malice lay behind it.

“Maybe.” Avram shrugged. “Or maybe not. Tell me about my parents. And about  how you found me.” Of course, he knew the story well. But he felt the need to hear it again, a reminder of what bound them and how their journey had begun.

 to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

 

Saturday is Horror Day #212 - Amber Alert, Dracula Untold

 Amber Alert

Jaq (Hayden Panettiere) has an appointment she has to keep, but when the rideshare she arranged for is stolen out from under her, she is temporarily flummoxed. Just then another driver appears, dropping off his fare. She tries to engage him, but the driver Shane (Tyler James Williams) has places to go and things to do and he is off the clock. But Jaq persists until he reluctantly agrees to take her where she is going.

As they are driving, they each receive a notice on their cell phones of an Amber Alert, along with a 

description and picture of the car in question, but no plate. Jaq looks up to see a car like the one in the alert, just ahead of them. She asks Shane if he thinks that could be the one but he tells her that there are too many of that type of car in the whole city, it's not likely. As they approach a light, a large message lights up with the amber alert information, and the driver she had observed, suddenly pulls through the intersection, not waiting for the light. Jaq senses that this might be the guy the police are looking for and urges Shane to follow him. He does, albeit reluctantly, and they follow him to a gas station, where Shane points out that he just needed gas. The odd thing is that he leaves without ever getting gas... and the chase is on.

If you are a parent, this movie will hit close to home. One minute your child is there and the next they are gone. A stark reminder that there are predators in this world. Also, it's a reminder to trust your gut instincts, because that might be all you have to go on. Two strangers follow a man they think has kidnapped a child, not knowing if they are on a fool's errand or not. Sometimes it seems as though they might be being foolish. They have also blown off prior engagements to fight for a stranger's child... and yet they persist. I think this was a great testament to the fact that there are good people out there who are willing to fight for others, for the weak and helpless, for the children.

I did enjoy this film, and I'll admit Jaq made me cry at one point. I wasn't sure how the ending would play out, but I hoped for a happy and satisfying conclusion. Definitely worth watching. You may remember Hayden Panettiere from Heroes, where she played the cheerleader who was destined to save the world.  I'll give this film 4 Stars.

Dracula Untold

The kingdom of Transylvania is threatened by the Turks, and have been off and on for many years. The prince, Vlad (Luke Evans) was once a political prisoner of the Turks, where as a young boy he learned many things, including how to fight. Now he is a grown man who has a wife, Mirena (Sarah Gadon) and children he needs to protect against the Turks, led by their sultan, Mehmed (Dominic Cooper). While out with his men, Vlad discovers a place where Turkish troops were mysteriously slaughtered - and not by any of his troops. He discovers a cave that holds the secret of their demise, and barely escapes alive, keeping the knowledge of that cave to himself.

Not wishing to endanger his kingdom, Vlad negotiates a peace with the Turks, only to have his trust 

turned against him when the Turks demand he surrender 1000 young boys to them for their army - just the way his father had sacrificed himself and the other boys. Moreover, Mehmed demands Vlad's son, intending to raise him as his father had raised Vlad. That's the last straw. Vlad returns to the cave and the master vampire (Charles Dance) who resides there, determined to do whatever he needs to do to save his kingdom and his family.

Dracula Untold is actually an origin story, something to explain how Count Dracula of film and novel becomes the way it is. It's actually a romanticization that combines some actual history of Vlad Dracula, aka Vlad Tepes (the Impaler) with Bram Stoker's vampire. The film explains away his cruelties as a necessity to combat the Turks. To some degree, this is true. Vlad Dracula was held as a political captive while a boy, and was subjected to much cruel treatment, probably some sexual in nature, and he learned a lot about their methods of torture. Lessons he put to good user later in life. The film doesn't mention his younger brother, Radu the Handsome, who was also a captive, but was treated much nicer than Vlad. In fact, in later years, he had a relationship with the Turkish sultan. It's fair to say this did not endear him to his brother.

I thought Luke Evans did a great job as Dracula, playing him as a good husband and father and ruler.  I don't believe the original Vlad was necessarily a good husband, but he did care for his people. He also had a cruel streak, no doubt a result of his treatment by the Turks during his formative years. That being said, I liked that they tackled the origin story of the vampire and presented it in a realistic fashion. It was interesting to watch, and the ending hinted of a sequel. However, I am pretty sure that is off the table. But I still recommend this film, especially if you are a fan of Vlad and/or Dracula as I am. I am giving this film 4 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #37(8.3)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Dealing with a vampire is not always easy. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #37(8.3)

“Are you hungry?” Avram ventured a guess. “I can take care of that for you.” He didn’t really think that was the issue, as the vampire had only recently fed. Or at least he assumed he had. They’d never really discussed what happened that night between him and the late Doina, and he wasn’t about to ask.

“I’m fine, Avram. You worry too much.” The vampire unexpectedly flicked the tip of Avram’s nose in a playful gesture.  At least he appeared to be in a good mood, all things considered.

“It is perhaps… companionship you seek?” Avram was trying to be delicate and not offensive when questioning the state of his foster father’s libido. Another topic that was not willingly touched on

In one graceful move, Nico seemed to glide across the deck. He slung a companionable arm about Avram’s shoulders. Leaning in to him, he asked in a seductive tone, “Are you perhaps offering?”

Oy vey, this man can be so infuriating.

Avram knew damn well the vampire was toying with him in order to provoke a reaction of some sort. Why, he didn’t know. Boredom, perhaps?  The success of his maneuver could be attested to by the sudden warmth in Avram’s cheeks, despite knowing Dracula was kidding. Well, according to the saying, turnabout is fair play.

“And what if I said yes?” he riposted, dramatically fluttering his eyelashes. “Would that answer your question?” He puckered his lips, as if he were ready to be kissed.  His gesture was met with a disdainful laugh as Nico pulled away from him, crossing the boat to stand looking out across the river.

When Avram glanced at him, he was surprised to see a slight shudder steal through the vampire’s frame.  Or perhaps it was a trick of the moonlight.

“We were invited to join Andrei and his family, would you like to do that?” Avram hoped he sounded more optimistic than he actually felt.

“Not we… you.”

Of course he’d heard. Foolish to think otherwise.

“Don’t let me stop you, Avram. Feel free to associate with the hoi polloi if that is what you desire.”

Avram clenched his fists in anger at the offensive words, although he was not surprised by them either. The vampire thought he was above everyone else and always had. No wonder he got along with the Hapsburg bitch so well. Avram’s only consolation was that he not only charmed the empress, but he also dominated her in private. And she reciprocated with financial gratitude. That was the only reason they were headed to Vienna now—besides needing to get away from Bistritza, at least for a little while, they really needed the money.

Maria Theresa would put them up, she’d done it before. And Nico would play dominant to her submissive. As for Avram, he would simply try to stay out of her way. Antisemitism was strong in that one. He would have to rely on his own ingenuity and Nico’s assistance to avoid her as much as possible. To that end, they posed as master and servant.

Naturally, Avram got to play the part of the servant. What else could he do?

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Saturday is Horror Day #211 - The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)

 The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)

Baskerville Hall has been cursed after Sir Hugo Baskerville sullied the place with his drunkenness, violence, and complete disregard for anyone but himself. But one night he finally went too far, and a curse was placed upon his descendants. Fast forward a number of years. The current master of Baskerville Hall has died under, shall we say, mysterious circumstances, and his son, now Sir Henry Baskerville (Christopher Lee) is headed home to claim his inheritance. However, he is mindful of the curse and reluctant, so he seeks advice from renowned detective, Sherlock Holmes (Peter Cushing). Holmes listens to his tale, though obviously he gives no credence to the possibility of a curse. However, when a tarantula almost kills Sir Henry in Holmes' flat, he admits that maybe someone wishes to harm him.  He agrees that Sir Henry should not travel there alone. However, he himself cannot accompany him, but there is no reason that his associate, Dr. Watson (Andre Morell) cannot. So the two men set off.

On arrival, they discover that a prisoner by the name of Selden has escaped from the nearby Dartmoor 

Prison. At the Hall, Sir Henry finds a couple who served his father, the Barrymores (John Le Mesurier and Helen Goss). Holmes left strict instructions to Watson to never allow Sir Henry to go onto the moors alone, but one night he does just that and meets a strange girl. He impulsively follows her, despite her obvious desire to lose him, and becomes instantly smitten. He learns that the girl, Cecile (Maria Landi) lives with her brother Stapleton (Ewen Solon) nearby. 

Doctor Mortimer (Francis De Wolff) had attended Sir Henry's father before his death and advises the son to be careful as he has a weak heart. Watson and Sir Henry run into a pastor (Miles Malleson) with an unusual penchant for entomology, and a telescope that seems to be fixed on the Hall. Hearing the fabled hound baying across the moor is just the icing on the cake, as Watson inadvertently puts himself into the very predicament Holmes had advised against. Is the curse of the Baskervilles a real thing?

This 1959 version of the famous story by Arthur Conan Doyle, is a Hammer film featuring two of the studio's greatest stars - Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. It was also the first Holmes film to be shot in color. Peter Cushing makes a great Holmes, although there is no evidence of his drug habit, but that is not surprising for the times in which this was made. As is the lack of real violence. It doesn't have to be seen to be felt, after all. Imagination plays a great part in good horror films. I like Andre Morell's Watson, who was not made out to be the buffoon that Nigel Bruce was forced to play. In fact, he is a good foil for Cushing's Holmes. Christopher Lee is his usual patrician self as Sir Henry Baskerville. I do have to say that the relationship between Sir Henry and Cecile was sudden and not believable. Luckily it's but a small part of the plot. Also, in the original story the Stapletons were posing as a brother and sister when in actuality they were married, but in this film, they are father and daughter. 

Even after all these years, this film holds up as a good version of the story, and I enjoyed it as much as I ever did.  I am a huge fan of Basil Rathbone's Holmes, and also the more recent Benedict Cumbermatch series, but Peter Cushing is just as good. I'll give this film 4 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #37(8.3)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Dealing with a vampire is not always easy. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #37(8.3)

“Are you hungry?” Avram ventured a guess. “I can take care of that for you.” He didn’t really think that was the issue, as the vampire had only recently fed. Or at least he assumed he had. They’d never really discussed what happened that night between him and the late Doina, and he wasn’t about to ask.

“I’m fine, Avram. You worry too much.” The vampire unexpectedly flicked the tip of Avram’s nose in a playful gesture.  At least he appeared to be in a good mood, all things considered.

“It is perhaps… companionship you seek?” Avram was trying to be delicate and not offensive when questioning the state of his foster father’s libido. Another topic that was not willingly touched on

In one graceful move, Nico seemed to glide across the deck. He slung a companionable arm about Avram’s shoulders. Leaning in to him, he asked in a seductive tone, “Are you perhaps offering?”

Oy vey, this man can be so infuriating.

Avram knew damn well the vampire was toying with him in order to provoke a reaction of some sort. Why, he didn’t know. Boredom, perhaps?  The success of his maneuver could be attested to by the sudden warmth in Avram’s cheeks, despite knowing Dracula was kidding. Well, according to the saying, turnabout is fair play.

“And what if I said yes?” he riposted, dramatically fluttering his eyelashes. “Would that answer your question?” He puckered his lips, as if he were ready to be kissed.  His gesture was met with a disdainful laugh as Nico pulled away from him, crossing the boat to stand looking out across the river.

When Avram glanced at him, he was surprised to see a slight shudder steal through the vampire’s frame.  Or perhaps it was a trick of the moonlight.

“We were invited to join Andrei and his family, would you like to do that?” Avram hoped he sounded more optimistic than he actually felt.

“Not we… you.”

Of course he’d heard. Foolish to think otherwise.

“Don’t let me stop you, Avram. Feel free to associate with the hoi polloi if that is what you desire.”

Avram clenched his fists in anger at the offensive words, although he was not surprised by them either. The vampire thought he was above everyone else and always had. No wonder he got along with the Hapsburg bitch so well. Avram’s only consolation was that he not only charmed the empress, but he also dominated her in private. And she reciprocated with financial gratitude. That was the only reason they were headed to Vienna now—besides needing to get away from Bistritza, at least for a little while, they really needed the money.

Maria Theresa would put them up, she’d done it before. And Nico would play dominant to her submissive. As for Avram, he would simply try to stay out of her way. Antisemitism was strong in that one. He would have to rely on his own ingenuity and Nico’s assistance to avoid her as much as possible. To that end, they posed as master and servant.

Naturally, Avram got to play the part of the servant. What else could he do?

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

 

Saturday is Horror Day #210 - Glorious

 Glorious

After a painful break-up, Wes (Ryan Kwanten) hits the road as well as the bottle. Finding a remote rest area, Wes tries to get the only candy bar from an antiquated vending machine but is thwarted. A strange woman observes him and helps him retrieve the errant candy, offering him some strange advice - to clear out his back seat so he can sleep horizontally. The intoxicated Wes heeds her advice and gathers all the stuff by a fire pit, where he burns it. Satisfied, he heads into the rest area and promptly gets sick in one of two stalls.

Thinking he is alone, as there were no other cars in the lot, Wes is startled to hear a voice (J.K. Simmons) 

coming from the other stall. Wes isn't exactly in the mood for conversation, but the voice is persistent and even sympathetic.  All Wes wants to do is get his girl back, not trade life stories with a strange in a men's room. Thinking there is something off about this strange man in the stall, Wes tries to leave but finds himself locked in.  The voice introduces himself as Ghat, and he has something important to tell Wes. He says Wes being there is no accident, and they have important business that needs to be taken care of together. In fact, the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

This film is most definitely unusual and very Lovecraftian in nature and does take place entirely inside a bathroom. And yet it manages to keep you guessing about what is really going on, who or what is Ghat, and how is Wes going to get out of this place intact? Is that even possible? And what's going on with that glory hole? You might remember Ryan Kwanten from True Blood - he played Sookie's crazy brother Jason Stackhouse. And everyone knows and loves J.K. Simmons.  Even though we never see him, just hearing his recognizable voice is enough to picture him.  Wes has to deal with his own demons, both literally and figuratively, and the outcome is never certain until the very end. It's a short film but I think it's definitely worth watching. I'll rate this film between 3.5 and 4 Stars, mostly because of J.K.Simmons.