Ep922: Beyond Hammerland: THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE (1973)
Our journey Beyond Hammerland has brought us to yet another spooky residence. Behold: The Legend of Hell House!
John Hough's 1973 adaptation of Richard Matheson's novel finds a group of paranormal explorers spending the week before Christmas in a mansion packed to the rafters with malevolent spirits. An aging millionaire hires Dr. Barrett (Clive Revill) to determine whether or not there is life after death. The doctor brings his wife, Ann (Gayle Hunnicutt), and two psychics, Florence (Pamela Franklin) and Ben (Roddy McDowall), to investigate. The result is a chilling supernatural nightmare that remains unparrallelled in the half-century since the film's release!
In this spoilerific episode, Ian and AC compare Hell House to Robert Wise's The Haunting (and explore the fascinating rivalry of the films' source materials); lament most modern horror's inability to truly shock audiences; and examine the unexpected way Hough deals with sexuality, especially compared to many Hammer films the guys have discussed throughout their various series!
Show Links:
Watch the Legend of Hell House (1973) trailer.
Subscribe to AC's YouTube channel, which is positively dripping with fiendishly fresh content!
Watch Ian and AC's recent review of The Haunting (1963).
It’s not too late to catch up with our 2023 trip “Beyond Hammerland”!
Check out 2022's year-long journey, "Son of Hammerland"!
And watch the series that started it all: "Hammerland"!
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