Lively, entertaining reviews of, and essays on, old and newer films and everything relating to them, written by professional author William Schoell.
Showing posts with label The House on Skull Mountain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The House on Skull Mountain. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

THE HOUSE ON SKULL MOUNTAIN


THE HOUSE ON SKULL MOUNTAIN (1974). Director: Ron Honthaner.


After the elderly matriarch of an African-American family dies, her relatives are called together in the mansion for the reading of the will, but deaths and accidents occur because someone who wants them dead is using voodoo curses against them. Playing slick Phlippe, Mike Evans seems to be channeling Stepin Fetchit, but the other actors (Jean Durand, Janee Michelle, among others) are more dignified. Victor French plays Dr. Cunningham, the deceased matriarch's mostly Caucasian grandson. The film has virtually no atmosphere, a poor story, and not enough chills, action, or even gore to recommend it. The only notable aspect is the attractive matte painting depicting the house on top of its Skull Mountain, which reminds one of the similarly named mountain of King Kong.

Verdict: Sorely to be missed. *.