‘The House That Dripped Blood’ is a 1970 portmanteau from Amicus. Comprising of four stories linked by a location (the titular blood dripping house, now, unsurprisingly, vacant and up for sale) and a narrator (a creepy estate agent), the individual tales are, as usual, a mixed bag but, in short, concern a horror writer who is haunted by one of his own creations; two friends who visit a wax museum and recognise one of the exhibits; a strict father and a creepy kid, and a second hand cape that turns the wearer into a vampire.
Not my favourite portmanteau, it’s still pretty good. Written by ‘Psycho’ screenwriter and horror novelist Robert Bloch, half of the film is excellent (the first half), with some really creepy moments. The second half is less atmospheric, but still entertaining. The required comic relief episode is fulfilled here by the last story, ‘The Cloak’, featuring a pretentious horror film actor and an unusual piece of theatrical costume. The ham actor is played by Sir Jon Pertwee, just about to become Dr. Who, who demonstrates his comedic talents with some protracted gurning.
Another favourite.
ReplyDeleteAlways had a strong fixation on the waxworks story. The location of the museum always triggers a sense of deja-vu whenever I watch the film, and I've often had dreams of visiting it on a blazing hot 1970's mid-summer day.
I dearly wish that was possible..
Here in the states if you buy a house and it drips blood and the seller knowing failed to disclose the fact that the house will drip blood, you can sue for all expenses and damages
ReplyDeleteHa! I'm presuming that law came into force after 'The Amityville Horror'?
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