Drive-In Horror Movie Double Feature #1 Zombies & Monsters Drive-In Horror Movie Double Feature #1 Zombies & Monsters Drive-In Horror Movie Double Feature #1 Zombies & Monsters Drive-In Horror Movie Double Feature #1 Zombies & Monsters Drive-In Horror Movie Double Feature #1 Zombies & Monsters Drive-In Horror Movie Double Feature #1 Zombies & Monsters Drive-In Horror Movie Double Feature #1 Zombies & Monsters Drive-In Horror Movie Double Feature #1 Zombies & Monsters Drive-In Horror Movie Double Feature #1 Zombies & Monsters Drive-In Horror Movie Double Feature Tonights Movies are House of Mystery & Dead Men Walk House of Mystery - An old dark mystery house with a king kong killer gorilla. Based on the play by Adam Shirk, 'House of Mystery' tells the tale of John Prendergast (Clay Clement), an archaeologist sent from his home country to seek the wisdom of the Hindu religion. While in Asia, John "accidentally" (read as "drunkenly") kills a sacred monkey at a Hindu temple and is soon exposed as a thief (in the future). His fate is then cursed, along with the fates of his descendants. Twenty years pass and the Curse of Kahli still follows him. The investors of his expedition have gathered together at his mansion to seek their share of the fortune that he earned, with the only demand being that the inheritors must remain in the old mansion long enough to claim their money. Unfortunately for all, anangry killer that may be a result of the curse is loose and out for blood. Like many "dark house" horrors of the early twentieth century, 'House of Mystery' isn't a very complicated film. While it does have a deeper background to it than similar films (many of which feature a lost couple who stumble upon a decrepit manor without much more), the overall feel and style still remains in line with the others of its subgenre. In fact, there isn't much to separate 'House of Mystery' as being very special at all. That's not totally a bad thing, however. It's just one of those decades-old films that have been mostly forgotten because, well, it's fairly forgettable. The story is entertaining enough (which is really what matters most in a film like this). I liked the backstory set in Asia and the progression to the "present" (i.e. the early 1930s). However, once it gets to the present, it loses the originality that was being built by the introduction and fades into the standard fare of this style of film. Nevertheless, it does remain quite enjoyable with a funny cast of characters and some interesting plot turns. Also, the old mansion is one of the better "dark house" settings I've seen and director William Nigh (who had an astounding 120 directorial credits to his name over his 34-year career including another "killer monkey"-themed film 'The Ape' starring Boris Karloff). Other than that, there isn't a whole lot more to say. The film comes in at a lightning-fast 62 minute runtime, making it worth the short investment for the entertainment value. Overall, fans of the "dark house" subgenre should give it a look as they'll find more enjoyment in it than others, but it's still a fun time regardless for anyone who wants to give it a go. Dead Men Walk - After a Devil worshiper kills his brother, he comes back for vengeance. Following the death of his brother, Dr. Lloyd Clayton (George Zucco) methodically destroys all of his books and papers dealing in Satanism, sorcery and demonology. The good doctor is not above a little malevolence of his own though, as Elwyn Clayton's (also Zucco in a dual role) death was at the hands of Lloyd, a fact known by Elwyn's assistant Zolarr (Dwight Frye). In death as in life, Zolarr remains loyal to his master, and wages revenge against Dr. Clayton for his demise. Elwyn's earthly studies turned him into a vampire after death, and with Zolarr's help in playing musical caskets, he whiles away the daylight hours sleeping in different locations. Meanwhile the town sexy busybody Kate (Fern Emmett) seems to have the scoop on what's going on, though everyone thinks she's a bit loony. She's up on her vampire lore, and gives Gayle a silver cross to wear around her neck to thwart Elwyn's advances. She's also got the gumption to follow Zolarr and discover Elwyn's resting place. When Zolarr knocks her off to protect Elwyn, the town is up in arms and becomes a mob, believing that Dr. Lloyd is responsible for the murders. Elwyn is rather unique in vampire cinema, as he not only conducts nightly sojourns in his physical body, but is also able to maintain a ghostly presence when it suits him. Note in Elwyn's first appearance to his brother after his death, that Lloyd pulls a gun out of his desk and fires point blank at Elwyn, standing directly in front of glass paneled doors. With nothing to stop the bullets, the glass remains intact! For me, the shocker of the movie turned out to be the brief appearance of Fuzzy St. John, a perennial sidekick to screen cowboy Lash Larue. His goofy demeanor seems out of p

• published: 21 Nov 2014
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