House of the Living Dead

Right off the bat, I previously had no idea that South Africa made any horror films, so, simply in that, I learned something.

Over a long career (1968-99), this was one of only three cinematic works that director Austin made (all in the early 70's)--usually he did TV work--and in fact, production value-wise, it seemed like made-for-TV fare. Basically a vineyard/plantation with black, witchcraft-practicing slaves, and the owner harbouring a dark secret: A genius twin brother, who was discredited in the medical community to begin with, and then, since an almost-fatal brain injury suffered in an accident a year ago, basically insane and confined to the mansion's attic.

It was decently made and, as late-night fare, perfectly acceptable. It could have been made a lot better in more capable hands. The underlying ideas were very interesting, though only decently carried out, and the climax was completely predictable, though no less enjoyable. I got my copy very cheaply, in Mill Creek's 50-pack 'Nightmare Worlds', and it's watchable, no better, no less.

Honestly, I don't know what to think about this film; it is a curiosity, of course. Please don't despise it, even if it doesn't look like a Hammer film directed by a Freddie Francis or Terence Fisher. South Africa is a very surprising setting for such an "horror" film that precisely tries to look like a Hammer film. Ray Austin was genuinely a stunt man who directed some episodes for TV industry, including some THE AVENGERS. Yes, a curious film, reallly.

"An insane scientist has been experimenting with the transfer of souls between human beings. The crazed doctor has conducted his nefarious deeds upon even his own family members, including the exchange of his own soul into his brother's body. With his soul now inhabiting a new body, the madman believes he can continue his experiments uninterrupted," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.

The title "House of the Living Dead" may be more an attempt to cash in on prior successful motion pictures than a reflection of what goes on in this movie. The story might have been above average, with the cast and crew involved; but, the execution is severely flawed. The lugubriously languid production picks up (slightly) in the last quarter. Leading man Mark Burns (as Michael and Breck) tries awfully hard; he maintains an long screaming scene remarkably well. Shirley Anne Field is a welcome attraction. But, the movie doesn't work.

House of the Living Dead is about a family with a history of mental illness living on the Cape in South Africa. There is the mother and her two sons - Michael, the Master of the house and his brother Breck, the demented mad scientist. Breck, who is deformed and lives shut in a room at the top of the house, believes that the soul is an organic object that can be isolated and contained outside the body.

Michael's fiancé comes to marry him, but she's not welcomed at all by his mother. Strange things are going on at the plantation, including murder and some voodoo-like witchcraft being practiced by the natives.

At this point, the movie starts to drag. There are a couple of chase scenes and an eerie organ inside the house that seems to be playing on its own. When the local constable begins to investigate things, we begin to get a glimpse into what's really going on.

When watching this kind of movie, you hope there will be enough suspense to keep you riveted to the film. If you can't get that, you at least hope you'll get a good ending. I don't want to spoil things, so all I'll say is that this movie at least has a really exciting ending. However, the film leaves you with questions that were never answered and the viewer is left to wonder about certain things.

Overall, if this is a genre of movies that you enjoy, I'd say watch it. If the whole "suspense, mad scientist, witchcraft" thing isn't high on your list as to the kind of movies you like, you'll probably be disappointed.

Some people who have written reviews think the title of the movie is deceptive because it isn't a zombie movie. There is just cause for the title...if you're paying attention!

The title of this film is very misleading,because there are no zombies here.This South African horror deals with science and magic.The script is actually decent,but the film is really boring and dull,and there's no gore at all.To be fair,there are two or three suspenseful scenes,and the ending is quite exciting-this is enough for me to classify "House of the Living Dead" as a decent horror film,so I'll give it 5 out of 10.