Sayonara Cinema

HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY (1981) A family has moved into a New England mansion, so that the father, Norman, can continue the research of the previous occupant, who hung himself. After digging into his predecessor’s research, he discovers that the house was originally owned by Dr. Freudstein, who conducted illegal human experimentation. Norman’s continued research leads to a startling fact - although he is supposed to be dead, Freudstein’s body was never buried. He then learns the shocking truth that Freudstein may still very well be alive, and living off the body parts of missing people.

This is one of the lesser known movies of Lucio Fulci, who was responsible for ZOMBI 2, CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD and THE BEYOND. It is considered one of his last great shockers. There are not as many murder sequences here, but the few presented are worthy of Fulci’s trademark gore, and include a knife through the head, a grotesque throat slashing, and a throat being ripped out. Also present is Fulci’s hard-to-follow semi-supernatural storyline, suspenseful camera usage, wicked keyboard led theme music, and the uneasy feeling that everyone is fair game to be a victim.

Worth checking out if you are a horror fan and have already seen Fulci’s more known films, or if you are looking to dip your toes in the Fulci library, as this one of his tamer outings and is a good introduction to hs style. Stay away if the sound of annoying English dubbed children make your ears bleed.