Legends Unite in Haunting Horror

Read Time:4 Minute, 36 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
House of the Long Shadows
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Genre: Comedy, Horror, Mystery
Year Released: 1983, 2023 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Pete Walker
Writer(s): Michael Armstrong, Earl Derr Biggers, George M. Cohan
Cast: Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, John Carradine, Dezi Arnaz Jr., Richard Todd, Shelia Keith, Julie Peasgood, Louise English, Norman Rossington
Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Entering the shadowy realm of HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS, one is transported back to the golden age of horror. Director Pete Walker crafts a film that defies the norms of its 1980s horror contemporaries, opting for a style that echoes the grandeur of classic horror cinema. Released in 1983, this film feels like a heartfelt tribute to the genre, starring the crème de la crème of horror: Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and John Carradine. With a cast like that, what could go wrong?

HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS unfurls its eerie tale in a secluded English mansion, an ideal setting for a ghostly narrative. At the heart of the story is Kenneth Magee, played by Desi Arnaz Jr. (as Desi Arnaz, there is nothing wrong with trying to capitalize on your dad's name,) an author who embarks on the challenge of writing a novel in just 24 hours. Initially an emblem of isolation, the mansion rapidly transforms into a nexus of mysterious characters, each holding their key to the sprawling estate's enigmatic history. This setting forms the backbone of a story rich with intrigue, duplicity, and dark family secrets.

Walker and screenwriter Michael Armstrong weaves elements of melodrama, detective fiction, and gothic horror. The film pays a respectful cinematic tribute to its distinguished cast, cleverly alluding to their iconic horror roles. For instance, Peter Cushing, renowned for his role as the fearless Doctor Van Helsing, is portrayed here as a character haunted by perpetual dread. Similarly, Vincent Price's character resonates with his earlier performances in Edgar Allan Poe adaptations, infusing a touch of class into the movie.

The storyline unravels with dramatic and sometimes terrifying revelations about the family's concealed past. Armstrong's script combines affectionate irony and surprising plot twists, balancing tension and humor. This approach ensures the film honors its legendary actors and the horror genre.

Set in a quintessentially gothic mansion, complete with all the trappings of the "Old Dark House" genre, the film is awash with classic horror motifs like ominous thunderstorms and spine-chilling creaks. However, some sequences that aim for suspense or comedy never capture the intended atmospheric eeriness. Furthermore, while adding to the narrative complexity, the film's array of characters slightly dilutes the sense of solitude and imminent terror. Sadly, the film takes on more than it can chew with a cast of icons and a story that doesn’t give them enough to do.

Despite these flaws, HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS stands as a testament to the timeless allure of classic horror and the iconic stature of its leading cast. Their performances are a significant boon to the horror genre. Although the film might not wholly resonate with audiences accustomed to more graphic and high-octane horror, it offers a nostalgic foray into the more nuanced facets of horror cinema from an earlier era. If nothing else, this film will sit proudly on my shelf as an example of how powerful a cast can be by name alone.

Especially appealing to fans of 1970s gothic horror, the film skillfully melds elements of mystery and suspense with a respectful nod to the genre's classics. While potentially familiar to veteran horror enthusiasts, the plot twists add depth and complexity to the story. HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS is a celebration of the horror genre and its legendary figures, a homage to their enduring legacy, and a reflection on the evolution of horror storytelling. While it may not be flawless in execution, it's a crucial watch for anyone who values the history and iconic figures of the horror genre.

Product Extras:
Audio Commentary by Author Derek Pykett and Director Pete Walker
Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle
House of the Long Shadows… Revisited: Documentary with Cast and Crew (104 Minutes)
Pete Walker's House of Horror: Interview with Director Pete Walker
Theatrical Trailer
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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