Something to clear up from the start. First off don’t
mistake this for the Uwe Boll movie of the same name that was terrible. This is
a movie unto itself shot in all places in Stillwater, Oklahoma. While that
might not seem like a location suitable for a decent horror film don’t let it
stop you from checking it out. It turns out to be one of the better entries
into the anthology horror film genre.
The movie went through a number of title changes as well. It
was shot as FIVE FACES then changed to FIVE FACES OF TERROR and then changed to
ALIEN ZONE in hopes of cashing in on the popularity of the Ridley Scott film
ALIEN in spite of the fact it has nothing to do with aliens. When it arrived on
VHS the name HOUSE OF THE DEAD was applied and it is a more apt title.
A plumber named Talmudge (John Ericson) is having an affair
but leaves the woman behind to return to his hotel. Lost in the rain the taxi
driver drops him off at the wrong location. Seeking the use of a phone he
knocks on the door of a man who invites him in. It turns out the man is a
mortician (Ivor Francis, father of soap star Genie Francis) who asks him if he
can show him some of his work. This opens the door for each casket in his
parlor to present a different story for him to tell.
None of them are too long and the first involves a teacher
named Miss Sibiler (Judith Novgrod) who has no love at all in her for the
children she teaches or in the neighborhood. Arriving home after a long day at
school strange things begin happening in her house. In addition to that the
neighborhood is quiet, too quiet. The first on the chopping block this story
actually has some creepy moments to it.
The second story, and by far the weakest, involves a
voyeuristic serial killer who enjoys filming himself with each victim. It’s
difficult to tell for sure which is more important to him, his predilection for
killing women or his interest in cameras. The story bounces back and forth
between the footage he’s shot killing and the press cameras shooting during his
arrest.
Story number three was actually my favorite, in part because
of the actors involved. Charles Aidman, seen on so many TV series from the past
and some of my favorite episodes of THE TWILIGHT ZONE, is Detective Toliver the
most famous US sleuth you will find. Arriving at his latest crime scene is
Inspector McDowall (another recognizable face Bernard Fox who many will
remember as Dr. Bombay from the TV series BEWITCHED), there to present a
challenge to Toliver. Whoever can solve their latest challenge will be hailed
as the greatest detective in the world.
The next story involves a young businessman named Cantwell
(Richard Gates) who thinks far too much of himself and has little time or
sympathy for anyone else, including an apparent drunk who approaches him on the
street. On his way home he finds himself trapped in an abandoned building with
little hope of escape. Given nothing but wine to drink after several days he is
freed but how will the world view him now?
But the movie was called FIVE FACES right? Well as it turns
out, and as most would expect, the final story involves Talmudge as the
Mortician explains why each of these people turned up as his clients. If you
didn’t think that Talmudge would be the last of these clients then you haven’t
seen too many anthology films or series of this nature.
Made specifically to be sold as a TV movie or potential
series the movie does have that shot for TV look to it but that’s not a
detriment to the end product. In fact it plays well in that format. The budget
of the film is also one that helps rather than hinder the final film. It means
that the creativity needed to inspire all involved is there. It also means that
the biggest expense was probably the budget spent on the cast and with these
familiar faces, all of who are some of the best character actors of their time,
involved the acting is far above what one would expect.
As a huge fan of anthology films I was pleasantly surprised
at how much I enjoyed this one. Not only was it well made and well-acted but
the story fit the format perfectly with tales that would fit nicely into any of
the comic pages of say TALES FROM THE CRYPT or VAULT OF HORROR. I felt like
this was a movie I could watch again several times and enjoy with each viewing.
Vinegar Syndrome proves once more why they are among the
better companies when it comes to reclaiming and restoring classic movies that
many have long forgotten. Toss aside those foggy looking VHS copies and pick
this one up today! The movie is being offered on blu-ray from them with a
blur-ray newly restored 2k version from its original 35mm negative. It looks
amazing. In addition to that there are extras that include an audio interview
with director Sharron Miller, an audio interview with writer David O’Malley and
reversible ALIEN ZONE artwork for the cover.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this one up but I
took the word of someone familiar with it that it would be worth my while. I’m
glad he directed me towards this one because I thoroughly enjoyed it. My guess
is that you will as well so make sure to add this one to your collection.
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