Unhappy with the output of films coming out of Hollywood and determined to show he could do it better or just as well, Early Owensby built his own studio in Shelby, North Carolina in the 1970s. His studio would go on to make a number of low budget films that filled drive-ins and grindhouses across the country. Among the films that were made there was an unusual horror piece called A DAY OF JUDGEMENT, now available from Severin.
The film is less horror feature and more morality tale. It takes place in a small Southern town in 1920. Reverend Cage (Charles Reynolds) is about to leave the town, his flock having diminished to just three old women. Feeling he has failed them he has called for a new leader for the church. As he leaves the town and is about to cross a covered bridge he feels a cold breeze and watches as the new church leader makes his way into town.
We then get to meet the people of this small town. There is Mrs. Fitch, an elderly woman who likes to drink all too much. This is your typical old biddy who threatens the local children who come anywhere near her precious garden. This eventually leads her to poisoning the children’s pet goat. She berates her servant who leaves her tired of her ways.
Then there is George Clay, a young man who runs the service station his parents own. He longs to be rid of having to take care of his parents, ignoring the fact that they’ve built this business in the hopes of providing him a means to live when they are gone.
There is Mr. Sharpe, the unscrupulous town banker. Not only did he refuse to help Rev. Cage he has also done wrong to a local farmer named Morgan. Morgan was left funds gifted to him by neighbor Jess Hill to purchase seed so he can keep his farm. But Sharpe refuses to acknowledge the loan and forecloses on Morgan.
Then there is Ruby Kaylor. Ruby is married to the owner of the local clothing store, Harvey Kaylor. But she’s only married Harvey for his money. On the side she’s seeing his employee Kenny. They have a weekend tryst planned at her home while Harvey is away but he returns earlier than expected.
Lastly there is Charlie Milford who is certain that his wife is having an affair with his superior Sid Martin. He begins to harass Martin in various ways until he finally confront him with a loaded gun.
Each of these people will have to atone for their actions. That judgement will be delivered by the new Reverend, the grim reaper in disguise. And judgement will be harsh.
The film moves along at a slow pace and the look of the film is honestly a bit low level. It feels like a production from a local community theater rather than a feature film. The performances are all lacking and the story, while having a nice twist at the end, feels kind of predictable. For myself it wasn’t entertaining enough for me to recommend it but I am certain there are fans out there who will love this offering.
Severin Films is offering the film with a newly scanned 2k
print from the IP for the first time ever. Extras include “The Atheist’s Sins”
a commentary by author Stephen Thrower and “Tales of Judgement” and interview
with filmmaker Worth Keeter and writer Thom McIntyre.
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