Summary
In a recent episode of Calibre 9 from Outer Space, hosts Rob Spencer and Joe Odd, along with guest Graham Humphreys, dive into the realm of horror films, focusing on "The Satanic Rites of Dracula" and "The Devil's Reign." The discussion kicks off with a look at what the trio has been watching lately, including Netflix's "The Monster of Florence" and the restoration of Hammer's 1958 "Dracula," which Graham attended. They reflect on the film's visual quality and the challenges of remastering older films.
The conversation then shifts to the featured films, starting with "The Satanic Rites of Dracula." The hosts explore its unique blend of horror and espionage, noting how it reflects contemporary fears of the 1970s, particularly around government conspiracies and the threat of contagion. They appreciate the film's darker themes and the performances of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, emphasizing its underrated status among Hammer films.
The discussion transitions to "The Devil's Reign," a cult classic featuring a star-studded cast, including Ernest Borgnine and William Shatner. The hosts highlight its bizarre narrative structure and the unsettling atmosphere created by its unique setting and special effects. They note the film's cult appeal, particularly its connection to the Church of Satan and the influence it had on later horror films, including "Halloween." The episode concludes with a light-hearted reflection on the films' themes and a reminder to approach the supernatural with caution.
Show Notes
Graham Humphreys programs a sacrilicious double feature for our latest Creepy Spooky Month episode! First up, Hammer horror goes all Satanic Panic and espionage thriller at the same time with The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973), directed by Alan Gibson. Following this, we explore the deeply weird and also weirdly seminal The Devil's Rain (1975), directed by Robert Fuest. This month is scary enough without the eerie parallels between the apocalyptic imaginings of these two films and today's sociopolitical climate. Plus we find out where John Carpenter got the iconic Michael Myers mask from, and why John Travolta joined the Church of Scientology.
We don't think these films are really spoilable so we don't bother with Spoiler Territory this week, although we do go into detail concerning the plots so, as always, if you're concerned about spoilers, do watch the films beforehand.
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Theme music: "The Cold Light of Day" by HKM. Check out HKM on #SoundCloud or Bandcamp
"Tangled Up in Plaid" by Queens of the Stone Age
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