Video Nasty - Delirium

Delirium

AKA: Psycho Puppet

1979

Delirium Associates / Odyssey / Worldwide

Odyssey Pictures / Viz Movies / Viz Video

4 / 10

There's not much to recommend about this Video Nasty except for the storyline, the premise of which should have resulted in a much better movie, and the acting, though they are wasted in this travesty.

This is the story of a secret society sick with the depravity on the streets of their neighbourhood so they hire a Vietnam Veteran to help clean up their streets... the trouble is he's suffering from shell-shock and starts to any and everyone.

This in itself could have given the audience a bloodfest to remember.  However, the director, Peter Maris, opts for a slow pace.  Which might have worked well to build tension if there had been a torture scene, which there isn't (another missed opportunity), but hinders the film since it's used throughout its runtime.  The slowness of the film is made up of boring and pointless scenes that, though, well acted (compared to everything else), are badly directed.  There needed to be more action sequences especially concerning the Vet's breakdown.

There're too many flashbacks to Vietnam.  The director is so lazy he just cut in loads of stock footage; this adds to the lackadaisical feel of the direction and hinders the film and frustrates the viewer.

I would only recommend this to anyone who is watching the video nasty list to see why some of the listed films were banned (this one was banned because they thought some people may be prone to copy the actions of the Vet).  However, be prepared to keep hitting the rewind button every time you wake up because this film has the power to induce sleep.

Nergling - The Video Nasties Scare - Delirium

Video Nasty - Don't Go In The House

Don't Go In The House

1979

Turbine Films Inc.

Film Ventures International / G T O Films Ltd / Cinefear / Arrow Film Distributors Ltd.

5.5 / 10

This is a dark psychological thriller about the consequences of child abuse.  Donny Kohler is a man who is growing increasingly detached from his life.  One day, while he's at work he witnesses an accident which causes one of his work colleagues to catch on fire.  While the rest of the workforce rush about trying to help the man Donny stands transfixed and spellbound by the sight.

It brings back to him the memories of his mother's retribution for misbehaviour, where she would hold his hands and arms above the open flame of the kitchen hob.  This triggers his psychosis, flames cleanse the sins of man... and woman.

Kohler played admirably well by Dan Grimaldi - who is very good at making this psychopathic killer appear as normal - then sets out on his mission of cleansing his town.  The most chilling part of this film isn't the killing or the portrayal of Kohler, but the killing room.  Kohler covers the walls, floor and ceiling in sheet metal and adds a meat hook in the centre of the room, from which to hang his prey.  It's the idea that he's thought this through to this extent so as not to burn down his house that makes it a very creepy and chilling issue and adds a deep psychological darkness to the character. 

However, there are issues with the story, especially in correspondence with Kohler's character.  There are some scenes that don't quite gel with his personality.  And some of the directing could have been better.  The scene when Kohler goes out with his friend and ends up attacking his date is well thought out story-wise; however, it could have been acted and directed much better  There is a few scene's like this.

The director, Joseph Ellison, who co-scripted the story with writer Joe Masefield and Ellen Hammill, does create a good film with a variable pace and flow, which helps to create atmosphere and keep the viewers interested.  However, I feel he could have done more to bring it above average.

The acting is okay though nobody shines through or dominates the film.  This is a shame because I think if Dan Grimaldi was a little stronger in his craft it would have made the film a hell of a lot scarier,

Overall, the film suffers from averageness, though it is worth at least one watch.  This is a film I would love to see remade, though adding a stronger cast and director, as I believe the story could make a classic film.  I would gladly recommend the film to anybody who likes darker psychological thrillers and isn't too distressed by graphic and gory scenes.   This left a chill in my bones and I will be watching the film again.

Nergling - Video Nasties Scare - Don't Go In The House

Video Nasty - Killer Nun

Killer Nun

(1979)

Cinesud : Impegno Cinematografico / Blue Underground / Shameless Screen Entertainment.

6.5 / 10

How could this film not be entertaining... Anita Ekberg plays a nun with a morphine addiction who likes to command her roommate Sister Mathieu and taunt her into a lesbian affair.  As the morphine builds in her body and takes her mind into madness she starts to bully the patients in the Hospital, where she works as the head nurse.  Then bodies start to pile up... and not from natural causes...

And moreover, the story comes from the Secret Files of the Vatican!

This is indeed an enjoyable mystery thriller, though you can easily figure out, or guess, the twist in the tale.  Ekberg as Sister Gertrude does a passable, not great, portrayal of a morphine addict, and the rest of the cast is above average.  It's the story, written by the director and Alberto Tarallo, along with the pace and style of the film, thanks to Director Giulio Berruti, which makes this so watchable.

There's so much happening and for most of the time, it verges on the ridiculous but somehow manages not to fall over that line.  It's this which makes the film work for me.  Not once did I even think about turning it off!  In truth, I was so entertained I was glued to the screen and didn't notice or think of the runtime.

This is a wonderful waste of time.  A true Schlock B-movie classic.  I would recommend the film to all, especially if you're feeling down or having a bad day.

Nergling - The Video Nasties Scare - The Killer Nun