PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Our Vin Syn discussion today includes a double release of drive-in delicacies from Crown International: Larry N. Stouffer’s Horror High/Twisted Brain (1973) and William Grefé’s Stanley (1972). Both films include victimized protagonists, murderous pets, and revenge and are celebrating their first Blu-ray release.
From the Vinegar Syndrome Horror High/Stanley page
In Larry Stouffer’s Texas lensed HORROR HIGH (1973), bespectacled chemistry nerd Vernon Potts is the target of non-stop bullying from his fellow students and teachers alike, with his only true friend being the class guinea pig, Mr. Mumps. While conducting an experiment using Mr. Mumps as a test subject, Vernon discovers a formula that turns the harmless creature into a snarling beast. After being caught, he drinks the formula himself, transforming into a bloodthirsty killer and begins brutally slaying all those who wronged him. Starring Pat Cardi (TV’s It’s About Time) and Austin Stoker (Assault on Precinct 13), HORROR HIGH hits Blu-ray newly restored in 2K and finally presented in its legendary and fully uncensored version, restoring all the additional bloodshed deemed too extreme by the MPAA!
William Grefé has maintained one of the longest and most diverse careers in exploitation history, all but creating Florida’s exploitation film industry. In STANLEY (1972), his answer to the ‘animals attack’ film craze, Cliff Robinson stars as Tim, a quiet Seminole who finds his life turned upside down by vicious poachers who begin to kill his beloved snakes. Harnessing his powers over them, he uses the slithering creatures to exact murderous revenge against all those who wronged him, eventually kidnapping the daughter of a wealthy business man who is determined to push Tim off of his land… Balancing social commentary with suspense and action, STANLEY co-stars Alex Rocco (The Godfather) and makes its Blu-ray debut from a new, 2K restoration of its original negative.
directed by: Larry Stouffer, William Grefé
starring: Pat Cardi, Austin Stoker, Rosie Holotik, Chris Robinson, Alex Rocco
1972-1973 / 191 min (combined) / 1.85:1 / English Mono• Region Free 2-disc Blu-ray Set
• Reversible cover artwork
• English SDH subtitles
Check out the trailer for both films below.
Horror High (1973)
Synopsis:
A shock-filled tale of a serious and shy but brilliant science student who, when wrongfully forced to consume a new drug he’d created, becomes a modern day Jeckyl and Hyde.
The Vinegar Syndrome 2k restoration of Horror High is great, especially compared to the previous Red Code DVD release. The colors show nicely without seeming too garish, and the fine detail is clear, although admittedly grainy. Yes, there’s a still a bit of VHS-like pop and crackle, but it’s hardly noticeable unless you’re looking for it. The story is fun and there are some pretty great death scenes, like going face first into a vat of acid, some shiny-sharp cleats to the chest, and my favorite, a paper cutter to the fingers and neck. Yeah, they’re just as gloriously gory as you would expect.
Pat Cardi’s acting is stellar. I’m really surprised he wasn’t called in to do any more work after seeing him here, although in the Blu-ray extras, you can find out why. His actions and reactions as Vernon Potts are spot on with just the right emotion and timing. I also want to mention Austin Stoker (Assault on Precinct 1976), who played Detective Bozeman. His overdramatic antics were perfect for this film. And honestly, I wanted to kill Vernon’s teacher, Miss Grindstaff (Joye Hash), too, as soon as she started talking to him. She’s terrible! In a surprising twist, Dallas Cowboys John Niland, “Mean Joe” Greene, Abner Haynes, Bill Truax, Calvin Hill, D.D. Lewis, Craig Morton, and Chuck Beatty all took turns as the school’s PE coaches and town policeman. Niland even got one of the coolest death scenes.
I also want to mention that Horror High screenwriter Jack Fowler is actually a pseudonym for J.D. Feigelson, who wrote the script for the classic Dark Night of the Scarecrow (1981 – our retro review). I’m pretty impressed by Janis P. Valtenbergs’ camera work. For someone who’s only shot two films, the cinematographer found beauty in the gore, like lining up the sun with the projector light in the beginning and the silhouettes of the trophies in the coach’s office.
Vinegar Syndrome Horror High Blu-ray Extras
• Newly scanned & restored in 2K from the only known and fully-uncut 16mm lab print
• Commentary track with lead actor Pat Cardi
• “Cheerleaders on Tap” – a brand new interview with Pat Cardi
• “Looking Back” – an archival interview with Pat Cardi
• “Still Amazed” – an interview with screenwriter J.D. Feigelson
• “Gossip” – an interview with actress Michelle Falerne
• “I Would Do It Again” – an interview with actor John Niland
• Multiple television spots
• Original theatrical trailer
Stanley (1972)
Synopsis:
A young Seminole Indian uses his rattlesnake to take revenge on all those he believes have wronged him.
Of the two films in this Vin Syn double feature, ’70s Florida exploitation master William Grefé’s Stanley is the better restoration. The colors in the film are bright, crisp, and clear, making both characters and locations pop. The sound is pristine, and the snakes are terrifying. Chris Robinson’s Tim Ochopee is an intense man—both in his revenge and his love for the creatures he’s trying to save. I love that Alex Rocco was cast because he already happened to be in the area promoting The Godfather, so the filmmakers didn’t have to worry about feding him or setting him up in a hotel. Gary Crutcher’s script, written in an amphetamine-fueled weekend, was inspired after Grefé read about the box office success of the killer rat movie, Willard (1972), and then having a nightmare about snakes. Some of the deaths are quite jarring. Two guys drown in quicksand (imagine your last breath filling your lungs with watery sand!), and there’s even a swimming pool snake attack. Is there anywhere you can go to get away from these things?
There are some uncomfortable facts about the animal treatment in Stanley. which really isn’t all that surprising given the time that the film was made. Not only were the snakes used in the film de-fanged, but they also have their mouths sewn shut to keep them from biting anyone. If you’re wondering what happened to the snakes after filming was over, Grefé had admitted that he made the eponymous reptile into a wallet that he still uses today.
Vinegar Syndrome Stanley Blu-ray Extras
• Newly scanned & restored in 2K from its 35mm original camera negative
• Commentary track with screenwriter Gary Crutcher
• “Dark Side of Eden” – an extensive making-of documentary featuring interviews with its cast and crew
• “Stanley Goes Hollywood” – a Q&A from a screening at the New Beverly Cinema
• “Stanley: Revisited” – a featurette exploring the locations of Stanley with director William Grefé
