Podcast | JOHNNY HAS THE KEYS

ON THE BEACH (1959)—Set in a world devastated by nuclear war, On the Beach (1959) follows the lives of individuals in Australia awaiting inevitable radioactive fallout. As they grapple with impending doom, relationships form and unravel. The narrative unfolds with a poignant exploration of the human condition in the face of extinction, capturing the desperation, love, and humanity’s resilience in the shadow of impending catastrophe.

THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE (1961)—As Earth faces catastrophic climate changes because of simultaneous nuclear tests by superpowers, chaos ensues. Journalists investigate the anomalies, uncovering a government conspiracy to alter the Earth’s axis. Tensions rise as the world hurtles toward destruction.

Welcome to our fifth double-feature this season, delving into the apocalyptic realms of On the Beach (1959) and The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961). Join us as we explore the poignant aftermath of nuclear war in the former and the consequences of global climate manipulation in the latter. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys awaits the inevitable end of humanity, bleak and remorseful because it is by our own hands. 

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THE SORCERERS (1967)—revolves around an elderly couple, Professor Monserrat and his wife, who invent a mind-control device. They persuade a young man to be their experimental subject, giving them the power to experience his sensations. However, the experiment takes a dark turn as the couple becomes increasingly obsessed with the thrill of controlling another person’s actions, leading to tragic consequences.

This bizarre exploration of mind manipulation marks our inaugural venture into the realm of Michael Reeves. Join us, as we discuss why this oddity featuring the great Boris Karloff late in his career doesn’t fare so well today. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys revs up the mad scientist lab (in our apartment’s second bedroom) so that we can mesmerize the innocent and live vicariously through their actions.

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FORBIDDEN PLANET (1956)—A space crew is sent to investigate the disappearance of a colony on the distant planet Altair IV. Upon arrival, they discover Dr. Morbius, the lone survivor, and his daughter Altaira. The mystery unfolds as an ancient alien technology, the Krell, is revealed, along with a powerful and destructive force from Morbius’s subconscious. 

Welcome to our 3rd REDUX of the season, the enchanting, Forbidden Planet (1956). Join us as we recall our first impressions and discuss the magical elements that brought this highly influential film to fruition. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys travels to another galaxy, where extinct aliens have left significant technology behind—dangerous technology that should perhaps remain unfound.

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DUEL (1971)—David Mann is on a road trip and unwittingly provokes the wrath of a menacing tanker truck driver in the California desert. Soon, he finds himself in a tense cat-and-mouse chase, with the tanker relentlessly pursuing him through the isolated desert landscape. When the pursuit escalates to deadly levels, Mann must summon his inner warrior and turn the tables on his tormentor.

We’re back in the world of Steven Spielberg (David’s favorite director and the one we’ve covered most)! Duel (1971) is notable for many things. Not only was it Spielberg’s first film, but it was based on the short story by Richard Matheson (one of our most covered writers). Join us, as we discuss why this film still works and how it catapulted Spielberg into a career still going strong 5 decades later. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys races for survival against a faceless menace in hot pursuit, recklessly reeling on a lonesome desert highway. 

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LOGAN’S RUN (1976)—In the year 2274, society lives an idyllic, hedonistic lifestyle within the protective confines of a domed city. The belief is—when people turn 30, they are reincarnated for another blissful life cycle. Those who know the darker truth become runners and flee to a hidden sanctuary. When law enforcement officer Logan goes undercover to locate the refuge, he winds up instead trying to start a revolution with another runner, Jessica.

Welcome to our third Listener/Viewer request episode (thanks to Buck Allum for the suggestion!). The idea of Logan’s Run (1976) is a unique and grand concept. The film, unfortunately, is a little mired by its limitations and execution. Join us as we discuss the good and bad, including its cast, special effects, and screenplay. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys flees from the sandmen, hoping to reach sanctuary and a life beyond thirty years. 

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THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND (2020)—Something lurks off the coast of Block Island, an ominous force that begins killing wildlife. It silently influences the behavior of fisherman, Tom Lynch. After offering sacrifices to the mysterious entity, he unknowingly puts his family in grave danger.

The Block Island Sound (2020) is not for everyone. It’s a slow-burn horror film, light on the viscera, and heavy on atmosphere, mood, and dread. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of that approach, including the directors, cast, and screenplay. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys sets sail into the unknown depths of cosmic horror.

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THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BONZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION (1984) follows the multi-talented Buckaroo Banzai, a rock musician, neurosurgeon, and physicist, as he battles the evil Red Lectroids from Planet 10. Buckaroo invents a device that allows him to travel through solid matter, inadvertently discovering a plot by the Lectroids to conquer Earth. With his team, the Hong Kong Cavaliers, Buckaroo must stop the Lectroids and their human collaborators, the Black Lectroids.

Perplexed? Us too. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984) stands out as a peculiar anomaly in 1980s sci-fi cinema. Join us as we delve into the reasons behind the film’s shortcomings, despite boasting an exceptionally talented cast. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys journeys into the enigmatic 8th dimension, where the narrative is disjointed, the indulgence is palpable, and the confusion reigns supreme.

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DEMONS (1985)—A new theatre is opening, and people are hand-selected to attend a horror film. When a young woman tries on a mask from a display in the theater lobby, it cuts her face, causing her to transform into a demon. She then bites others and they turn into demons. Slowly, the entire theatre is mayhem, and only a few will survive.

Welcome to the world of Lamberto Bava, son of the great Italian director Mario Bava. Demons (1985) is an odd mishmash of gore, heavy metal, bad dubbing, jump scares, and occasional logic. Join us, as we discuss the myriad reasons this film doesn’t work but is still a fun ride, warranting multiple viewings and garnering the title “party film.” Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys, attends a movie premiere, where murderous monsters stalk the aisles, and soon THE WORLD!

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THE THING (1982) In Antarctica, a U.S. research team is thrust into a horrible situation when a helicopter targets a sled dog. Adopted by the scientists, the dog, a shape-shifting alien, transforms, savagely attacking humans and canines, revealing its ability to mimic victims. Helicopter pilot Macready (Kurt Russell), and the camp doctor (Richard Dysart) spearhead a desperate, gory fight for survival as the creature systematically picks off the team. Trust crumbles, alliances fracture, and the unforgiving Antarctic terrain becomes a grisly battlefield for their struggle against an adversary that morphs into the very faces they once knew.

Welcome to our 200th episode and a redux of our first movie topic way back when—The Thing (1982). Join us as we discuss the perfect storm that came together to make this once panned but now critically lauded film. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys travels to the South Pole, reuniting with a group of old friends who may have changed just a bit.

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BURNT OFFERINGS (1976)—Ben (Oliver Reed) and Marian Rolf (Karen Black) can’t believe how cheap the rent is at their giant Victorian summer home. However, they soon sense that there’s something peculiar about the place. Marian is strangely obsessed with keeping house. Ben finds himself prone to unusual bursts of anger. Vivacious aunt Elizabeth (Bette Davis) suddenly becomes withdrawn and dies. Could the house be responsible?

Burnt Offerings (1976) is a flawed if not memorable movie (and novel) mainly due to its influence as a pillar in haunted house mythology. Join us as we journey nostalgically, discussing the pros and cons of the film including its director, TV horror giant Dan Curtis, its stellar cast (Oliver Reed, Karen Black, Bette Davis, and Burgess Meredith), and its influence (particularly on Stephen King). Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys lucks into a magnificent summer house rental, where inhabitants are sustenance for its rejuvenation. 

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