Welcome to Horror

Last episode we watched “The Red Shoes”, considered by many to be the masterpiece of directors Powell and Pressburger, by contrast we now turn to the film that practically ended Michael Powell’s career, as we discuss 1960’s “Peeping Tom”.

A film in which we learn that a surprise lizard is an excellent substitute for a child’s alarm clock; that even a policeman involved in a serious investigation can become a slave to hot jazz rhythms; and that sometimes cold blooded murder is the only way to stop someone dancing around like a tit.

A British counterpart to Hitchcock’s “Psycho” from the same year, “Peeping Tom” was released to near universal condemnation, for both its serial killer plot and portrayal of the seedy underbelly of ‘respectable’ England. It gradually experienced a renaissance; becoming an acknowledged early prototype of the slasher film, as well as taking its rightful place alongside the other jewels in Michael Powell’s crown.

Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

It’s Lady Jennifer’s birthday request; and we’re joined by previous guest Dani for “The Red Shoes” (1948).

A dazzlingly beautiful film in which we learn that if a prominent figure in the arts ISN’T a plagiarist, they’re a full blown psychopath; that horse drawn shag wagons were commonplace on the continent in the 40s; and that the show must go on, even if the star has got a train on her head.

Whilst the genuine terror for Lee is the mere concept of ballet; is “The Red Shoes” really horror? Probably not, but with some phantasmagoric imagery, a basis in a truly horrific fairy tale, and the main character’s disturbing mental breakdown, it certainly visits the ballpark.

Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

It’s sequel time, as we present “Least Haunted 2: Electric Loup-Garou”.

It’s another glimpse into all things weird and spooky with three judgemental pricks.

We have a strange tale from a listener (big thanks Joe!); to shoehorn in our incredible episode title, Adam recounts his childhood fascination and dread of the Southend Werewolf; and Lee explains why he could believe Richard Herring is breaking into his house to steal wineglasses.

We enjoy these chats so much we’ll probably do some more, so please send in your own real-life unusual occurrences [either DM on Instagram or send to [email protected]].

WE’RE READY TO DISBELIEVE YOU.

No prep needed on this, just tune in and join us.

It’s time for more spooky real estate, as we turn our attention to “House” (that’s the film from the 80’s, not that TV series where floppy haired fop Hugh Laurie pretended he was tough and grumpy).

A film in which we learn that attractive neighbours may roll up and dump their mullet-headed sprog on you without a moment’s notice; that the kookaburra is native to Vietnam; and that Norm Peterson may have been driven to drink by his experiences inside next-door’s closet.

A bizarre horror comedy from the team that created the “Friday the 13th” franchise, this manages to be a practical effect rich knockabout romp that, somehow, also encompasses PTSD and child abduction. It went on to begat a variable series of unhinged sequels.

Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

With housing a seeming perennial nightmare, we’re going to look at some nightmare houses, kicking off with an absolute, stone cold classic - Robert Wise’s “The Haunting” (that’s the 1963 one, not the abomination that is the 1999 version with Qui-Gon Jinn).

Adapted from the novel by Shirley Jackson “The Haunting of Hill House” (again, not to be confused with the TV series that bears its name, which, whilst loved by many, can, frankly, suck a fat one compared to the book, or the 1963 film).

It’s a film in which we discover that Dr Jacoby is the bastard child of Dean Stockwell and Andy Serkis; that Miss Moneypenny didn’t need to hook up with James Bond when she had the dashing moustache of Dr Markway to come home to; and that the guy who brought us “The Sound of Music” can also scare the living shit out of you, simply by banging on a door.

A cinematic masterpiece based on a literary masterpiece, “The Haunting” is still an effectively tense and scary film 60 years after its release, and remains an excellent lesson to filmmakers of how to successfully adapt a book to screen.

Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

Welcome To Horror Presents: “The Evil of We Have Been Watching”.

The team discuss what they’ve been sticking in their stupid flappy faces with our regular round up of what We Have Been Watching.

This episode features chat about “Unbreakable” and “Glass” (following on from our episode on “Split”), “Evil Dead Rise”, “King of the Castle”, “Knock at the Cabin” (again), Hammer’s late flourish of Vampire classics and the excellent crime solving game “Cryptic Killers”.

Listeners beware, as here be spoilers and swearing, and join us!

It’s time to make like a banana (who enjoys the work of M. Night Shyamalan) and watch “Split”.

A film in which learn that a Varvatos shirt will excuse 90s cargo pants; that security guards are utterly useless, especially if they’ve still got your orange headphones; and that Kanye is my main man, et cetera.

By being a “stealth sequel” to “Unbreakable”, and becoming the middle leg of a trilogy concluded with “Glass”; “Split” runs the risk of being absorbed into that wider context; but as a film on it’s own, it’s a tense, pared down thriller with Hitchcockian vibes and two incredible lead performances, that rightly rejuvenated Shyamalan’s reputation as a film maker.

Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

And if you are having difficulties with your mental health, seek help - whether that’s with your Doctor or even just talking with friends and family. Stay safe.

There’s a lot of films called “The Voices”; but we’re covering the best - the Marjane Satrapi directed 2014 one, starring Ryan Reynolds.

A film that teaches you the value of covering cold meat, even in the fridge; that if someone shifty doesn’t want you to go inside their house, take the hint and walk away; and, in the words of Dr Peter Venkman, cats and dogs living together IS mass hysteria.

A strange and compelling film, mixing humour and some very troubling drama, often to queasy effect; “The Voices” just proceeded Ryan Reynolds’ renaissance as Deadpool; and, hopefully, is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.

And if you are having difficulties with your mental health, seek help - whether that’s with your Doctor or even just talking with friends and family. Stay safe.

Welcome To Horror Presents: “The Revenge of We Have Been Watching”.

Time, once again, to discuss all the different audio/visual media that we have shoved up our brains, via our lugs and peepers, over the last few weeks.

This episode features talk on “Get Out”; anthology series “Tales of Unease”; “Renfield”; Charlie Brooker’s “Dead Set”, “Enys Men”; “Knock At The Cabin”; “Cube 2: Hypercube”; “The Dunwich Horror” and “Freaky”.

Beware of spoilers and swearing and join us!

Well looky here! It’s another Welcome To Horror bonus episode!

A spoiler free review of “Casting Kill” from Director James Smith and Raya Films.

Currently available for streaming via Amazon and Tubi, having made waves at various festivals - this is a inventive, low budget, thriller set in the world of the audition circuit, which develops moments of macabre tension, whilst also being wickedly funny.

A massive thank you to Producer and Scriptwriter Caroline Spence for reaching out, and giving us the opportunity to watch and review this marvellous film.

Catch this smart, darkly funny thriller where you can!