One wouldn't think it possible for filmmakers to make a somber, serious film about necrophilia - that particularly unusual taboo of having carnal relations with corpses. But they pull it off here, with this surprisingly sensitive and tasteful portrayal. Therefore, it's actually going to come as a crushing disappointment to exploitation film lovers hoping for something extremely trashy and depraved.
Under-rated '70s hottie Mary Wilcox ("Beast of the Yellow Night", "Black Oak Conspiracy") plays Lindsay Finch, an attractive young woman who seemingly can't maintain a normal relationship with guys. She's already tried once with the studly Wade (Christopher Stone), and comes at least somewhat close with nice guy art gallery owner Alex (Lyle Waggoner), but still is uncomfortable with the act of making love. She prefers her guys to be stiff in a different way. Approaching her is funeral home operator Fred McSweeney (Timothy Scott), whose other occupation is heading a cult that defiles dead bodies. She's horrified by this at first, but soon enough...
The film is written and directed by Jacques LaCerte (based on an idea concocted by Roger Wall and Robert Cleere) and produced by Buck Edwards, both of whom have uncredited bits. Not only is it not going to appeal to people with more extreme tastes, it also has the potential to bore some viewers as the pacing is quite deliberate, and despite the "sick" subject matter, the film is more of a drama than anything. In flashbacks we get to see that Lindsay was *very* close to her beloved father (Michael Pardue), and we get a sense of what life is like for her.
The good thing is that even in light of her predilection, the character of Lindsay is not exactly unsympathetic and Wilcox really does a nice job in the lead. The other familiar actors are all very good, as well: both Waggoner ('The Carol Burnett Show', 'Wonder Woman') and Stone ("The Howling", "Cujo") are quite likable, and under-rated character actor Scott ("Macon County Line", "The Party") graces the movie with an quietly effective, creepy performance. The score by Phil Moody and the very '70s tunes sung by Kit Fuller are good, and the cinematography by David Aaron helps to give the film a slick look.
All things considered, this is an interesting little production that understandably isn't too well known, but adventurous and patient cult movie lovers should find it a reasonably provocative viewing experience.
Trivia note: drive-in flick legend H.B. Halicki of "Gone in 60 Seconds" fame takes an associate producer credit, and has a role in the film as a racer.
Seven out of 10.
Under-rated '70s hottie Mary Wilcox ("Beast of the Yellow Night", "Black Oak Conspiracy") plays Lindsay Finch, an attractive young woman who seemingly can't maintain a normal relationship with guys. She's already tried once with the studly Wade (Christopher Stone), and comes at least somewhat close with nice guy art gallery owner Alex (Lyle Waggoner), but still is uncomfortable with the act of making love. She prefers her guys to be stiff in a different way. Approaching her is funeral home operator Fred McSweeney (Timothy Scott), whose other occupation is heading a cult that defiles dead bodies. She's horrified by this at first, but soon enough...
The film is written and directed by Jacques LaCerte (based on an idea concocted by Roger Wall and Robert Cleere) and produced by Buck Edwards, both of whom have uncredited bits. Not only is it not going to appeal to people with more extreme tastes, it also has the potential to bore some viewers as the pacing is quite deliberate, and despite the "sick" subject matter, the film is more of a drama than anything. In flashbacks we get to see that Lindsay was *very* close to her beloved father (Michael Pardue), and we get a sense of what life is like for her.
The good thing is that even in light of her predilection, the character of Lindsay is not exactly unsympathetic and Wilcox really does a nice job in the lead. The other familiar actors are all very good, as well: both Waggoner ('The Carol Burnett Show', 'Wonder Woman') and Stone ("The Howling", "Cujo") are quite likable, and under-rated character actor Scott ("Macon County Line", "The Party") graces the movie with an quietly effective, creepy performance. The score by Phil Moody and the very '70s tunes sung by Kit Fuller are good, and the cinematography by David Aaron helps to give the film a slick look.
All things considered, this is an interesting little production that understandably isn't too well known, but adventurous and patient cult movie lovers should find it a reasonably provocative viewing experience.
Trivia note: drive-in flick legend H.B. Halicki of "Gone in 60 Seconds" fame takes an associate producer credit, and has a role in the film as a racer.
Seven out of 10.