Ep. 12: Jim Clark's "Madhouse" (1974)

Screams & Streams

How much can horror movies from the past entertain a modern audience? Is it possible to appreciate vintage scares or are our expectations simply too high nowadays? Join us as we dissect the horror movie "Madhouse." Initially, we share our raw impressions, which lean towards disappointment, and raise doubts about the performances of once-celebrated horror icons Vincent Price and Peter Cushing. We question the film's initial high rating, suggesting a dearth of comparable films in its release year may be the culprit. We also touch upon the unique challenges horror actors face and the delicate balance necessary to create a believable chilling atmosphere.
Strap in as we venture further into the labyrinth of "Madhouse", tearing down the elements that have not withstood the test of time. We critique everything from the film's characters and dialogue to its special effects, attempting to illuminate why the movie, when viewed through a present-day lens, fails to hit its mark. We'll dissect laughably bad spider effects, questionable makeup, and strangely reminiscent opening credits that seem to hark back to old Paramount Studio films. Also on our radar is the character of Elizabeth Peters, and we draw attention to her somewhat inconsequential contribution to the overall plot.
In our pursuit of the truth, we dial up the scrutiny. We delve into moments that feel excessive, from the overuse of gloves and slow walking to the incessant screaming. We argue that this film, instead of paying homage to Vincent Price’s career, may have inadvertently acted as a nail in his acting coffin. However, we do recognize the film's saving grace - some comedic elements that help lighten the unnerving atmosphere. We also bring up potential actors who could do justice to Vincent Price’s role in a biopic and explore the careers of the director and producer of "Madhouse." Join us, as we also sprinkle in some entertaining trivia for good measure!

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Chapter

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Film Intro & Plot Summary (00:01:20)

3. First Impressions (00:01:39)

4. Tropes Hall of Shame (00:05:53)

5. One Liners (00:11:47)

6. What Doesn't Hold Up (00:14:22)

7. Most Gratuitous Scene (00:21:38)

8. Stood the Test of Time (00:29:42)

9. Back It Up Moments (00:31:41)

10. Bonus Features (00:36:12)

11. Watchability Scale (00:40:05)

12. Outro (00:41:23)