Hollywood Gothique
The Vault

Peter Walker & House of the Long Shadows update

Every once in a while, Hollywood Gothique must emerge from the crypt and venture out into the darkness of the City of Angles. Last night, we took a break from updating the website with news of Halloween 2015 and went to the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, where we saw a 35mm print of House of the Long Shadows, followed by a Q&A with director Pete Walker, moderated by our friend David Del Valle. The movie is a fun tribute to horror stars of a bygone era (Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and John Carradine), but the real appeal for us was the appearance by the British Walker, whose works has received little recognition in the United States. We videotaped the entire chat, which we hope to post in the near future for the benefit of cult enthusiasts who were not able to attend the event last night.

Note: There was also a screening of Walker’s Schizo after the Q&A, but having seen it before, we did not stay for that. During the Q&A, Walker called it the least favorite of his films – a Psycho spin-off that does not quite come off. Also, signs above the box office announced that the only available print, in 16mm, was faded. This is one that may perhaps be better enjoyed on home video, if you can find it (unlike House of Long Shadows, which despite an occasionally jumpy print, looked somewhat better than the version on Amazon Instant View).

Steve Biodrowski, Administrator

A graduate of USC film school, Steve Biodrowski has worked as a film critic, journalist, and editor at Movieline, Premiere, Le Cinephage, The Dark Side., Cinefantastique magazine, Fandom.com, and Cinescape Online. He is currently Managing Editor of Cinefantastique Online and owner-operator of Hollywood Gothique.