Skip to content

DVD Review: HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS (1983)

Written By:

Robin Pierce
house_of_the_long_shadows_review

House of the Long Shadows Review

Review: House of the Long Shadows / Cert: 15 / Director: Peter Walker / Screenplay: Michael Armstrong / Starring: Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, John Carradine, Desi Arnaz Jnr / Release Date: Out Now

House of the Long Shadows is one of those films you may not have heard about, seeing that it’s neither a Hammer, Amicus or American International production, but nonetheless, it’s a rich and unique slice of horror history, one that had never happened before and was destined never to happen again.

This 1983 Cannon Group film was the first and only time that horror titans Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and John Carradine would all appear in the same film. That fact alone makes this release by Final Cut Entertainment a worthwhile purchase. Add to this the fact that there’s an insightful retrospective documentary House of the Long Shadows Revisited included as an extra and this disc becomes irresistible.

Although not top billed, the real star of the show is Desi Arnaz Jnr, who would star in the short lived super hero series Automan in the same year. Arnaz’s character, novelist Kenneth Magee wagers $20,000 with his publisher that he can write a gothic novel in 24 hours. His publisher arranges for him to spend the time in seclusion in Baldpate Manor in the wilds of Wales and so the fun begins.

On arrival, he finds he’s not as secluded as he thought. Already in residence are an ancient housekeeper played by John Carradine and his elderly daughter Victoria (Keith).Very soon, Peter Cushing, Vincent Price and Christopher Lee arrive, and the plot thickens on the typically stormy night with a murderous tale of dark family secrets, and a family member kept prisoner for over forty years – now loose and seeking blood splattered retribution.

The film is broadly similar in tone and plot to The Old Dark House (Universal 1932) also curiously set in Wales and is based on a 1913 novel, Seven Keys to Baldpate, and its subsequent stage adaptation. If the film has a fault, it’s that certain scenes are overly theatrical and stagy, but then again, it’s a purposely stereotypical “old dark manor” film with hidden panels and locked rooms. Horror in the grand old style with its tongue firmly in its cheek.

Even if the twist ending isn’t exactly a surprise, there’s still a lot of fun to be had watching the elder statesmen of horror plying their trade one last time.

Special Features: None

Robin Pierce

You May Also Like...

chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More