EP 7: The Beast Must Die! ('74) vs. My Mom's a Werewolf ('89)
“A very hairy double whammy!”
Get your razor ready for a very hairy double feature of werewolf rompery in this episode! We start with Amicus Production's 1974 mystery THE BEAST MUST DIE!, and follow it up with lycanthrope-laughs in 1989's MY MOM'S A WEREWOLF! Get out a six-pack of silver bullets for this week's mad dog entry of CULT and CLASSIC Podcast!
Host: Nate Wyckoff
Panelists: Tad Mastroianni & Jeffrey Tucker
More on “THE BEAST MUST DIE!” (1974):
Directed by Paul Annett, "The Beast Must Die" is a gripping and suspenseful British horror film from 1974. The movie follows a wealthy big-game hunter, Tom Newcliffe (played by Calvin Lockhart), who invites a group of guests to his isolated mansion for a chilling, yet dangerous, game. Newcliffe suspects that one of his guests is a werewolf, and he sets out to identify and kill the creature before the full moon rises.
As the tension escalates, a series of eerie events unfold, trapping the unsuspecting guests within the mansion's confines. Each character becomes a suspect, lending an air of paranoia to the story. Newcliffe utilizes an array of sophisticated methods and monitoring devices to detect the werewolf's true identity. As the hours count down to the full moon's rise, the stakes intensify, leading to shocking revelations, unexpected alliances, and a cat-and-mouse game where everyone's life hangs in the balance.
"The Beast Must Die" blends elements of mystery, horror, and psychological thriller, keeping the audience on edge throughout. The film's atmospheric setting, combined with outstanding performances by a notable cast, including Peter Cushing and Charles Gray, creates a sense of foreboding and unease. With its unique twist on the werewolf legend and a thrilling hunt for a hidden enemy, "The Beast Must Die" is a gripping cinematic experience that remains a cult classic in the genre to this day.
Overall, "The Beast Must Die" stands as an intriguing and memorable film that successfully combines elements of the supernatural with a suspenseful detective story. With its clever plot twists and tense atmosphere, it continues to captivate audiences, showcasing the enduring appeal of the horror genre.
More on “My Mom’s a Werewolf” (1989):
"My Mom's a Werewolf," a cult classic from 1989, combines comedy and horror to tell the story of Leslie Shaber, a suburban housewife who unwittingly becomes entangled in a world of supernatural creatures. Set in 1980s California, the movie begins with Leslie's mundane life taking a sudden twist after a trip to a mysterious store called "Full Moon." Intrigued by the captivating owner, Serbian jewelry salesman Dimitri Denatos, Leslie purchases a seemingly innocent necklace that triggers a chain of unexpected events.
As Leslie wears the necklace, she gradually undergoes a shocking transformation, turning into a werewolf under the influence of the mesmerizing Dimitri. Struggling to adapt to her new uncontrollable urges and furry alter ego, Leslie's life becomes a rollercoaster of comedic situations. Alongside her loyal best friend/neighbor, Stacey Pubah, the duo embarks on a quest to find a cure for Leslie's lycanthropic condition, leading them into a series of hilarious encounters with eccentric characters.
"My Mom's a Werewolf" explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the challenges of balancing family life with paranormal predicaments. The film's blend of horror and comedy offers audiences a unique and lighthearted take on the werewolf genre, appealing to fans of both genres. With its comical performances and a touch of 80s nostalgia, this cult classic continues to charm viewers with its goofy humor and captivating storyline, reminding us of the enduring popularity of supernatural films that blend scares with laughter.