THE
BODY BENEATH (1970)Director: Andy Milligan
Image Entertainment/Something Weird Video
THE
BODY BENEATH (1970)You know that we've reached the final plateau when an Andy Milligan film has made an appearance on DVD. Not only that, but it's actually a "Special Edition!" If you're not already enlightened about Milligan, he was a filmmaker who in the 60s and 70s made a series of period horror films, none costing more that $10,000 to produce, and none looking like they cost more than $5,000 to make. Milligan has been called the worst director of all the time, and after stomaching THE BODY BENEATH again, I can easily attest that this is fact.
Milligan worked out of Staten Island, New York, but some of his efforts, like this one, were actually shot in England. The plot concerns a stuffy reverend (Gavin Reed) who inhabits the grounds of Carfax Abbey with his speechless wife, a trio of green-skinned ghoul ladies, and a moronic, ski-hatted hunchback named Spool. Turns out that the rev is an ancient vampire who attempts to replenish his cursed lineage with some new blood.
He lures some so-called relatives to the estate, but when they arrive, they are held hostage for some blood draining. When Spool tries to help them escape, he has his hands nailed crucifixion style. The good rev apologizes, but after organizing a sort of vampiric convention, he decides to pack up to America (probably to seek out victims in Staten Island) and has Spool set on fire.
This is the uncut version, as most of Milligan's were censored before release and actually exhibit more graphic content in the trailers. This one has very little gore or sex to highlight the proceedings (the proceedings being TALK, TALK and MORE TALK!!!).
There's no doubt about it, all of Milligan's movies suck. This and some of his other efforts (BLOODTHIRSTY BUTCHERS, TORTURE DUNGEON) are worth one viewing for scholarly curiosity seekers, but stay away from later rubbish like THE WEIRDO and MONSTROSITY or believe me, you'll be pointing a pistol in your mouth. Although most of Milligan's films around this time (1969-1974) are filled with period costumes taken from thrift shops and school plays, while trying to pass Staten Island off as 18th century England, this one is set in modern days.
Considering that this was shot for zero money in 16mm and blown up to 35mm, the transfer is surprisingly good. I was expecting grain that would manifest itself like a snowstorm, but the picture is smooth with very pleasing colors. The source materials are in fine condition, but about an hour into the film there is some severe frame damage, but this only appears briefly. The mono sound is acceptable for what is being presented here, but if hear a grinding noise from time to time, don't fret; it's just the sound of Milligan's 16mm camera rolling away!
The extras include trailers for BODY and other Milligan films like VAPORS, GURU THE MAD MONK, and THE GHASTLY ONES (the only period horror film to show a man molesting a woman in his Fruit of the Loom underwear). VAPORS is actually a short (around 45 minutes long) grainy, black and white film that's also included here. No way was my finger coming off the scan button for this. I can't give you much of an opinion on it, but I can tell you that it gives insight on Milligan's personal life. There is also a nice gallery of exploitation art on display. (George R. Reis)