Ep. 06-10: The Exorcist (1973) REDUX

One of the most profitable horror movies of all time, this story of an exorcism, is based on actual events. Young Regan (Linda Blair) is acting odd — swearing, levitating, speaking in tongues… Her mother (Ellen Burstyn) seeks medical help, to no avail. A local priest (Jason Miller) thinks the devil may possess the girl. He requests to perform an exorcism, and the church sends in an expert (Max von Sydow) to help with the demanding job.

Déjà vu? Yes, we have covered this movie before. Way back in our first season (pre-YouTube video channel), we did cover this landmark in American horror movies. Now, with the recent franchise reboot and the fiftieth anniversary, we thought we’d make it the first of four (video) reduxes we’re hosting this season. Join us as we discuss the history of the film… from novel to celluloid, casting, and keys. What is it about this frightening tale of a little girl in Georgetown that resonates with us still? Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys opens that closed door at the end of the frigid hallway, seeking to encounter an ancient evil yet again. Welcome back to… The Exorcist.

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Ep. 06-08: The Tingler (1959)

Dr. Warren Chapin (Vincent Price) has made a surprising discovery—the spine-chilling sensation that people get when scared is due to a parasite that he dubs the tingler. Chapin concludes that in extreme circumstances, prolonged fear can cause the creature to damage a person’s spine and even cause death if the victim can’t scream, a theory that Oliver Higgins (Philip Coolidge) uses to deadly effect on his wife (Judith Evelyn). Soon the tingler that killed the woman is on the loose.

Welcome to our first venture into the weird and wacky world of William Castle, the producer/director version of P.T. Barnum. Join us as we discuss the delightful gimmicks he used to promote such classics as The House on Haunted Hill (1959), 13 Ghosts (1960), and, of course, The Tingler (1959). Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys takes on a killer parasite that attaches to your spine and kills… however, the louder you scream, the better chance you have at surviving!

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Ep. 06-06: The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)

Handsome, young, but morally corrupt Dorian Gray (Hurd Hatfield) has his portrait painted. As the years pass, he does not age, but evidence of his sins is apparent in his portrait, which grows uglier with each transgression. He keeps it safely hidden in the attic. But his mysterious behavior and ageless appearance lead to his eventual demise.

Classics, anyone? Oscar Wilde is an infamous author, journalist, and playwright, but was never attributed as a horror writer. However, his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) has always been closely associated with the genre. Out of several adaptations, we chose this one which has the highest critical acclaim, as well as a terrific cast. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of the film, including its screenplay, direction, and Faustian influence. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys seeks internal youth for just a mere tidbit of a price… our eternal soul.

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