**_Obscure slasher set in the heart of the South_**
Several 20-somethings and 30-somethings try to enjoy life in a North Carolina town, going to a carnival, partying at a river and hanging out at a creepy graveyard, but their festivities are interrupted by a killer with a machete.
"Death Screams" (1982), aka “House of Death,” is a slasher that includes bits from “Friday the 13th” (1980), “The Funhouse” (1981) and “Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things” (1972). While it’s not as good as the first two, it’s at least on par with “Children” and superior in some ways. I like the warmth and likability of the characters. There’s a sense of Southern hospitality similar to “Squirm” (1976).
The flick scores well on the female front with Susan Kiger winsome as protagonist Lily and Jennifer Chase stunning as Ramona; the latter has a full head of thick brunette hair reminiscent of Lynda Carter, albeit shorter. Tall blonde Jody Kay is notable in the carnival scenes as Sandy. Monica Boston, who plays Sheila, decided that acting wasn’t for her and went on to become Miss North Carolina, as well as a finalist in the Miss USA pageant.
There’s some ambiguity concerning the killer’s motivations but, if you pay attention, you can put the pieces together. Explanatory scenes were probably cut.
While relatively unknown, “Death Screams” is worth checking out for aficionados of the genre. The first two acts are rather mundane, but things liven up in the last act; so stick around.
The movie runs 1 hour, 27 minutes, and was shot in Shelby in southwestern North Carolina, as well as Lake Lure, which is a 45-minute drive to the northwest on the way to Ashville.
GRADE: B-
