Tommy Lee Wallace directs Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin and Dan O’Herlihy in this horror spin-off, unrelated to The Shape saga, where a doctor investigates the horrific going ons around a popular Halloween mask making company; Silver Shamrock.

“It’s almost time, kids. The clock is ticking. Be in front of your TV sets for the Horrorthon, followed by the Big Giveaway. Don’t miss it. And don’t forget to wear your masks. The clock is ticking. It’s almost time.”

People think I’m being contrary when I say this is my favourite Halloween but there is so much I love. The intensity of the countdown to Samhain. The basement hanger with an ancient secret… Quatermass and The Stone Tapes creator Nigel Kneale wrote the first draft of this. Isn’t an advert kinda like a spell casting? Tom Atkins’ drink driving, ass pinching everyday hero. The horny atmosphere generated entirely from his big white fluffy moustache and his pockmarked skin. The automaton henchmen and their matter of fact deaths. The last moment twist about a certain character. The hysteria of the final scene – real Siegel Invasion Of the Body Snatcher vibes. Just how nasty the masks are when triggered. Dean Cundey’s rich primary colour lighting. Dan O’Herlihy blarney fuelled smooth fanatic. The fact this would make an excellent “My First Horror Flick” for any and all pre-teens… I picked the skeleton mask this year.

“No more days ’til Halloween/ Halloween/ Halloween/ No more days ’til Halloween/ Silver Shamrock. No more days ’til Halloween/ Halloween/ Halloween/ No more days ’til Halloween/ Silver Shamrock.”

8

Perfect Double Bill: Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019)

Check out my wife Natalie’s Point Horror blog https://cornsyrup.co.uk

We also do a podcast together called The Worst Movies We Own. It is available on Spotify or here https://letterboxd.com/bobbycarroll/list/the-worst-movies-we-own-podcast-ranking-and/