In 1987, Empire Pictures and Charles Band created an anthology film called "PULSE POUNDERS", comprised of three segments: a short sequel to "TRANCERS", a short sequel to "THE DUNGEONMASTER" and a loose adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's "THE EVIL CLERGYMAN".
"PULSEPOUNDERS" was shot and edited in 1988, but unfortunately caught up in the financial wranglings that followed the collapse of Empire Pictures. The 35mm negative was lost before a final cut was approved or any sound work had been done.
Recently, a "PULSEPOUNDERS" VHS workprint was discovered. Charles Band and a team of experts digitally restored the "Clergyman" segment, and Richard Band composed an 80s-style-score for it.
The result: an absolutely excellent gem of a (short) movie!
"The Evil Clergyman" is 28 minutes of shockingly brilliant 80s awesomeness. I'm not a big fan of Band's work, but omg, this is probably the best thing he has ever done. It's tense, gripping and extremely atmospheric, plus: a highly erotic sequence and a few hilarious moments.
The direction is almost flawless, Dennis Paoli's ("Re-Animator", "From Beyond") screenplay is strong and unique, Mac Ahlberg's ("House 1-3") cinematography is gorgeous and captivating, Giovanni Natalucci's ("Troll", "Dolls") set design is a treat for the eyes, and Richard Band's ("House On Sorority Row") score is as marvellous as everything else he ever composed.
The acting is also terrific: an excellent and highly emotional performance of the wonderful Barbara Crampton ("From Beyond"), a super-creepy Jeffrey Combs ("Re-Animator 1-3"), an equally creepy David Warner ("The Omen") and David Gale ("Re-Animator 1-2") as funny-looking rat-creature.
Highlight: Una Brandon-Jones as nasty landlady, delivering great lines like
"I used to be as beautiful as you are... but there's a worm in the body... in EVERY body... that eats it away."
Hands down, "The Evil Clergyman" is absolutely fantastic! Fans of good ol' 80s horror and everything Empire/Full-Moon-related will orgasm.
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