The House on Skull Mountain

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"Every Room Is A Living Tomb in The House On Skull Mountain!"
  • PG
  • 1974
  • 1 hr 29 min
  • 4.7  (785)

The House on Skull Mountain is a 1974 horror film directed by Ron Honthaner and produced by Charles W. Broun Jr. The movie features an ensemble cast of Victor French, Janee Michelle, Jean Durand, Mike Evans, and Mary J. Todd McKenzie, among others. The House on Skull Mountain is a low-budget movie, but it has attained a cult following over the years due to its blend of supernatural elements, suspense, and action.

The plot of the movie revolves around a wealthy African-American family called the Haggars. The family patriarch, Cyrus Hagger, dies in mysterious circumstances, and his four grandchildren are called to his ominous mansion, Skull Mountain, to attend the reading of the will. The grandchildren, who have never met Cyrus before, except for the youngest, Emily, are perplexed about why they have been invited to the mansion. They are greeted by the family's sinister servant, Henry, who warns them about the dangers of staying in the mansion. The grandchildren soon discover that there is a dark secret behind Cyrus's death and that their lives are in danger.

As the night progresses, the Haggars begin to experience strange occurrences, including ghostly apparitions and supernatural events. The atmosphere in the mansion becomes increasingly eerie, and the grandchildren realize that there is a force that is trying to harm them. They discover that Skull Mountain has a dark history and that the Haggars' ancestors were involved in the occult. The Haggars must work together to uncover the truth behind their grandfather's death and overcome the malevolent forces that are out to get them.

One of the most notable aspects of The House on Skull Mountain is its atmospheric setting. The mansion's gothic architecture, dark interior, and creepy surroundings create a sense of dread and unease. The use of shadows, low lighting, and eerie sound effects adds to the movie's ominous tone. The audience is constantly kept on edge, unsure of what will happen next. The movie also features a haunting musical score that perfectly complements the action on-screen.

The House on Skull Mountain is also notable for its diverse cast, which was uncommon for horror movies of the time. The Haggars are an African-American family, which was rare in movies of the 1970s. The movie deals with themes of family heritage, identity, and ancestry. The movie's portrayal of African-Americans as wealthy and influential was groundbreaking for the time, and remains a notable aspect of the movie.

The film is also enriched by its cast, particularly Victor French, who delivers a standout performance as the eldest grandson, James. French brings gravitas to his role as the family's moral compass, and his interactions with the other characters are some of the movie's highlights. Janee Michelle, who plays the role of the youngest granddaughter, Emily, is also impressive, and her character's innocence and vulnerability add to the movie's emotional depth. The supporting cast, including Mike Evans and Jean Durand, provide solid performances that enhance the movie's overall quality.

In conclusion, The House on Skull Mountain is a horror movie that deserves to be seen. Despite its low budget and occasional cheesy special effects, the movie offers a tense and suspenseful experience. The movie's gothic setting and haunting soundtrack make it a memorable and atmospheric horror experience. The movie's diverse cast and themes of family heritage and identity also make it a unique and meaningful addition to the horror genre. If you're a fan of horror movies or just love a good scare, The House on Skull Mountain is a must-watch.

The House on Skull Mountain
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Description
  • Release Date
    1974
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 29 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    4.7  (785)