Subtitles:

English, none

Extras:

• Mystery Science Theatre: The Screaming Skull (1:31:17 in 480i)

• This Film May Kill You - Making The Screaming Skull (12:33)

• Photo Gallery (2:32)

• Trailers (3:07)

For reasons best known to local TV programmers, the modest shocker The Screaming Skull was telecast on what seemed to be a daily basis in the 1960s. The hero-villain is Eric (played by John Hudson), the husband of neurotic millionairess Jenni played by Peggy Webber. By strategically placing miniature skulls all over the house, Eric hopes to drive Jenni into madness so that he can take control of her fortune. The police suspect that Mickey the gardener Alex Nicol, who also directed the film, is the man behind the campaign of terror, but the truth finally surfaces in the last reel, wherein Eric gets what's coming to him-and more besides. Perhaps it's worth noting that the 10-minute abridgement of Screaming Skull, made available to the 8-mm home movie market in the 1970s, is just as entertaining as the full-length feature.

The Whitlocks -- Jenni (Peggy Webber) and Eric (John Hudson) -- are apparently happy newlyweds that have just arrived home to Eric's house, which it is quickly revealed, originally belonged to his late first wife. However, shortly after arriving, Jenni suspects she is being victimized by the first Mrs. Whitlock's ghost – particularly her skull, which seems to be chasing her everywhere. Unfortunately for Jenni, the real culprit may not be supernatural after all, and, in fact, may be living very close indeed.

While the film as a whole is strikingly unimpressive, the horror elements used to create the setting are carefully crafted, an exercise in precision. The house is large and spacious, overwhelming the characters inside and, at night, creating a “perfect” setting for a haunting. The doors slam, the shutters crash, the shadows play against the wall (since, of course, the lights are not currently working). There's even a really creepy portrait of the late wife hanging on the foyer wall. It just doesn't get any spookier – at least in theory.

Gary Tooze

April 21st, 2017