A film cannot intentionally attain cult status. Many have tried. All have failed. For the qualities that define what is ‘cult’ are mysterious and beyond the comprehension of mere mortals.
Since its release in 1970, Equinox, Phoenix-like, has somehow risen from the ashes of cinematic dreadfulness to attain archived status at the American film Institute. And so it should—because despite the terrible acting, impoverished script and goofy plot, there is something going on that makes it supremely watchable. And it has something to do with raw talent and blatant sincerity. Plus, wonders of the world are many…
Equinox was made for $8,000—about $65,000 today. When you watch the film— note the special effects and stop-motion animation—it seems a ridiculously low amount. Penury can stimulate creativity, and certainly directors Jack Woods and Dennis Muren must have been energized through sheer desperation.
The plot? Well… David (Edward Connell), a geology student, receives a letter from his professor (Fritz Leiber) asking to meet up at his rural cabin. David is accompanied by his date, Susan (Barbara Hewitt), friend Jim (Frank Boers Jr.), and Jim’s girlfriend, Vicki (Robin Christopher). They turn it into a picnic. After they are handed a weird religious book (‘The Book of the Damned’ – uh-oh) by an old man, the young people are menaced by park ranger Asmodeus (Jack Woods) … I’d better stop there. That should light your subterranean fire.
(Note: the plot is extremely close to the basis of Sam Raimi’s mega-successful ‘The Evil Dead’ series. Just sayin’…).
The film is about the supernatural, a satanic leader, murder, mind control and human sacrifice… The production, though intermittent, continued throughout 1969, in Sunland-Tujunga, Los Angeles, about 25 miles from the Spahn Ranch. Wonders of the world are indeed many…
#equinox #cult #film #review #spahnranch #charlesmanson #horror #satan #1970 #frankbonner #wkrp #1960s #starwars #specialeffects #dennismuren #sharontate #1960spop
Let's Play Something Else 