Shock Waves (1977),
directed by Ken Wiederhorn.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FryeDwight
I watched this yesterday and while I know I've commented on it before, think it's good enough to pass on more love. I think for the low budget He had, Director Sole does a first rate job here and feel this is one creepy film and certainly a damning view on organized religion. Some truly shocking scenes and some truly odd characters, particularly the annoying Aunt and especially MR Alphonso! Got more appreciation while listening to the commentary and while searching the web, found more interesting trivia, such as Linda Miller (The Mom) was the daughter of Jackie Gleason and married to Jason Miller (THE EXORCIST) and Jason Patric (THE LOST BOYS) is their son. Paula Shepard, creepy as the possibly psychotic 12 year old was actually in college when she made this. Mr Alphonso in real life was a bouncer in a Gay Bar and used to hang around cemeteries dressed as a priest and after consoling a visitor, would accept a "Donation for the Church"  and while it has nothing really to do with the film, the red haired Policewoman was the chatty waitress in FRIDAY, THE 13th. **** |
I've seen this film twice and I like it because of its gruesome mystery elements and stylish camerawork. Adding something to the trivia you provided, I've heard that Alfred Sole began his career doing adult films, such as
Deep Sleep (1972) which actually isn't unusual as some other well-known horror makers also started that way (e.g. Wes Craven)... but this production was a reason why Sole was excommunicated from the Catholic Church and this event was kinda influential to creation of
Alice, Sweet Alice. Not saying it was a revenge but makes sense why Sole wanted this to be entitled
Communion.
I was really surprised when I found out that Paula Sheppard was 18-19 years old during the shoot because on the screen she looks like a child. However, the most grotesque character is Alphonso DeNoble (you mentioned him) who also appeared in two other low-budget horrors,
Blood Sucking Freaks (1976) and
Night of the Zombies (1981).