Here’s one you may have to dig to find. THE FOLKS AT RED WOLF INN is a cannibal-themed comedy-horror movie originally released in 1972, predating similar films such as MOTEL HELL and PARENTS. It’s funny, scary, stylish as hell and often quite gruesome. It’s also nearly forgotten, which is a shame since THE FOLKS AT RED WOLF INN is one film horror fans should not pass up.
The Package
This modestly-budgeted effort redefines the word
tasteless. It was also one of the first films of its type. Let’s
not forget, THE FOLKS AT RED WOLF INN (released on video under the
titles TERROR AT RED WOLF INN and TERROR ON THE MENU) appeared nearly
ten years before 1981’s well-received MOTEL HELL, which is suspiciously
similar in many respects--I really hate to accuse anyone of plagiarism,
but…
Two other examples of “cannibal comedy” include
CONSUMING PASSIONS (1987) and PARENTS (1989). THE FOLKS AT RED WOLF INN
surpasses them all (well, maybe not Bob Balaban’s wonderful and
disturbing PARENTS, but it certainly comes close). Unfortunately, the
other movies seem to have received all the press while this one has
become obscure. Too bad, because it has far more to offer; it's the only
film I know that lists the end credits in the form of a menu (pay
particular attention to the cast of characters grouped under the
subtitles “Hors’ Doeuevres,” “Main Course” and “Side
Dishes”).
The Story
Regina (Linda Gillin), a young college student, is sent
to the titular residence, a secluded beach spot, after ostensibly
winning a mail order contest. There she meets Henry (Arthur Space)
and Evelyn (Mary Jackson), the elderly couple who run the place, as well
as their schizophrenic son Baby John (John Nielson). It’s not long
before guests begin to disappear and Regina becomes suspicious about the
strange cuts of meat she’s fed night after night. Yes, you
probably have a pretty good idea where the story is heading.
However, the direction is something else entirely…
The Direction
Bud Townsend
has style to burn, overcoming the film’s obvious low budget and somehow
rendering the over-familiar proceedings bizarre, compelling, and even
surprising. Best of all are the brief, well-placed bits of gore.
Although infrequent (the film was rated PG) the gross bits carry quite a
jolt, leaving more than enough to the imagination. (CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST
this is not.) Also excellent is Townsend’s work with actors, all
of whom come off quite nicely despite stale dialogue and often
underwritten characters. Good stuff all around--and not just for
cannibals, either!
Vital Statistics
THE FOLKS AT RED WOLF INN (a.k.a. TERROR AT
RED WOLF INN; TERROR ON THE MENU)
Manson International Pictures
Director: Bud Townsend
Producer: Michael Macready
Screenplay: Allen J. Actor
Cinematographer: John McNichol
Editor: Al Maguire
Cast: Linda Gillin, Arthur Space, John Nelson, Mary Jackson, Janet Wood,
Margaret Avery, Michael Macready, Earl Parker