* It was released on video as Terror At Red Wolf Inn, now long out of print.
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 Here's one you may have to dig to find. The Folks At Red Wolf Inn is a cannibal-comedy-horror movie originally released in 1972, predating similar films such as Motel Hell and Parents. It's funny, it's scary, it's stylish as hell, and its 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.* |
 * Pay particular attention to the cast of characters grouped under the subtitles "Hors'Doeuevres," "Main Course" and "Side Dishes." |
The PackageThis 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 appeared nearly ten years before 1981's well-received Motel Hell, which is suspiciously similar in many respects. Hmm‡now 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, since The Folks At Red Wolf Inn has far more to offer  after all, this is the only film I know that lists the end credits in the form of a menu.*
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The StoryDefinitely not this movie's strong point. 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; it's all standard stuff. However, the direction is something else entirely...
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The DirectionIt's here that things really pick up. 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), they still 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.
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Vital StatisticsThe Folks At Red Wolf Inn (AKA Terror At Red Wolf Inn)Manson (?) International Pictures 90 minutes 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
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