I’ve always believed that every horror fan has 13-films that they watch repeatedly throughout the year, and likely anyone who knows me that the number one film is Psycho [1960], and also includes The Exorcist [1973], Young Frankenstein [1974], and The Shining [1980] but shocked that it also has Night of the Demons [1988] there’s something I really like about this flick, it’s pure b-movie entertainment. I feel that in the mid-eighties I was really discovering so many new avenues in the horror realm, I mean three years prior was The Return of the Living Dead [1985], before that Nightmare on Elm Street [1984] and Friday the 13th, Part IV: The Final Chapter [1984]; while yes there were duds and misfires the realm of horror exploration was in full swing, this movie was and still is a go to favorite. Namely it feels as if it wants the audience to have fun, enjoy the sheer entertainment value. Director Kevin Tenney wisely incorporated some comedic lines into this horror feature, keen on making a b-movie, having learned some lessons from his sleeper hit, Witchboard [1986] that was aimed at the teenage market hence set the stage for this film, that was poorly accepted by critics, however since then established a growing cult following that lead to two sequels and a remake; along with some merchandise from Scream Factory and a LP of the film too. The features quite the gathering of horror film tropes from the Old Dark House, herein a Haunted Mansion to Demon Possessions executing the partygoers in slasher style, with a subplot story bookending the main feature as if it were anthology movie, which it is not.
Most horror fans know this film very well, but for those surprisingly unaware or only familiar with the remake version from 2009 allow for a recap of this wonderfully fun b-movie from a classic time in the genre. A group of teens meet at Hull House, a former funeral home that was the site of a horrendous massacre for a Halloween Party. Arranging the festivities is Angela Kinkade (Amelia Kinkade), who is very gothic all the time who used her friend Suzanne (Linnea Quigley (A Blood Story [2015])) to distract clerks at a mini market as she steals a bunch of snacks before heading to the house of horrors. In a brief a period one is introduced to all the teens who are enroute to the party in various ways and in this format the viewer quickly can decide their favorites and those characters we hope die off sooner. It’s a true cross-section of party-goers a good-girl Judy (Cathy Podewell (Reunion from Hell [2021])) and boyfriend Jay (Lance Fenton) to a preacher’s son Rodger (Alvin Alexis), though curiously Max (Philip Tanzini), wearing a doctor’s costume & acts as the know-it-all character with the important knowledge concerning the location. It doesn’t take long (though some disagree with the slow build-up) for everyone to gather in front of old mirror Angela performs a past-life séance in a moment of arguments they unknowingly conjure and release a demonic force which spreads its true evil in various forms of possession over the living. The first to succumb to the demons is Suzanne, while Angela warns of the three signs, unholy noises, awful stench, and intense chill of demonic infestation; however unbeknownst to them other elements existed the music suddenly stopping, hence the draining of sudden power and the folklore concerning the entire proper surround running water. By the 35-minutes the teens start pairing off Angela through deep kiss Suzanne possess Angela thereby using their feminine charms to entice others namely Stooge (Hal Havins (Witchtrap [1989])) , such as incredible dance, which the Kinkade created herself to the classic Bauhaus “Stigmata Martyr”.
Although Angela gets a lot of attention from figurines to cover artwork, Quigley’s portrayal of Suzanne is quite appealing especially with the ‘hide the lipstick’ gag and violent dissatisfaction with anyone looking at her. The horror that does occur is very random, almost as if the demons are trying out these new physical beings while attempting to spread evil in their confined realm, a slew of victims comes quickly (I will honorably not disclose who joins with the demonic forces). Oh, as for the wrap around story that is involves an Old Man (Harold Ayer) using an urban legend of razors in apples, but karma justice returns for him by morning.
Tenney brings a wonderful amount of enthusiasm with this now cult classic complete with an animated opening which was not always of smooth agreement. In fact the movie and two original titles was first Halloween Party, however producer Moustapha Akaad, threaten a lawsuit, due to the usage of Halloween in the title, he was thinking that he owned the all rights to the word, but it is not the case, however easier to change the title, to Demon Boogie (thankful discarded) to the present and official name. On a pure trivial note the title Halloween Party later began Halloween Party was a film released in 2019. Tenney made sure to surround himself with a talent crew from Sally Nicolaou Hamilton, as set decorator made to use most of a broken-down house enhancing gothic architecture. creepy hallways, age-old cobwebs, and filthy surroundings fitting demonic homey touches, and then David Lewis’ cinematography gives plenty of crafty details. An interesting touch comes in form of homage to The Evil Dead [1981] about the first demon unleashing via the crematorium the movement of it spot on, and Night of the Demons obvious possession mannerism is repeated in John Carpenter’s Ghost of Mars [2001]. As part of horror lore, Kinkade’s aunt Rue McClanahan visited the set on the day on dance routine was both impressive and shocked as the type of horror movie it was, although it was her prodding to become involved acting side of the business.
This flick delivers all the greatness of a b-movie, with beheadings, eye-gouging, blood, and T&A that encourages repeated viewings and caters to a growing number of cult movie lovers of horror and eighties cinema in general. It works to establish some of the basic understandings in possessions and hauntings as well as touching on some folklore. The movie went on to create two sequels of lesser qualities and a remake in 2009, but it’s this film that becomes a constant favorite during the Halloween seasons and a movie that one may become enthralled with when the spirit moves them.
Tagline: Angela is having a party, Jason and Freddy are too scared to come. But You’ll have a hell of a time.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093624/
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Baron’s Rating: 6.5/10
Followed by:
Night of the Demons 2 (1994)
Night of the Demons III (1997) (Video)
Remade as:
Night of the Demons (2009)