A dark night is an American horror film from 1982 about a young woman who has to spend the night in a mausoleum as part of an initiation into a club called the Sisters. Like Scannersthis is one of very few North American horror releases to deal with telekinesis.
Directed by Tom McLaughlin (Sometimes they come back; Jason lives! Friday the 13th Part VI) from a script co-written with Michael Hawes. It was also released as Entity strength and The unity force on video in the UK.
The film stars Meg Tilly, Melissa Newman, Robin Evans, Donald Hotton and Adam West (Batman).
Special effects were provided by Tom Burman, Ellis Burman and Bob Williams.
Reason:
A strange man named Karl Rhamarevich dies shortly after discovering a way to become even more powerful in death through telekinesis. On the night of her burial in a crypt, Julie must spend the night there as part of an initiation ritual, overseen by two other girls.
The crypt becomes a scene of horror as Raymar returns to life and uses his terrifying telekinetic powers, where coffins slide out and split open to release decaying bodies at Raymar’s command. The corpses soon begin to threaten the three girls trapped inside. Will they survive the terrible night in the crypt?
Reviews:
“A dark night is a solid little thriller with some good performances and really good effects (by Tom Burman). Although this is a PG film with little gore, Burman’s corpse makeup and effects are wonderfully gruesome and still pack a chilling punch.” Monsters at play
“The film takes 65 minutes to get going, with most of the viewing experience devoted to Olivia’s research, Carol’s planning and Julie’s experience inside the mausoleum, home to creepiness from one end to the other. The sets are impressive and McLoughlin has the right idea, but there’s too much padding that doesn’t translate into excitement.” Blu-ray.com
“A dark night is a lot of fun if you’re looking for a non-slasher 80s horror title – and it’s also a great choice for Halloween viewing, thanks to the many zombies and a lot of rubbery monster pranks performed by the sisters inside the crypt. Adding to the fun is a surprise appearance by the late Adam West (TVs Batman)… “Digital world
“The filmmakers compensate for their meager budget by shooting on location in a fantastically terrifying Hollywood mausoleum. They adorn their films with shots of endless, claustrophobic corridors and never let you forget for a moment that the only thing standing between the living and an army of the dead is a quarter inch of steel.” DVD Verdict
“McLoughlin’s film feels more like a TV production until the last fifteen minutes, when the payoff finally rises from its grave. Before that, his picture has the British Gothic horror vibe going for it among some other qualities, if only it moved faster than a Romero zombie at noon Even after 90 minutes, this is One long Dark night.” Cool @ss Cinema
” …all the scares had to come from rotting corpses, an apparatus that quickly wears thin. By the time it’s over, the whole business has gone downright silly instead of scary. It’s not meant to be a comedy.” Mike Mayo, Videohound’s Horror Show
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” …a predictable show of familiar jabs and one-dimensional dialogue. About two-thirds of the entire film consists of running around the mausoleum. After building up Raymar’s powerful nemesis, the film doesn’t do much with him. The boring plot involving turning tables on cruel pranksters looks and sounds like a quick-fill TV movie ripoff of Carrie (1976).” Moria
“A dark night channels all his energy into this delirious, manic display of effects wizardry. In what amounts to the effects department emptying their clips, this climax delivers exquisite corpses by the bushel, allowing McLoughlin to effectively tread the line between vintage, gothic thrills and 80s splatter…” Oh, the Horror!
“If I’d watched this on cable as a kid, the last 20 minutes would have freaked me out. Zero nudity, small cast, zero blood, zero gore, camel toe (seen twice), great ’80s hair and fashion. Fans of ’80s slashers will be disappointed by the slow pace, but if you stick around, you’ll find a simple but entertaining film.” Happy Otter
Buy Code Red Blu-ray: Amazon.com
Brand New 2016 HD Master | Audio commentary with director Tom McLoughlin and writer Michael Hawes | Work Print version of the film | Brand new commentary with director Tom McLoughlin and producer Michael Schroeder | Brand new on-camera interviews with McLoughlin, Schroeder, actress EG Daily, make-up person Paul Clemens, DP Hal Trussell, production designer Craig Steams | Original theatrical trailer
On December 4, 2017, A dark night was released on Blu-ray in the UK by 88 Films.
Buy Blu-ray: Amazon.co.uk
YouTube reviews:
Theatrical trailer:
VHS trailer:
Full Movie – Free to Watch Online:
Starring:
Meg Tilly – Body Snatchers; Psycho II
Melissa Newman – Revenge of the Stepford Wives
Robin Evans
Leslie Speights – A puppy named Scooby-Doo
Donald Hotton – The rune stone; Buried alive; Freeway maniac; Invaders from Mars; Deadly lessons; The hearse; Dark shadows
Adam West – Tales from beyond; Seance; American Vampire; Monster Island; Zombie nightmare; Charles Sand’s eyes; Voodoo Island
Elizabeth Daily – Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolf Man; Bad dreams; Wacko
Leo Gorcey Jr
Rheo H. Blair
Larry Carroll – Poisonous
Kevin Peter Hall – Highway to hell; Predator 2; Predator; Monster in the closet; Without warning; Prophecy
Budget:
$978,000 (estimated)
Technical specifications:
1 hour 29 minutes
Sound: Mono
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
MOVIES and MANIA Rating:
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