The Horror Show (1989)

Detective Lucas McCarthy finally apprehends "Meat Cleaver Max" and watches the electric chair execution from the audience. But killing Max Jenke only elevated him to another level of ... See full summary »

Directors:

James Isaac, David Blyth (uncredited)

Writers:

Allyn Warner (as Alan Smithee), Leslie Bohem

Stars:

Lance Henriksen, Brion James, Rita Taggart

1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Lance Henriksen	...	Detective Lucas McCarthy
Brion James	...	Max Jenke
Rita Taggart	...	Donna McCarthy
Dedee Pfeiffer	...	Bonnie McCarthy
Aron Eisenberg	...	Scott McCarthy
Thom Bray	...	Peter Campbell
Matt Clark	...	Dr. Tower
David Oliver	...	Vinnie
Terry Alexander	...	Casey
Lewis Arquette	...	Lt. Miller
Lawrence Tierney	...	Warden
Alvy Moore	...	Chili Salesman
Zane W. Levitt	...	Executioner
Stephen A. Henry	...	Morgue Doctor
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Meshell Dillon	...	Little Girl

Storyline

Detective Lucas McCarthy finally apprehends "Meat Cleaver Max" and watches the electric chair execution from the audience. But killing Max Jenke only elevated him to another level of reality. Now Lucas' family is under attack, his sanity in question, and his house haunted. Aided by a disreputable college professor, can Lucas reclaim his mind, house, and family? Features Lance Henriksen as Lucas McCarthy and Brion James as Max Jenke. One of the few movies featuring these actors as main characters.

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Plot Keywords:

electric chair | meat cleaver | execution | 1980s | supernatural power | 

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Taglines:

They tried to electrocute "Meat Cleaver" Max. It didn't work.

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Genres:

Horror

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 April 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

House III

Filming Locations:

San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$773,348, 30 April 1989, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$1,738,897

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sean S. Cunningham Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Part of a cycle of horror films about murderers coming back from the dead after execution in the electric chair. Prison (1987), Destroyer (1988), and Shocker (1989) were also included in this trend.

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Goofs

Steadicam reflected in the mirror when Lucas is searching his house in opening sequence.

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Quotes

Max Jenke: [dying] Lucas, I'm coming back to tear your world apart... I'm going to fuck you up.

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Alternate Versions

The U.S print was cut to receive an R-rating with edits to shots of severed legs in a meat grinder, Max's electrocution scene, the staircase fight and some bloody shootings. The UK Anchor Bay DVD (in the "House Collection" box set) featured the cut print though earlier UK video releases plus the Hollywood DVD budget release all feature the full unrated print.

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Connections

Referenced in Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film (2006)

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Soundtracks

The Things I Have Done To Our Love
Written by Leslie Bohem (as Les Bohem) and David Kendrick
Performed by Gleaming Spires

User Reviews

not bad

this is a shocker rip off but it's not bad its basically just a slasher though Lance Henriksen is good as always but very is not one second and thought he was a bit too corny for my liking second of all a meat cleaver?????? how threatning is that well yes other horror villians use them but and it does work but not for a whole damn movie and the script is decent but the ending is lame and it is never scary it is actually pretty cheesy but most of the family is amiable and there is a bit of blood flow but like i said i wasnt that impressed with it yes it was watchable and fairly entertaining it's just there so overall its worth a watch on cable maybe if ya have ntohing else to rent but it's nothing special ** out of 5