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:

In your home, Behind the door, Beneath the steps ... Max is waiting.

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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

James Isaac took over as director of the film after original choice, David Blyth, was fired halfway through production.

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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: [after Prof. Campbell outlines a plan to stop Jenke] Interesting theory, Professor Campbell... but there are definitely flaws.

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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

Featured in Movie Nights: House III (2016)

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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

Lance Henriksen & Brion James are the only reason to watch .....

When one of the writers is named "Alan Smithee", it is usually not a good sign, and it's easy to see why one of the original writers pulled his name off of this. Other than the presence of Lance Henriksen and Brion James, the movie is boring and makes no sense. Watching James turn into a human barbecue, and then return from the dead to torment Henriksen, is not exactly Oscar material. In addition, the teenage siblings are both annoying and stereotyped. Countless trips to the basement simply to build tension along with numerous jump scares, does not a movie make. So what you get is a strong opening, followed by a script that really goes nowhere. If you don't believe me, just ask Mr. Smithee". - MERK