The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra (2001)

A bad scientist and wife, a mad scientist and skeleton, two aliens and their escaped pet are all searching for the elusive element "atmospherium".

Director:

Larry Blamire

Writer:

Larry Blamire

Stars:

Larry Blamire, Fay Masterson, Brian Howe

2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Fay Masterson	...	Betty Armstrong
Andrew Parks	...	Kro-Bar
Susan McConnell	...	Lattis
Brian Howe	...	Dr. Roger Fleming
Jennifer Blaire	...	Animala
Larry Blamire	...	Dr. Paul Armstrong
Dan Conroy	...	Ranger Brad
Robert Deveau	...	The Farmer
Darrin Reed	...	The Mutant
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Skeleton	...	Skeleton

Storyline

A dedicated scientist, aided by his clueless wife, rolls up his shirt sleeves and tries to save the world from a radioactive monster, curious space aliens, an evil scientist and a crabby skeleton in this send-up of the best of the B movies of the 1950's.

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Plot Keywords:

skeleton | alien | b movie | spoof | title spoken by character | 

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Taglines:

Supreme shock sensation of our time!

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Genres:

Comedy | Horror | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for brief mild language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Most of the props were purchased on eBay. Others were inexpensive props made of household items like toilet paper tubes, candle holders and caulk guns. A number of props were obtained by looking around the cabin in which part of the film was shot, including the mashed potatoes the cast are seen eating.

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Goofs

Most errors in continuity and acting are purposeful and are part of the gag in recreating the '50s B movie experience. For example during the cabin sequence, Dr. Fleming's jacket disappears between shots immediately after Ranger Brad arrives, Animala suddenly sprouting furry gloves without explanation during the last half of her appearance in the film, the visible wires on the Skeleton, and the shoes of the actor portraying the mutant during some of the walking scenes.

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Quotes

Kro-Bar: Sorry, sometimes my wife forgets that she is not an alien from outer space.

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Crazy Credits

The End? Or Is It? Isn't it more like a kind of beginning in a way? Like a new beginning? For everyone? Hm... I wonder... Oh well.

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Alternate Versions

A slightly shortened version (one scene removed) of "The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra" was released by Sony/Tristar (with a 2003 copyright); 35mm prints played commercially, theatrically early in 2004. Columbia Tristar Home Video released a special edition DVD in the summer of 2004. Another company also exhibited this particular print overseas.

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Connections

Spoofs The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

User Reviews

This One Took Me Back

I really liked this movie, and I think those of us old enough to remember the awful sci-fi films shown on TV on the weekends (in the afternoons and, especially, late at night, when the TV stations figured no one sane or sober was watching) can really appreciate the satire. Dialog isn't the only thing that is parodied, although the purposely stilted, strained dialog here is very funny. I also enjoy the clunky editing - the long close-ups, the awkward reaction shots - as well as the claustrophobic scenery and the props that look like whatever happened to be in someone's garage at the time. The people who made this film have apparently seen and studied many of these old sci-fi/horror films, and have made an affectionate and accurate send-up of the genre. Lack of subtlety was a hallmark of such films, and the makers here get it just right.

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Pictures [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra

Filming Locations:

Bronson Canyon, Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,425, 8 February 2004

Gross USA:

$143,121

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$143,121

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fragmighty, Transom Films, Valenti Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White Color (production logos)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1