Starring
John Ashley, Pat Woodell, Jan Merlin, Charles Macaulay, Pam Grier
(mee-ow!). Directed by Eddie Romero. (1972/81 min).
Though
no acknowledgment or credit is given, Twilight People is a
budget-conscious adaptation of H.G. Wells' The Island of Dr.
Moreau. Of the most well-known films based on that classic novel,
this one isn't nearly as handsomely produced as AIP's 1977 film, but
still more goofball fun than the 1996 Brando debacle.
Matt
Farrell (John Ashley) is a roguish adventurer who's kidnapped while
scuba diving (!). He's taken to a remote island where demented genius
Dr. Gordon (Charles Macauley) is conducting bizarre experiments,
trying to combine humans and animals into some kind of
super-being more adaptable to the changing world. Some of
his subjects roam the island, others remain in cages (and they ain't too
happy about it).
 |
| Feelin' horny. |
Assisting
Dr. Gordon is his sexy daughter, Neva (Par Woodell), who's
increasingly alarmed by her father's cruelty while becoming smitten with Farrell. Eventually, she and Farrell free the beasties and try to
escape the island. The second half of the film is a chase through the
jungle, with Gordon's arrogant, perpetually grinning henchman,
Steinman (Jan Merlin), hunting them down.
Twilight
People is not without plenty of issues. Bargain basement
production values and silly make-up aside, the movie is
atrociously edited and narratively lazy, such as a primary villain
who simply disappears late in the story, never to return. However,
its endearing tackiness keeps things entertaining. Though she's
buried under fangs & prosthetics, a young Pam Grier somehow
exudes more sex appeal (even while ripping out throats) than the
film's bland leading lady. Similarly, Ashley is a deadly-dull hero, but Merlin looks like he's having a great time.
Additionally, the wildly inappropriate jazzy music score is a real
hoot.
 |
| Coffy...before coffee. |
Running
only 81 minutes, Twilight People doesn't stick around long
enough to wear out its welcome. In the interim, the movie is mildly amusing (intentionally or otherwise) and surprisingly
bloody for a PG rated film. This Blu-Ray remaster is pretty decent,
though apparently some of the original negative couldn't be completely
cleaned up. There are several moments, especially during the first
act, with distracting blemishes, spots and yellow streaks.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
INTERVIEW
WITH DIRECTOR EDDIE ROMERO - This is pretty old, so the video quality
is pretty poor.
AUDIO
COMMENTARY - With film historian David Del Valle & Puppet Master
III director David Decoteau.
TRAILER
& TV SPOTS
DVD
COPY
KITTY CONSENSUS:
NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.
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