The Trap Door
The Trap Door

Movie spotlight

The Trap Door

1980
Movie
70 min
English

A Nietzschian parable on the fate of innocence, THE TRAP DOOR follows the mishaps of Jeremy (John Ahearn) as he is fired by his boss (Jenny Holzer), gets laughed out of court by Judge Gary Indiana, loses his girlfriend to sleazy Richard Prince, is hustled by prospective employer (Bill Rice) and mauled by predatory bird-women. Finally, he seeks the help of a shrink (the legendary Jack Smith) who turns out to be the most demented of all.

Insights

IMDb5.5/10
Director: Bob ClarkGenres: Horror, Comedy, Mystery

Plot Summary

A group of eccentric millionaires is invited to a remote mansion for a murder-mystery party, only to discover the deadly game is far more real than they anticipated. As guests start to die off in increasingly bizarre ways, they must race against time to unmask the killer among them before they all become victims.

Critical Reception

While initially not a critical darling due to its campy nature and B-movie sensibilities, 'The Trap Door' has since gained a cult following among horror and comedy fans. It's often praised for its over-the-top performances and unique blend of suspense and dark humor, though some critics found its plot predictable.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its darkly comedic tone and star-studded cast.

  • Noted for its inventive, albeit gruesome, death scenes.

  • Acknowledged for its cult appeal and campy charm.

Google audience: Audience reception is largely positive for its cult status, with viewers enjoying the performances and the unique blend of horror and comedy. Some find the film's pacing and plot to be less polished, but its overall entertainment value is frequently highlighted.

Fun Fact

Despite the presence of horror icons Vincent Price and Roddy McDowall, the film was also intended as a vehicle for legendary comedienne Lucille Ball, marking one of her few ventures into the horror-comedy genre.

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