Review of The Last House on the Left (1972) by Charles James I — 01 Oct 2009

"To avoid fainting, keep repeating-it's only a movie...".

Even after numerous cuts in editing to soften the movie's image, this film is still capable of chilling you to the bone. It is said by Craven himself, that a completely original reel of this film is non-existent, and essentially, we haven't even seen the best parts. This newer dvd edition was salvaged from several different reels from around the world and pieced together in the closest completed form available. Unfortunate that true fans will never be able to see this, yet a triumph for Craven, that even his compromised integrity was still successful. It's amazing to consider, that this film was banned up through the 90s in some countries, including the UK.

The story for "Last House on the Left" aka "sex Crime of the Century" aka "Krug and Company" ....(depending on where released) is based on the 13th century Swedish ballad "Töres dotter I Wänge". This ballad also inspired the likes of Ingmar Bergman's "The Virgin Spring". Based around tragic folklore. Here is a small section of the ballad:

"Then they sat up on their beds.

So they braided each other's locks.

So they put on their silken clothes.

So they went to the church.

But when they came to the pastures of Vänge.

They met three herdsmen.

- Either you will be the wives of herdsmen.

Or would you lose your young lives?

- We do not want to be the wives of herdsmen.

We would rather lose our young lives.

They cut off their heads on a log of birch.

And so three wells appeared.

The bodies were buried in the mud.".

The primitive gore sequences might bore the modern movie goer. I'm mostly describing the type with no respect for the films that provide precedence to the films they enjoy. It is beyond me how so many can dismiss the classics, such as this one. No special effects, just pig intestines coupled with smart camera angles, and carefully designed blood splatters.

The main character David Hess, allows us to connect, and delve into the mind of a psychopath... with no other thoughts on his mind than terrorizing and pillaging for pure shits and giggles. He actually might rub off on you, and make you giggle maniacally as well. Craven brutally violates your emotions by having something so young and beautiful taken from the world so cruelly. Fred J. Lincoln, also helps amplify this powerful emotion. Some very decent acting, all things considered, for the bad guys. The predecessor for Sheri Moon-Zombie's character "Baby", is played by Jeramie Rain. Really though, see for yourself.

I think it's hilarious, that Craven chooses to have the girls get caught up in the disaster while attempting to buy some grass. A harmless substance. An idea that was most likely thought of as Craven was toking on a joint himself. Ha!