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I've heard of this movie, "Abby", aka "The Black Exorcist" (not to be confused with "The Blaxorcist") for years, but have never been able to find it. I've learned you can watch some very classic and rare Black films online (though I can't say where, I don't want them to be taken down). If you snoop even a bit, I'm sure you can find them.
So I watched "Abby", and it is an absolute miracle that they did not get sued by anyone and everyone associated with "The Exorcist". Made in 1974, it was snapping on the heels of the original. But maybe once they saw the film, and how horribly ridiculous it was, they probably just sucked their teeth and kept on stepping. Carol Speed's laughable demonic "possession" and preschool lip-syncing is source of hilarity, as well as making the viewer indulge in much lip twisting and head shaking at the scenery chewing performances.
William Marshall, better know as "Blacula" (who would have absolutely been my husband had I been of age in the 70's), tries to keep the proceedings above middle school stage play level, but unfortunately, fails miserably. The 4th rate acting, paper thin plot, mangled editing and cinematography, and rip-off storyline are beyond saving. But I say watch it anyway, just to see what Black horror films were about back in the day. This is the synopsis from IMDB:
"A possession film about a marriage counselor who becomes possessed by a Demon of Sexuality, when her father in law, an Exorcist, freed it while in Africa. He returns home, along with his son and a policeman to perform an African Exorcism on her."
Alrighty, then. Here is a sampling:
UPDATE: Just read this from You Tube...
Obscure 1974 blaxploitation "Exorcist" rip-off flick from Kentucky-bred zero budget auteur William Girdler ("Grizzly"). Warner Bros sued over the similarities, and the movie was quickly withdrawn from circulation shortly after its release. Jesus, what a bunch of killjoys! Starring blaxploit regular Carol Speed as Abby, and co-starring William Marshall - esteemed African American stage actor, Mr. "Blacula", and future "Pee Wee's Playhouse" King of Cartoons (one of 'em, anyway). The movie may be no great shakes, but it beats the hell out of 99% of the leaden Italian "Exorcist" rip-offs that followed and where were the damn lawyers then, huh?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
For Halloween: "The Black Exorcist"....
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12 comments:
So THIS is the infamous "Abby". My daughters father talks about this all the time.William Marshall is a class act! They don't make 'em like him anymore. Love the Halloween post!
So this is to the Exorcist what Nora's Hair Salon is to Beauty Shop?
These movies are so bad there good and they should be collected.
Hey, people were laughing their heads off in the theaters when Abby first came out. It was ridiculous back then and even more so now! It's absolute laugh riot!
oh wow. i want to start watching some of these. i'm trying to expand my film knowledge. dang sergio must be grown grown.
So bad it's good. I'd like to start up a collection of films so awful, I just love them. We need to do some exploration of Black Horror IW.
What are some good Black Horror films off the top of anyone's head? I'm blanking.
Yes Must Love Movies I am "grown grown" as you put it. My God! What a horrible thing to be! AN ADULT! That's right. I was around before there were cellphones, laptops and cable TV. You know, the prehistoric age! You know there were actually movies before Star Wars? Amazing isn't it? Believe it or not I was born a slave. I guess it's time for me to be put in an old age home. No use for old senile codgers like me.
And to answer Lenox Ave you ought to check out Ganja and Hess, a very weird vampire film (of sorts) made in the early 70's directed by Bill Gunn, who died 20 years ago. I saw it many many years ago with Gunn in attendance (UH OH! Must Love Loves here I go again showing my age) It was recut and butchered in various forms to make it more commerical but it's been restored to its original version and now available on DVD from Image Entertainment. Thanks for reminding me about it. I've been meaning to get a copy myself
i guess this is sarcasm sergio. i'm really not good with it. even though i can dish. nothing wrong with being grown. just thought you were closer to my age.
Great post. Thanks for sharing!
@nicole: he talks about this? what does he say?
@techkappen: haha, my son :-)
@clnmike: i believe in collecting Black horror film, good or bad...
@sergio: really? so it wasn't just me--folks really did think this film was laughable...that's good to know--thanks for sharing!
@mlm: you are a baby...i'm sure you have a lot ahead of you to watch, o young one :-) this is one that i'm sure will amuse you
@sergio: i'm sure mlm was just teasin'...she was just nudgin' ya (at least i hope so, i'm not too far behind you!) patience with the young ones.... :-) and it's a compliment that she thought you were her age--i think she may be all of 23 (or something close to that)
i was going to mention ganja and hess as well; as a matter of fact, i'm going to post about it in the a.m.
@lenox ave: my post tomorrow is especially for you, dear one...
@anthony: welcome...hope you'll stick around...
@sergio: i'm sure mlm was just teasin'...she was just nudgin' ya (at least i hope so, i'm not too far behind you!) patience with the young ones.... :-) and it's a compliment that she thought you were her age--i think she may be all of 23 (or something close to that)
i was going to mention ganja and hess as well; as a matter of fact, i'm going to post about it in the a.m.
@lenox ave: my post tomorrow is especially for you, dear one...
@anthony: welcome...hope you'll stick around...
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