Basket Case - Episode 56

The term “cult classic” can be seen as a compliment or an insult when it comes to a movie because many times that designation means the film is so bad that audiences can’t help but enjoy it but other times that just shows the dedication fans have to a particular work of art. 

For director Frank Henenlotter, arguably his greatest success was also his greatest shame. After he was inspired to write a script following a simple idea about a monster living inside a basket, Henenlotter ended up with his first feature length film. 

Shot on a shoestring budget against the backdrop of New York City where filming was done without any permits or permission, Henenlotter and his tiny crew — a group so small he actually made up names for the credits just so it looked like the movie had more people working on it — made what would go onto become a true cult classic with horror fans for many years to come. 

Despite the film’s success and two subsequent sequels, Henenlotter says he was “horrified at the results” of what actually ended up being shown in theaters. 

In the latest episode of Rewind of the Living Dead, we’re going to make sure lock is on tight and turn off the voices in our head as we review the 1982 movie “Basket Case”….