Plot: What’s it about?
As if their adventures in Las Vegas weren’t enough, Woody (Ferlin Husky) and his old buddy Jeepers (Don Bowman) on are on their way to the Nashville Jamboree, where hillbillys like them can really cut loose and have a good time. The ride is long though, as they become tired along the path and decide to spend the night inside an abandon mansion. They’ll just sneak in, grab some shut-eye, and be on their merry way when morning breaks. Seems simple enough, but that wouldn’t make for much of a story now would it? Soon after they’ve settled down a little the travelers make a shocking discovery, as the basement of the mansion is home to Madame Wong (Linda Ho) and her ring of international spies. As if that isn’t enough, now all sorts of strange stuff happens and the boys are convinced that the house is haunted. But since they’re as tired as the dickens, they decide to stay away and risk the ghosts and spies. After they awake, the boys discover their female lead singer has been kidnapped by the spies and how can they perform at the jamboree without her?
This is the follow up to Las Vegas Hillbillys and if you’re a fan of that movie, then you’re bound to find more to like with this sequel of sorts. If you ask most people about this film they’ll either say they’ve never seen it or that it sucks, but if you’re a fan of offbeat and downright “so bad that it’s good” cinema this is one release you’ll want to check out. Sure the dialogue is corny and the story is hokey, but this movie is hilarious and entertaining nonetheless. It does take a certain taste to enjoy these movies and few people have that taste, but I can’t help but laugh at the antics of these characters. As I mentioned in my review for Las Vegas Hillbillys, this is pretty much good clean fun for fans of simple humor and musical/comedies. You won’t find any nudity, graphic violence, or curse words so this title is appropriate for hillbillys of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Loaded with appearances by movie stars and country music artists, this movie should please anyone who loves “bad” musical/comedies. I recommend this release as a rental to those interested and fans of the film will want to add this to their personal libraries.
This hootin’ and hollerin’ hillbilly adventure was directed by Jean Yarbrough, who has extensive experience in both cinema and television directing. While I doubt anyone will remember this movie for the direction, Yarbrough concocts a solid base for the events and makes sure never to distract from the dialogue and characters. The camera doesn’t move much, but the static shots serve this film very well and I think Yarbrough was wise in that decision. You don’t really need pans and odd camera angles when you’re shooting some fake skeletons dangling or musical performances, so I doubt many will complain. Besides if you watch a movie like this to see dazzling visuals and complex directing, I think you’ve been misinformed on some level. If you want to see more of Yarbrough’s movies I recommend Cuban Pete, So’s Your Uncle, Criminal Investigator, King Of The Zombies, Lure Of The Islands, and Moon Over Las Vegas. If you want award winning acting you won’t find it here, but you will find some terrific performers having a great time. The cast includes Ferlin Husky (Forty Acre Feud, Las Vegas Hillbillys), Don Bowman (Las Vegas Hillbillys), Joi Lansing (Superman, Queen Of Outer Space), Linda Ho (Confessions Of An Opium Eater), Basil Rathbone (The Woman In Green, Dressed To Kill), Lon Chaney, Jr. (The Mummy’s Tomb, The Wolf Man), and John Carradine (Satan’s Mistress, The Ice Pirates).
Video: How does it look?
Hillbillys In A Haunted House is presented in a full frame transfer, which seems to be an acceptable aspect ratio. The compositions seem in order and I didn’t notice any image loss at all. This transfer shows some wear signs, but that’s to be expected and it looks much better than I thought it would. The colors look bold and rich, with no smears or bleeds and flesh tones seem natural and warm also. Contrast levels are sharp too, as shadows seem right on and detail level is high. I noticed some small compression errors, but nothing to be concerned with.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included stereo track does an adequate job with the audio, but the music driven sequences seem to beg for a full surround track. The music does sound good though and the eerie (yeah right!) sound effects come through with no problems at all. This isn’t really the type of movie you watch to showcase your home theater, so if you expect that you’ll be disappointed. The vocals come across well and show no distortion at all, while volume level is proper and consistent.
Supplements: What are the extras?
A promotional piece for other VCI titles is included, but no bonus materials specific to this film.
