The Horror Show
Encyclopedia
The Horror Show is a 1989 supernatural horror film starring Lance Henriksen
and Brion James
. Although titled House III: The Horror Show for the non-US market, its connection to the other House films is based on the crew it shares with the other films (producer Sean S. Cunningham
, cinematographer Mac Ahlberg
and composer Harry Manfredini
among others) rather than the film itself, the premise of which is only peripherally related as the killer haunting the house. As a consequence, the third "true" House film was named House IV
.
It is also known as La Casa 7 in Italy.
) finally catches the serial killer named "Meat Cleaver Max" (Brion James
) and watches his execution, he and the others watching the execution are shocked to see Max withstand enough voltage to physically burn his body before finally dying. Max, however, has made a deal with the devil in order to return from the grave and frame Lucas for a series of grisly murders. He also scares the McCarthy family (who have moved into a new house) and the parapsychologist they hire. Lucas' only hope of stopping Max for good is to destroy his spirit before Max destroys his life and family.
Lance Henriksen
Lance James Henriksen is an American actor and artist best known to film and television audiences for his roles in science fiction, action, and horror films such as the Alien film franchise, and on television shows such as Millennium....
and Brion James
Brion James
Brion Howard James was an American character actor. Known for playing the character of Leon Kowalski in the movie Blade Runner, James portrayed a variety of colorful roles in well-known films such as 48 Hrs., Another 48 Hours, Tango & Cash, Silverado, Red Heat, The Player and The Fifth Element...
. Although titled House III: The Horror Show for the non-US market, its connection to the other House films is based on the crew it shares with the other films (producer Sean S. Cunningham
Sean S. Cunningham
Sean Sexton Cunningham is an American film director, producer, and writer. He is best known for creating the Friday the 13th series of horror films, which introduced the fictional killer Jason Voorhees...
, cinematographer Mac Ahlberg
Mac Ahlberg
Mac Ahlberg is a Swedish film director and cinematographer.The first feature Ahlberg directed was the Danish erotic classic I, a Woman which went on to international success, especially in the United States...
and composer Harry Manfredini
Harry Manfredini
Harry Manfredini is an American film composer and jazz-soloist, who has scored more than one hundred films, most notably perhaps being the Friday the 13th film series. He has had years of classical training, as well as twenty years in the popular music scene...
among others) rather than the film itself, the premise of which is only peripherally related as the killer haunting the house. As a consequence, the third "true" House film was named House IV
House IV
House IV, released in 1992, is the fourth and final film in the House series. The film sees the return of Roger Cobb, from the original House, but the film otherwise does not connect its storyline to the first film; however, its overall tone is closer to the comedy/horror found in the first House...
.
It is also known as La Casa 7 in Italy.
Plot
Detective Lucas McCarthy (Lance HenriksenLance Henriksen
Lance James Henriksen is an American actor and artist best known to film and television audiences for his roles in science fiction, action, and horror films such as the Alien film franchise, and on television shows such as Millennium....
) finally catches the serial killer named "Meat Cleaver Max" (Brion James
Brion James
Brion Howard James was an American character actor. Known for playing the character of Leon Kowalski in the movie Blade Runner, James portrayed a variety of colorful roles in well-known films such as 48 Hrs., Another 48 Hours, Tango & Cash, Silverado, Red Heat, The Player and The Fifth Element...
) and watches his execution, he and the others watching the execution are shocked to see Max withstand enough voltage to physically burn his body before finally dying. Max, however, has made a deal with the devil in order to return from the grave and frame Lucas for a series of grisly murders. He also scares the McCarthy family (who have moved into a new house) and the parapsychologist they hire. Lucas' only hope of stopping Max for good is to destroy his spirit before Max destroys his life and family.