PLAY DEAD (1983) aka SATAN’S DOG

Play Useless (1983)
Directed by: Peter Wittman
Written by: Lothrop W. Jordan
Starring: David Cullinane, David Ellzey, Glenn Kezer, Ron Jackson, Stephanie Dunnam, Yvonne De Carlo

PLAY DEAD (1983)
Obtainable on Prime Video

An occult-worshipping girl terrorises her niece and nephew following the loss of life of their mom by gifting them a Rottweiler canine named Greta whom she has bewitched to kill on her behalf.

I want there was extra to this story however sadly that’s just about the be all and finish all of horror film PLAY DEAD, additionally identified within the UK as SATAN’S DOG.

Jealous of her not too long ago deceased sister, who’d married the love of her life, Hester takes revenge the one approach she is aware of how: utilizing black magic. Being fairly the rich girl, one can solely assume she needs the remaining heirs out of the image, being the offspring of her sister, and that is why she items them her not too long ago acquired Rottweiler canine named Greta. Though obedient on first look, with the help of Hester the canine is ready to be managed to undertake murders that seem like accidents – the right crime!

It’s not lengthy earlier than the canine strikes and kinfolk wind up lifeless. Although assumed to be an accident, it doesn’t take lengthy for the police to develop suspicious, however their theories quantity to kinfolk preventing over their potential inheritance, so no-one is wanting on the depraved aunt or dastardly canine.

The movie performs out pretty paint-by-numbers plot-wise and although there are some fascinating deaths given the canine is concerned, which can be actually not run of the mill, there’s probably not rather more going for it. The dialogue and storyline go away quite a bit to be desired with the actors having so little to work with. The Munster’s Yvonne De Carlo steals the present as the rich, villainous aunt Hester who feigns concern for her niece and nephew, having beforehand had a turbulent relationship with their mom, her sister, whom she seems to have tormented throughout her closing years because the loss of life of her soul mate.

PLAY DEAD plods via its working time, leaving the viewer itching for extra kills provided that not a lot else actually occurs. Although curiously, the filmmakers appear fairly comfortable to surrender screentime for a intercourse scene, with prolonged photographs of lovers slowly undressing and fondling each other, and likewise a joint bare bathe with some naked bums on show. Even the canine is sort of comfortable to sneak a peek!

Although there are some cracking evil animal horror films on the market, PLAY DEAD isn’t certainly one of them, which is a disgrace because the canine taking part in Greta places in a fantastic efficiency all through the movie.