Basket Case (1982)
1h 31m | PG-13
A young man carrying a big basket that contains his extremely deformed, formerly conjoined twin brother seeks vengeance on the doctors who separated them against their will.
Director: Frank Henenlotter
Studio: Basket Case Productions
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Video: 720p
Cast
Kevin Van Hentenryck
as Duane Bradley
Terri Susan Smith
as Sharon
Beverly Bonner
as Casey
Robert Vogel
as Hotel Manager
Diana Browne
as Dr. Judith Kutter
Lloyd Pace
as Dr. Harold Needleman
Reviews
***Gory and amusing horror about separated Siamese twins in New York City, one vengeful*** A young man from upstate New York, Duane Bradley (Kevin Van Hentenryck), travels to the seedy side of Manhattan with a mysterious wicker basket, looking for a couple of dubious doctors. “Basket Case” (1982) is a very bloody ‘B’ horror with (mostly) low-key comedy that’s actually funny. The quaint low-budget effects consist of rubber puppetry & gloves with some stop-motion unapproved by Ray Harryhausen. Blonde Terri Susan Smith shines as Duane’s potential girlfriend, Sharon, while Beverly Bonner heartily rises to the challenge as Duane’s friendly next-door neighbor in hotel, Casey. The flick is entertaining so I can see how it’s become a cult favorite, but the focus on the seedy side of Manhattan makes for a somewhat unpalatable experience. Yet it’s interesting going back in time to New York City in 1981. Some people lambaste “Basket Case” for being “amateurish” but, come on, it only cost $35,000, which would translate to about $100,000 today. The film runs 1 hour, 31 minutes, and was shot in Manhattan with some stuff done in Glens Falls, New York. GRADE: B-