Hysteria Lives!
@jakerswell.bsky.social
JA Kerswell. Slashers. Trash. Gialli. Author: The Slasher Movie Book and the upcoming They Came From Hell: From Fatal Attraction to The Cable Guy. Hysteria Continues podcast. 27 years of Hysteria Lives! website. https://www.hysteria-lives.co.uk
Watch my full video review for the proto-slasher THE HAUNTED HOUSE OF HORROR (1969). Very possibly the first teen slasher and a probable influence on HELL NIGHT (1981) and other later films in the subgenre.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8DO...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8DO...
HAUNTED HOUSE OF HORROR (1969) SLASHER REVIEW
YouTube video by Hysteria Lives!
www.youtube.com
January 2, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Watch my full video review for the proto-slasher THE HAUNTED HOUSE OF HORROR (1969). Very possibly the first teen slasher and a probable influence on HELL NIGHT (1981) and other later films in the subgenre.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8DO...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8DO...
I have made a video review for Michael Armstrong's influential HAUNTED HOUSE OF HORROR from 1969 (arguably the first ever teen slasher!), which initially was due to star David Bowie and Scott Walker! For a sneak peek at the full video, visit my Kofi page: ko-fi.com/hysterialives
January 2, 2026 at 12:53 PM
I have made a video review for Michael Armstrong's influential HAUNTED HOUSE OF HORROR from 1969 (arguably the first ever teen slasher!), which initially was due to star David Bowie and Scott Walker! For a sneak peek at the full video, visit my Kofi page: ko-fi.com/hysterialives
New Review: DR GIGGLES (1992)
"An escapee from a lunatic asylum, convinced he's a doctor, returns to his hometown and begins killing teenagers. It isn’t hard to see why this potential franchise was given a do-not-resuscitate order."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Dr-Giggles.h...
"An escapee from a lunatic asylum, convinced he's a doctor, returns to his hometown and begins killing teenagers. It isn’t hard to see why this potential franchise was given a do-not-resuscitate order."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Dr-Giggles.h...
December 30, 2025 at 4:24 PM
New Review: DR GIGGLES (1992)
"An escapee from a lunatic asylum, convinced he's a doctor, returns to his hometown and begins killing teenagers. It isn’t hard to see why this potential franchise was given a do-not-resuscitate order."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Dr-Giggles.h...
"An escapee from a lunatic asylum, convinced he's a doctor, returns to his hometown and begins killing teenagers. It isn’t hard to see why this potential franchise was given a do-not-resuscitate order."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Dr-Giggles.h...
Which proto-slasher planned to have these two as killer and victim?!
December 27, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Which proto-slasher planned to have these two as killer and victim?!
THE SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT CONTROVERSY!
"Protesting Elves, a killer Santa, & the shadowy potential role of a soft drink giant in the downfall of the most controversial holiday horror film ever made. A sometimes surreal true-life tale of festive fear ..."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/silent_night...
"Protesting Elves, a killer Santa, & the shadowy potential role of a soft drink giant in the downfall of the most controversial holiday horror film ever made. A sometimes surreal true-life tale of festive fear ..."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/silent_night...
December 24, 2025 at 10:03 AM
THE SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT CONTROVERSY!
"Protesting Elves, a killer Santa, & the shadowy potential role of a soft drink giant in the downfall of the most controversial holiday horror film ever made. A sometimes surreal true-life tale of festive fear ..."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/silent_night...
"Protesting Elves, a killer Santa, & the shadowy potential role of a soft drink giant in the downfall of the most controversial holiday horror film ever made. A sometimes surreal true-life tale of festive fear ..."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/silent_night...
Slashback Review: BACKSTABBED (1996)
"The same year that Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson reinvigorated interest in the slasher movie with SCREAM (1996), coincidentally, another tricksy throwback to the subgenre's heyday was released in Denmark."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
"The same year that Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson reinvigorated interest in the slasher movie with SCREAM (1996), coincidentally, another tricksy throwback to the subgenre's heyday was released in Denmark."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
December 19, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Slashback Review: BACKSTABBED (1996)
"The same year that Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson reinvigorated interest in the slasher movie with SCREAM (1996), coincidentally, another tricksy throwback to the subgenre's heyday was released in Denmark."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
"The same year that Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson reinvigorated interest in the slasher movie with SCREAM (1996), coincidentally, another tricksy throwback to the subgenre's heyday was released in Denmark."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
My COVID recovery buddy. :)
December 18, 2025 at 5:07 PM
My COVID recovery buddy. :)
Coming back up for air after a nasty lurghi. It didn't have an axe, but it sure was a beast!
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Coming back up for air after a nasty lurghi. It didn't have an axe, but it sure was a beast!
It is difficult to imagine anyone else in the role of Alex in From Hell trailblazer FATAL ATTRACTION, but before Glenn Close was cast, the following stars were approached to play the part and either turned it down or couldn't do it: Isabelle Adjani, Melanie Griffiths, Miranda Richardson .... (1/2)
December 10, 2025 at 9:21 PM
It is difficult to imagine anyone else in the role of Alex in From Hell trailblazer FATAL ATTRACTION, but before Glenn Close was cast, the following stars were approached to play the part and either turned it down or couldn't do it: Isabelle Adjani, Melanie Griffiths, Miranda Richardson .... (1/2)
Slashback Review: NIGHTMARE BEACH (1989)
" ... an entertainingly daft chunk of prime, sun-bleached 80s cheese; as a killer in a motorcycle helmet targets airhead spring breakers with various methods of electrocution."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
" ... an entertainingly daft chunk of prime, sun-bleached 80s cheese; as a killer in a motorcycle helmet targets airhead spring breakers with various methods of electrocution."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
December 8, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Slashback Review: NIGHTMARE BEACH (1989)
" ... an entertainingly daft chunk of prime, sun-bleached 80s cheese; as a killer in a motorcycle helmet targets airhead spring breakers with various methods of electrocution."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
" ... an entertainingly daft chunk of prime, sun-bleached 80s cheese; as a killer in a motorcycle helmet targets airhead spring breakers with various methods of electrocution."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
Reposted by Hysteria Lives!
December 4, 2025 at 7:30 AM
New Hysteria Lives! review: FACELESS (1989)
"A doctor tries to restore the beauty of his sister at his clinic outside Paris; drill, chainsaw, scissors, and more are brutally used to dispatch anyone who gets in the way. Mon Dieu!"
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Faceless.html
"A doctor tries to restore the beauty of his sister at his clinic outside Paris; drill, chainsaw, scissors, and more are brutally used to dispatch anyone who gets in the way. Mon Dieu!"
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Faceless.html
December 3, 2025 at 3:37 PM
New Hysteria Lives! review: FACELESS (1989)
"A doctor tries to restore the beauty of his sister at his clinic outside Paris; drill, chainsaw, scissors, and more are brutally used to dispatch anyone who gets in the way. Mon Dieu!"
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Faceless.html
"A doctor tries to restore the beauty of his sister at his clinic outside Paris; drill, chainsaw, scissors, and more are brutally used to dispatch anyone who gets in the way. Mon Dieu!"
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Faceless.html
SLASHBACK Review: INTO THE DARKNESS (1986)
"Ever wondered what John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN (1978) would have looked like if Michael Myers had been played by David Van Day of early 80s pop duo Dollar? Well, look no further!"
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
"Ever wondered what John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN (1978) would have looked like if Michael Myers had been played by David Van Day of early 80s pop duo Dollar? Well, look no further!"
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
December 2, 2025 at 5:09 PM
SLASHBACK Review: INTO THE DARKNESS (1986)
"Ever wondered what John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN (1978) would have looked like if Michael Myers had been played by David Van Day of early 80s pop duo Dollar? Well, look no further!"
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
"Ever wondered what John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN (1978) would have looked like if Michael Myers had been played by David Van Day of early 80s pop duo Dollar? Well, look no further!"
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/hysterialive...
I'm opening up my clippings folder for SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (1984), the controversial Santa slasher that threatened to ruin Christmas for busybodies and spoilsports everywhere! Available exclusively for Kofi supporters (as little as $1!): ko-fi.com/hysterialives
November 30, 2025 at 3:43 PM
I'm opening up my clippings folder for SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (1984), the controversial Santa slasher that threatened to ruin Christmas for busybodies and spoilsports everywhere! Available exclusively for Kofi supporters (as little as $1!): ko-fi.com/hysterialives
How's this for a bad taste concept? A psychotic obstetrician tries everything he can to get his new neighbour to abort her baby because she reminds him of his mother (who died after giving birth to his baby brother, whom he smothered with a pillow when he was a kid). THE NEIGHBOR (1993).
November 22, 2025 at 6:13 PM
How's this for a bad taste concept? A psychotic obstetrician tries everything he can to get his new neighbour to abort her baby because she reminds him of his mother (who died after giving birth to his baby brother, whom he smothered with a pillow when he was a kid). THE NEIGHBOR (1993).
John Carpenter's THE THING playing second fiddle to DON'T GO IN THE WOODS ... ALONE!
November 21, 2025 at 6:53 PM
John Carpenter's THE THING playing second fiddle to DON'T GO IN THE WOODS ... ALONE!
Early access to a new review for Jess Franco's incredible FACELESS (1988). His surprisingly glossy and slasheresque murders at a plastic surgery clinic camp extravaganza!
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: www.ko-fi.com/hysterialives
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: www.ko-fi.com/hysterialives
November 20, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Early access to a new review for Jess Franco's incredible FACELESS (1988). His surprisingly glossy and slasheresque murders at a plastic surgery clinic camp extravaganza!
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: www.ko-fi.com/hysterialives
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: www.ko-fi.com/hysterialives
New Hysteria Lives! Review: MURDER IN LAW (1989)
"A woman escapes from a mental institution and returns to her son, but Mom proves to be a terrible houseguest in this John Waters-esque mash-up of slasher movie and From Hell thriller."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Murder-in-La...
"A woman escapes from a mental institution and returns to her son, but Mom proves to be a terrible houseguest in this John Waters-esque mash-up of slasher movie and From Hell thriller."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Murder-in-La...
November 19, 2025 at 3:36 PM
New Hysteria Lives! Review: MURDER IN LAW (1989)
"A woman escapes from a mental institution and returns to her son, but Mom proves to be a terrible houseguest in this John Waters-esque mash-up of slasher movie and From Hell thriller."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Murder-in-La...
"A woman escapes from a mental institution and returns to her son, but Mom proves to be a terrible houseguest in this John Waters-esque mash-up of slasher movie and From Hell thriller."
www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Murder-in-La...
Sunday evening spinning Captain Zorro's 12-inch disco version of the main theme from PHANTASM, released in 1979, on "blood-stained" yellow record! Not my video, but I do have the vinyl.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0j_...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0j_...
November 16, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Sunday evening spinning Captain Zorro's 12-inch disco version of the main theme from PHANTASM, released in 1979, on "blood-stained" yellow record! Not my video, but I do have the vinyl.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0j_...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0j_...
Man vs stuffed Doberman puppet in Donald Farmer's utterly insane FROM HELL movie VICIOUS KISS (1995).
November 15, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Man vs stuffed Doberman puppet in Donald Farmer's utterly insane FROM HELL movie VICIOUS KISS (1995).
TV movie DANGEROUS INTENTIONS (1995) utilises the FROM HELL formula to take an unflinching look at domestic abuse. Donna Mills had real-life experience with stalking; in 1987, she was targeted by an obsessed fan who escaped from prison to find her, but was shot dead by police before he could.
November 15, 2025 at 1:45 PM
TV movie DANGEROUS INTENTIONS (1995) utilises the FROM HELL formula to take an unflinching look at domestic abuse. Donna Mills had real-life experience with stalking; in 1987, she was targeted by an obsessed fan who escaped from prison to find her, but was shot dead by police before he could.
VICTIM OF BEAUTY (1991) is a whodunnit FROM HELL TV movie directed by PROM NIGHT's Paul Lynch. Models and murder. Peeping Tom photographer. Alibi by pizza. Hoary old clichés such as a cat thrown into frame and a predatory lesbian head of a modelling agency. Plus, a completely ludicrous conclusion!
November 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
VICTIM OF BEAUTY (1991) is a whodunnit FROM HELL TV movie directed by PROM NIGHT's Paul Lynch. Models and murder. Peeping Tom photographer. Alibi by pizza. Hoary old clichés such as a cat thrown into frame and a predatory lesbian head of a modelling agency. Plus, a completely ludicrous conclusion!
Apparently not intended as high camp, Delta Burke is a hoot as a woman who goes after the people she feels took away her chance at a baby after an emergency hysterectomy. Attempted death by shopping carts and crib smashing are just two highlights from the 1996 FROM HELL TV movie MATERNAL INSTINCTS.
November 12, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Apparently not intended as high camp, Delta Burke is a hoot as a woman who goes after the people she feels took away her chance at a baby after an emergency hysterectomy. Attempted death by shopping carts and crib smashing are just two highlights from the 1996 FROM HELL TV movie MATERNAL INSTINCTS.
Roger Corman asked for a FATAL ATTRACTION clone, & that's largely what he got with BODY CHEMISTRY (1990). However, director Katherine Peterson added extra kink to this S&M FROM HELL tale, & in its most transgressive moment, the male protagonist is anally pleasured by his female lover in the shower.
November 11, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Roger Corman asked for a FATAL ATTRACTION clone, & that's largely what he got with BODY CHEMISTRY (1990). However, director Katherine Peterson added extra kink to this S&M FROM HELL tale, & in its most transgressive moment, the male protagonist is anally pleasured by his female lover in the shower.
Carl Reiner's FATAL INSTINCT (1993) is a zany spoof of From Hell movies (and film noir in general), taking pot shots at the likes of FATAL ATTRACTION and SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY. The humour is very hit-or-miss, but it has some fun sight gags (and the skunk on the rollercoaster made me laugh!).
November 10, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Carl Reiner's FATAL INSTINCT (1993) is a zany spoof of From Hell movies (and film noir in general), taking pot shots at the likes of FATAL ATTRACTION and SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY. The humour is very hit-or-miss, but it has some fun sight gags (and the skunk on the rollercoaster made me laugh!).