10 Classic American Exploitation Movies

4. Bloodsucking Freaks (1976)

Blood Sucking Freaks is basically an HG Lewis Wizard of Gore rip off. When you read about the film you think "Wow, I have to catch this sick puppy". However the goods do not particularly deliver, but I included the film on the list due to its huge cult following in the exploitation movie stakes. Master Sardu and his midget assistant Ralphus run a Grand Guignol style theatre which stages grotesque scenes of torture and murder. The audience do not know this, but the torturing and murdering is for real. The unfortunate women are not actresses - they are slaves. Theatre critic Creasy Silo shows disdain for Sardu's shows so Sardu kidnaps him in order to force a good review from him. He also kidnaps a ballerina called Natasha to force her to take part in the shows thereby giving them artistic legitimacy. Her boyfriend Tom and a corrupt detective called Tucci must find out where she is Sardu keeps a cageful of white women slaves. He tortures his captives and tries to brainwash Silo and Natasha into doing his bidding. Luckily for everyone, he gets his comeuppance. The film is very mean spirited in its violence which makes it hard to swallow. It focuses far too much on the ludicrous torture scenes (sucking brains out through a straw?). The actor who plays Sardu is very hammy and camp. However, the film is beloved of exploitation fans and is considered an exploitation classic. For lovers of the film, its gritty look and ineptness only makes it more charming. Personally whenever I watched the film I found it to be boring and unconvincing - hitting well below the mark of its legendary reputation. However it is still a classic of the genre so I am putting it out there for all the degenerates among you.