SPIDER BABY (1964)
Article #643 by Dave Sindelar
Viewing Date: 12-18-2002
Posting Date: 5-13-2003

A family of degenerates is visited by relatives intent on getting their hands on the family fortune.

Lon Chaney Jr. not only plays Bruno, the family chauffeur in this movie, but he sings the theme song, too! Chaney is excellent, by the way; this is one his best latter-day performances. In fact, we get fine performances from everyone in the cast, which includes Carol Ohmart (Price’s wife in HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL), Sid Haig, and Mantan Moreland(!). The story itself is the darkest of dark comedies. I’ve heard it described as being like the Addams family with a bent towards real depravities such as inbreeding, murder, rape and cannibalism, and the description is apt; the movie is quite amusing even with the horrible events going on, but it could prove a little revolting if you’re not ready for it. This is pretty strong stuff, though not gory or particularly graphic in any way.