DEE SNIDER'S STRANGELAND   
1998, The Shooting Gallery & Snider Than Thou Productions, Inc.

DIRECTOR: John Pieplow   PRODUCERS: David L. Bushell & Dee Snider

STARRING:  Dee Snider,   Kevin Gage,    Elizabeth Pena,    Brett Harrelson   Robert Englund.

DEE SNIDER'S STRANGELAND is really a hard core movie.   In addition to being creepy and atmospheric, it actually touches on the the original motivations and purposes of body modifications -- the reasons people were compelled to do these things before it became "trendy".  In other words, in the days before every club kid decided they had to have a tattoo or a piercing.  

The story details the exploits of one Carlton Hendryx, A/K/A/ Captain Howdy, and his attempts to enlighten a generation he judges badly in need of experiencing "rites of passage" into adulthood.   Unfortunately, one of the young people he chooses for a forced lesson in spiritual growth turns out to be the daughter of a detective, and Captain Howdy's methods of enlightment are discovered.  

However, professional analysis of Carlton's psyche convinces the court that he simply suffers from a split personality.  They determine that if his "Captain Howdy" incarnation can be controlled, he can be a productive and functional member of society.   So, Carlton's debt to society is served in an asylum, where he he receives the medications and gets the psychological help he requires to keep his alter ego in check.

The problem reoccurs when Carlton is released from the asylum and returned to the community where Captain Howdy perpetrated his crimes.   The courts may have forgiven his actions, but his former neighbors have not.  Problem is, many of these "community watchdogs" aren't such lovely people themselves, and they decide to subject Carlton to their own form of justice.   Unfortunately, the result of their efforts is that Captain Howdy is again released upon the world -- and this time, he's out for revenge!

RATING:      

I REALLY like this movie, not just because of Dee Snider's presence but because it make a vague attempt to present a clearer picture of the modern primitive movement, and explain the reasons behind it.   Most movies -- particularly horror movies -- that deal with this subject matter do so simply for sensationalism and effect.  Unfortunately, there are some pretty big holes in the story line, like why Carlton became Captain Howdy in the first place, and what made him determine his methods of enlightment would improve the state of society.  And there are some pretty big leaps of logic in the plot, too, but I suppose you have to accept those to enjoy b-horror movies in the first place.

There was a fair amount of nudity in this film, although not in an even remotely sexy context.

SCENES THAT MAKE ME GO "HMMM...,":


1. Captain Howdy is one scary-looking dude -- he's covered with tattoos, has many, many body piercings, and his hair style is somewhat unique -- a broad mohawk of bright red, permed curls.  Naturally, when he's in the asylum, he assumes a more "normal" appearance;  his body jewelry is removed, his hair grows out into a straight, dark mane, and somehow his tribal tattoos are covered.  However, it is interesting to note that IMMEDIATELY after Captain Howdy's near death experience at the hands of the mob, he reverts to his former physical incarnation.   The interesting part is not that he again becomes Captain Howdy, but the speed at which he manages to find a hairdresser to cut, perm and color his hair so quickly -- and overnight, no less!!

2. Why-why-WHY is it that when an angry mob hangs someone, no one actually BOTHERS to be sure he's dead before they leave the scene?

DID YOU KNOW...,:

 -   DEE SNIDER'S STRANGELAND's soundtrack features the musical reunion of '80's hair heroes Twisted Sister!

 -   In the scene where the angry, protesting mob is outside Carleton's house, one of the outraged citizens is holding a sign which reads "We're not gonna take it."  Now, if you're a Twisted Sister fan -- or were even around during the '80's -- I don't have to tell you where THAT reference came from, do I?

 -   The name "Captain Howdy" is a reference to the '70's horror film "The Exorcist".   It was the name of the ghost that communicated with the young girl Regan through the Ouija board.

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