Marquee Madmen: Alone In The Dark (1982)

My dear readers, though my possession of an internet domain used for critique may make me seem rather adept at all things modern and progressive, I must admit I am not typically the sort to rush out and adopt the latest trendy technology. “Electronic” mail is still a concept that does not sit entirely well with me and if I am being perfectly candid, I found the transition from horse-drawn to motorized carriages to be a shamefully garish indulgence. Perhaps some may find my attitudes to be a little on the Luddite side. But ever since I rode an elevator that took me ten floors above the advertised numbers and opened into the private office of a faceless man who was as surprised to see me as I him, I decided it was most prudent to not invest one’s safety and sanity in gadgetry.

A person having a sane reaction to an insane world

Dr. Dan Potter (Dwight Schultz) is all too familiar with the pitfalls of relying too heavily on technological fads. He is a psychologist who has recently taken a position with the uncontrollably empathetic Dr. Leo Bain (Donald Plesence). Dr. Bain believes that insanity is a perfectly natural sort of reaction to a world gone mad and is a forceful advocate for the right of the mentally unwell. He believes, somewhat controversially, that asylum inmates should be allowed to wander about freely. Not everyone shares this view and local governing bodies insisted that some of the rougher sorts should at least be locked up at night.

And so an electric barrier is erected, with gates ready to leap into action if any wayward killers attempt an evening stroll. This dependence on electricity proves to be far from full-proof and an extended power outage allows the most dangerous patients an indefinite break from institutional life. To make matters worse, the pack of them are thoroughly convinced that Dr. Potter murdered their previous therapist and the most suitable response they can conjure is to terrorize the Potter family, picking off a few unrelated bystanders along the way.

Martin Landau is evidently quite happy to lend his talents to this production

For reasons entirely beyond my understanding, the hack and slash sub-genre never seems to have attracted the most highly sought-after thespians. While some cinematic killing sprees manage to snag a distinguished cameo or supporting role, few manage to slap more than one venerable name on the old marquee. What a joy it is, then, to see three formidable actors gleefully participating in a tale of loosed lunatics. While there are certainly no disappointments among the less celebrated cast members, Donald Pleasence, Jack Palance and Martin Landau are simply unparalleled.

To have a military-minded maniac and a churchgoing arsonist brought to life by a pair of Academy Award-winners is a rare enough treat. But to have Mr. Pleasence aiding them with their mental maladies makes it a singular experience. When it comes to playing madmen or the people who treat them, Alone In The Dark has a trio that simply cannot be beat.

Alone In The Dark runs 92 minutes and is rated R.

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