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Cast A Deadly Spell (1991)
Released By: HBO Video   Rating: R   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: HBO Video
Genre: Mystery-Suspense
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Martin Campbell
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: David Warner, Fred Ward, Julianne Moore
Published ID: 4018
UPC: N/A
Plot: This clever and well-crafted production (produced for Home Box Office) goes the distance with its innovative concept, which is equal parts Raymond Chandler and H.P. Lovecraft. Taking place in 1948 Hollywood -- in an alternate reality where magic spells, curses and demons are commonly used and accepted -- the story revolves around hard-boiled gumshoe Harry P. Lovecraft (Fred Ward, looking nothing like his character's namesake and everything like Mike Hammer), the only detective in the business who relies on brains and instinct instead of gazing into a crystal ball or casting runes. This pure perspective is sought out by wealthy eccentric Amos Hackshaw (David Warner), who is trying to retrieve the legendary Necronomicon (a key component in the works of the real H.P. Lovecraft). The book is reputed to have the power to release the Elder Gods from their cosmic confines and return them to Earth, whereupon Hackshaw believes they will appoint him ruler of all mankind. The chief rival for possession of the book is a seedy gangster (Raymond O'Connor) whose favorite nightclub singer (Julianne Moore) takes a shine to Harry. Followed by a sequel, Witch Hunt, which applies a more sublime (if unnecessary) re-interpretation of the material, and features Dennis Hopper in the Lovecraft Role. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Review of Cast a Deadly Spell
Added 11/12/2009

If you're into a bit of fantacy, Paganism, and comedy, then you have come to the right place. This is a dective story that takes place in the 1940s in Los Angeles, EXCEPT everyone does magick. Everyone that is, except the hero, Detective Phillip Lovecraft! (catch that significance) Phillip is supposed to find the missing Necronomicon by the next Full Moon so that Cuthulu can be loosed.

This video has Witches, Wizards, Zombies (they're cheap, I get them by the dozen), virginal maidens riding Unicorns and more.

For an excellent evening of laughter at things we, Pagans, hold sacred, check out this movie.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Brilliant tongue and cheek on detectives and magic
Added 9/30/2009

For some reason, HBO Pictures has not released this little gem on DVD. More's the pity.

For Lovecraft fans, it takes a wickedly humorous stab at the Cthulu stories.

For fans of the old detective movies, it's a comical spoof, set in the 1940s.

What it does best is to mix the two things together, creating something unseen before or since. Magic, taken for granted, and a gumshoe that doesn't believe in using it, combine to give the audience an all-star cast that make crime-ridden LA of the 1940s and the idea of every day magic come to life.

I'd love to see this on DVD. The VHS tapes are getting old...

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
A Great Romp!!!
Added 1/27/2009

I loved this movie. When are they going to put this on DVD? I'll be first in line. :)
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
Cast a Deadly Spe..
Added 7/21/2008

This may not be everones cup to tea but I loved it! Wish it was on DVD!!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
A campy romp through the Mythos
Added 4/15/2007

If you like the unremitting horror and cosmic indifference of H P Lovecraft, bordering on that of Nietzche then this is probably not for you. If you like the work but don't take it or yourself too seriously, you will certainly enjoy this and other takes on the subject such as Raimi's Army of Darkness and other campy titles. It certainly stands well above a large portion of the poor quality and disjointed attempts at the Lovecraft interpretation put out by low-budget film-makers in the last few years. For a purer approach, I woul d recommend The Call of Cthulhu, produced as a classic silent film by the H P Lovecraft Historal Society and other such quality features as Cool Air.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
Review of Cast a Deadly Spell
Added 11/12/2009

If you're into a bit of fantacy, Paganism, and comedy, then you have come to the right place. This is a dective story that takes place in the 1940s in Los Angeles, EXCEPT everyone does magick. Everyone that is, except the hero, Detective Phillip Lovecraft! (catch that significance) Phillip is supposed to find the missing Necronomicon by the next Full Moon so that Cuthulu can be loosed.

This video has Witches, Wizards, Zombies (they're cheap, I get them by the dozen), virginal maidens riding Unicorns and more.

For an excellent evening of laughter at things we, Pagans, hold sacred, check out this movie.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Brilliant tongue and cheek on detectives and magic
Added 9/30/2009

For some reason, HBO Pictures has not released this little gem on DVD. More's the pity.

For Lovecraft fans, it takes a wickedly humorous stab at the Cthulu stories.

For fans of the old detective movies, it's a comical spoof, set in the 1940s.

What it does best is to mix the two things together, creating something unseen before or since. Magic, taken for granted, and a gumshoe that doesn't believe in using it, combine to give the audience an all-star cast that make crime-ridden LA of the 1940s and the idea of every day magic come to life.

I'd love to see this on DVD. The VHS tapes are getting old...

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
A Great Romp!!!
Added 1/27/2009

I loved this movie. When are they going to put this on DVD? I'll be first in line. :)
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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