Out of the blue came Horror Hospital, a film so obscure even Leonard Maltin has chosen not to list it in his book of movies. It’s a bizarre little black comedy from Britain, made in the ’70s with a sexy young Robin Askmith. He’s a pop star who can’t stand the strains of the business, breaking into a fight with the trannie band leader in the film’s opening moments. Soon enough, Askmith is packing up his bags and heading off to a spa for some R and R. Too bad the relaxation inn he checks into is run by none other than Dr. Storm (played with aplomb by Michael Gough, best known for his turn as butler Alfred in the recent spate of Batman movies), an evil scientist bent on lobotomizing everyone he can. My favourite part comes when the dwarf, in need of a leg up, carefully places two unconscious guards on top of one another to be used as a step ladder. Zombies, babes in distress, a mad scientist, a heroic, vengeful dwarf—this movie has everything! It’s also perfect proof that no one does wacky black comedy like the Brits do. Hats off to the folks at Boîte Noire for stocking this oddity.

For those who missed it in cinemas, Glitter has been released on video, so you can continue to miss it now. :

--Matthew Hays