Video Violence (1987) - full transcript

CLERK: These are all large on the second

shelf.

The prices range from $7.95 to $22.95.

They're all cotton, all American made.

CUSTOMER: Okay.

CLERK: Is it a gift.

CUSTOMER: Yes, it is.

Hi.

CLERK: Hi.

May I help you?

Yeah. I'm looking for, like, a man's

work-shirt; corduroy, or something long.

Yeah, right over here.

Any specific color?

Tan. That's good.

That's good.

Alright.

Any specific size?

Medium's good. You have a medium.

Yeah, we have a medium right here.

Are you new in the neighborhood?

Yeah, as a matter of fact. I'm just passing

through. But, a friend of mine told me I

could get some good bargains here. So,

here I am.

No kidding?

No kidding.

Well, I think I'm going to take this one.

Where's your dressing room?

Right up there.

Okay.

Thank you.

That's it.

Now.

Now!

Yeah.

How you doing in there?

WOMAN: I don't know. The shoulders are a

little big.

But the color's good, so...

I don't know.

Do you think it'll shrink if I put it in the

washer?

No.

Just don't put it in the dryer.

Yes!

This shirt's coming out of your check. Not

mine!

( Shout )

Morning, Rick.

How you doing?

Not bad, Mr. Emory. How you doing?

Well, I'm a little tired.

Little too much peace and quiet around here.

Find it hard to get to sleep.

Sure miss that traffic on Houston street.

Yeah, it is pretty quiet around here.

Pretty boring too!

Only thing I hear all night is my mom

crying.

At least back at school there were some

people for me to talk to.

Actually, that pretty much sucked too.

When did your father die?

About nine weeks ago.

I've been home about six.

Thank god you came to town and opened

up. I mean, not only is this a halfway decent

job, at least your alive.

What do you mean?

Haven't you noticed?

Nobody talks to you in this town!

Because I'm new around here, they

treat me like I... Like I got AIDS

or something.

I have got to get out of here.

Oh!

No offense, I mean...

This is a great job and all, but...

You understand?

No problem. No problem.

In fact, it did strike me that no one goes out

of their way to be friendly when they

come in to rent a tape.

But, I just figured because I was new

in town.

My wife seems to find the gals down at the

courthouse friendly enough.

Hey, look, after New York, "Howdy" is a

long conversation.

Yeah, and at least they're supporting the

business.

You know, there must be 50 tapes in the

drop-slot over there.

Well, I'm not knocking it. Thank god business

is brisk.

But it does surprise me.

It seems like everyone who comes in here

has had a VCR for at least a year or so.

And the nearest rental store is about 15 miles

away!

I guess they were just happy to tape off

of cable.

What cable?

Aint no cable in Frenchtown!

And the reception's for shit too!

And they don't allow any of those

"satellite dishes".

This is weird.

I don't think that's one of your tapes.

Let me see.

You're right. This isn't a rental.

They must've left my tape in the machine

and returned one of their blank cassettes

instead.

It happens.

Put it aside.

They'll realize the mistake and be back

in later.

You want to watch it?

No, not exactly.

It's probably just a bad tape of yesterday's

ballgame, or some stupid soap-opera.

Just put it aside.

Alright. But, look, if they don't come in

soon, let's watch it. Huh?

I'm dying to see what these yokels consider

"entertainment".

How are you today?

Get something for you?

You got that "chainsaw movie"?

I'll get it.

Are you a club member?

"261..."

261's okay.

Okay. That'll be $3.15 with the governor.

Bye.

That's exactly what I'm talking about!

Friendly, huh?

I'll tell you what's strange to me.

When I had my movie theater in New York,

all anybody wanted to talk about was movies.

I mean, I'd go stand out and mingle with

the people waiting on line, or standing in the

lobby, and

- Everyone was a critic.

They all wanted to talk about the new Woody

Allen, or the new Spielberg film, and I

figured that would carry over into the

video business!

But, all these people want are horror movies

and slasher films.

And occasionally a "XXXer" from

the back.

Right!

So, aren't you dying to see what's on this

blank tape?

Okay, okay. Put it on.

I just hope whoever goofed up doesn't

come in while we're watching it!

VIDEO: Shit, Howard! He aint gonna be easy

to cut with his hands tied up like this!

Holy shit!

This looks very, very real.

Hey man! That is real! That guy getting cut

up is Reggie Hobbs! He's the freaking

post-master!

At least he was.

I mean, he supposedly retired down to Florida

a few weeks ago.

Well, couldn't this be some kind of joke?

Maybe it's a play or a scene from a movie,

or something.

( Laughter )

CAMERAMAN: Will you stop wiggling

around! I can't get a decent shot.

Okay. Okay. Okay.

Put the camera down for a minute and hold

up his hand, so I can cut!

( Laughter )

What the hell are we going to do? I mean,

we've got to report this!

I mean, that guy could be dying some where!

Do you know what this means?

Here! Hold this! Let me get the camera.

Okay.

How's this?

Oh, perfect!

Oh, bummer, man! I spilled my beer!

Yeah, you sure did.

Wait!

I almost forgot!

My latest toy!

( Laughter )

One of my club members is a

psychotic killer and we've got his tape!

Maybe neither sleet nor snow will stop the

US Postal Service, but a good ol' hammer,

machete, and hedge-clipper will!

( Laughter )

Yeah! Look at that baby squirm!

( Laughter )

Look, I'm gonna go see the police.

I got to tell someone about this.

Well, wait! What if whoever left that tape

here comes back looking for it?

Who would be stupid enough to claim this?

He doesn't know we watched it!

Alright, look, I'm gonna lock the door.

You stay here with the tape, and I'll try and

get a cop to come back with me.

Alright.

I'll put up the "Closed" sign.

Just stay out of sight and don't open it for

anybody!

Just hurry up, huh?

I'll be back as soon as I can.

( Door handle jiggles )

( Typing with one finger )

Hi.

My name is Steven Emory. I run the

Video Store down on Main street.

And I need to see the chief of police.

Well, maybe I can help you.

No. I think I really ought to talk to the

chief.

Suit yourself.

Hold on.

Chief, there's a Mr...

Sorry, chief.

There's a Mr. Emory out here.

He's got a problem.

Right.

Mr. Emory,

go right through that door.

How are you, Mr. Emory?

How's business?

Our little town supporting you?

Yes. Fine, fine. Thank you.

Listen.

I think I've got a serious problem.

Oh?

What's the problem, Mr. Emory?

This morning we found a tape in our

drop-box.

That's a drop-slot we have so people can

return tapes before the store opens.

Anyway, we found this tape that didn't belong

to us. So, Rick suggested we put it on

- Now, hold on.

Rick, who?

Rick Carlson. He's the kid who works for me.

Oh, right. Bart's kid.

He's a little wild, isn't he?

No, I don't think he's wild.

A little confused, maybe; what with his

father dying, and now having to take care of

his mother. Anyway...

We put the tape on, and it...

It was the tape of a murder.

So?

Well, don't you have a lot of tapes like that?

"Shoot 'em ups", huh?

No. You don't understand.

It was like a home movie, except shot on

video!

And the victim was - or, Rick swears the

victim was -

the post-master.

Old Reggie!

Yeah.

Reggie Hobbs.

Oh, come on! You saw Reggie Hobbs get

wasted!

Yeah! He was all tied up on a mattress, or

something, and some guy stabbed

him to death.

Some guy?

Who?

I have no idea.

You can't see their faces.

You been drinking, Mr. Emory?

Brought back some "funny drugs" from

New York, huh?

Absolutely not.

I'm very serious!

Well...

Even if I believed your story, - which I don't

- couldn't have happened.

Because old Reg packed up and went

down to Florida to a condo

with his daughter over two months ago.

And I ought to know!

Because I took him to New York Airport

myself.

Now, I don't know what kind of practical joke

you got going here, but you are wasting

my time!

Here, look at this.

That's from Florida.

Look, whether you believe me or not,

I have the proof back at my store.

Remember? The video tape!

Just come with me for five minutes and I'll

show it to you.

Rick's guarding it now!

You gotta be shittin' me!

Look, whether it's old Reg or not,

someone's been murdered, and I

have a tape of it.

You owe it to take a look at it.

Okay!

Seeing as you're new here!

Seeing as your wife works for the court

clerk.

And seeing as my kids rent tapes from you,

I'll give you five minutes of my time.

But, if you are fucking with me,

you are gonna be pretty sorry!

I'm not fucking with you!

Just come with me. Please!

Lou, I'm gonna accompany Mr. Emory

here over to his store.

To investigate a "possible murder".

Hold down the fort, I wont take long.

When I left,

this was locked.

Rick, it's me. Come on out. I got the chief

with me.

Rick?

Rick!

Rick!

Rick!

So much for "Mr. Reliability", huh?

He must have gotten scared and bolted.

But the tapes still here!

Just hold on a second.

I'll put it on for you.

It's right at the head of this tape.

If I wasn't so freaking pissed off, I'd laugh at

your little joke, Mr. Emory!

I know you're not gonna believe it.

But why would I try and pull a stunt like

this?

I have no idea.

I'm not saying I don't believe that you

don't believe what's you say.

But, obviously, someone is having a

little joke with you, Mr. Emory, and my

money's on that assistant of yours.

So,

let's just chalk this up to a vivid imagination

and a not very funny practical joke.

Now, I'm just gonna forget this whole thing.

But, my advice is, you lay off them monster

movies for a while.

You stick with the kiddie stuff, Mr. Emory.

Now, wait a minute, chief. I know what I

saw.

Someone obviously switched the tapes

while the store was empty.

Chief!

( Door closes )

Dammit!

Shit!

I do wish that you would eat something.

You just picked at your dinner!

Look, Steve, if you ask me, this whole thing

was concocted by Rick.

All you have to do is look at his history.

He quits college midstream,

and then his father's death,

and now the poor kid has to take care of his

mother.

I mean, we left New York to escape to

peace and quiet.

But this atmosphere is probably driving him

crazy!

It was just his way of stirring up a little

excitement.

Well, what about the post-master?

Did you recognize him?

No. But,

Rick did. WIFE: That's just my

point.

Rick could've set you up for the whole bit.

You know, he probably just taped a horror

movie off of television.

No.

The whole thing was shot on video.

I mean,

it had the same quality as a soap-opera,

or one of those rotten commercials.

Not a film.

Then maybe he video-taped some of his

friends?

He doesn't have any friends.

Steve!

Or any video equipment as far as I

know.

And all morning long, all he talked about was

the strange behavior of the townies.

What do you mean?

Don't you find it just a bit bizarre that in the

few short weeks we've been here, we've got

- What? - close to 300 members?

That's almost the whole population of

this one horse town!

And why do they all have VCRs?

Since when are you complaining about

business being good, huh?

I mean, we are so damn lucky!

I left a cushy job at a law firm, and you left

your childhood dream of running a movie

theater.

You know, we could've picked a town where

maybe three people owned VCRs.

Alright. I'm not complaining.

This whole thing's just got me a little

shaken up.

I mean, it would take a lot to convince me that

I didn't see a pretty gory snuff film!

As far as Rick is concerned,

if it's a joke,

then I've got a problem with my only

employee.

Well, my only "missing" employee.

And if it it isn't a joke,

then Rick could be up shit's creek.

I don't care what you say, this thing gives

me the creeps.

I'm getting pretty nervous about it.

Now wait a minute, what do you mean

missing?

Maybe I shouldn't have left him alone so

long.

You left him alone in the store with the

money?

That's not the point.

The point is when we got back, he wasn't

there.

And the money was!

And the door was wide open.

And I had locked it.

And somebody had to switch the original tape

with someone's stupid home movie.

Okay.

Alright.

Why don't we just try to be logical about

this whole thing.

Maybe, tomorrow morning,

Rick will show up for work.

But if not, you call his mother,

and see if she knows anything.

Now, I can look through the records

at the town hall,

and I can see if I can probably get a phone

number for post-master Hobbs

down in Florida.

I can call him with some question about

his social security number, or some other

red tape.

Why don't we just forget about it for

tonight. Okay?

I mean, everything will become clear in the

morning.

Okay.

What's the rating on this?

Huh?

The rating. What is it?

Oh, it's probably written on there.

"R".

Oh, is that for nudity?

I really don't know. But, I doubt it's for nudity,

it's probably for all the violence.

Oh, good! Okay. Then I'll take it. The kids can

watch it.

"Blood Cult".

Okay.

That'll be $2.00.

There you go.

Thanks.

Hurry up, Howard!

I don't know how long she's gonna be out!

Okay! Okay! I'm trying to hurry, but you want

me to get it right, don't you?

Yeah.

Alright. But, let me know when you're

ready.

Okay.

Okay, I'm rolling.

Here's Eli!

Good evening ladies and gentleman, and

welcome to The Eli Show,

brought to you from our Basement

Collection.

Good! Good! You look real good, Eli!

Thanks! Thanks, Howard!

We're here with tonights guest,

Miss

Lori Edwards.

Age:

28.

I picked up Miss Edwards hitchhiking

on the edge of town,

and slipped her a little sedative.

She should be waking up

any minute now.

And how are we going to dispose of tonight's

guest, Eli?

Well, we have a few choices.

First, there's the straight-edge razor.

Then, the scissors.

And, of course, there's that all time favorite,

the icepick.

Hmm!

Well, it seems our guest is beginning to

wake up, Eli.

Mmm hmm.

These are late.

Okay.

Don't I owe you a late charge or something?

Yeah.

Sure.

You owe me $4.00.

Thanks.

Do you know Rick Carlson?

Well, yeah. He works here doesn't he?

Yeah. He just didn't come in to work today.

Well, call him at home.

See you on the weekend?

Ladies and gentlemen, it seems as if our

guest is waking from her beauty sleep.

Let's see what she has to say for herself.

And remember ladies and gentleman, this

is brought to you live and unrehearsed.

We are not actors!

But, everyday people, just like yourselves.

( Laughter )

( Muffled speech )

Good morning, Laurie!

I'm Eli, and this is my co-host Howard.

And we're going to torture and kill you on

network television.

What do you think about that?

I don't think she likes that idea very much!

I bet she'd like some.

Go ahead and give her some.

I'll get a closeup!

( Screaming )

You poured it down her chest!

Yeah, I noticed.

( Laughter )

And now the beer chaser!

( Laughing )

Well, ladies and gentlemen, this is a

first!

A wet

T-shirt contest!

Basement Tapes has done it again!

For the first time on network television,

a beer

wet T-shirt contest!

Hey!

Maybe our audience would like to see them

uncovered!

Without the wet T-shirt!

Good idea, Howard!

But, we've got a slight problem.

I can't get the shirt

over her head.

No problem, Eli.

How about those scissors!

Howard!

What would I do without you?

( Laughter )

Oh, get that other side!

Not too close!

Very nice!

Now, what's next, Eli?

Hmm?

( Phone ringing )

Hello?

Rick?

No, he's not here.

Who is this, please?

Oh!

Well, he went to Boston last night to

visit a friend.

No.

I don't.

There's no number that I have where you

can reach him.

I'm sorry. I don't...

Listen. There's something on the

stove. I'm gonna have to go.

I will.

Oh, I will. Yes.

If he calls, I'll tell him you were asking for

him. Yes.

Alright.

Good bye.

Well,

let me think.

We've still got the straight-edge.

And,

the icepick.

Hey, I've got an idea!

How about carving your name on her with

the straight razor?

Brilliant, Howard! Absolutely brilliant!

"E"!

"L"!

"I"!

Now, what do we use to dot the "I"?

The icepick!

Put it in slow, Eli! Slowly!

Well, Eli. I think she's dead now.

Yep, Howard. That's the end of tonight's

program.

Tune in next week for future Basement

videos.

This is your host, Eli, signing off.

Pleasant dreams.

Hi, Rachel?

Yeah.

I finished working on that file that you

wanted, and I have everything right there.

Great.

Okay?

Yes.

Thank you very much.

Okay. And now lets go to lunch now, please!

Well, why don't you go on ahead. I brought

my lunch with me today. I've got some

things to take care of.

Oh, okay.

Can I get you anything?

No. No thanks.

Okay, hon. I'll see you later.

Okay. Bye bye.

RECORDING: I'm sorry. All long distance

circuits are busy.

Please try your call again later.

Damn!

Here.

These are on time.

Thanks.

Yes. Operator?

Operator, I have been trying to reach a

number in Florida for about twenty minutes

now, and I cannot seem to get through.

OPERATOR: I'm sorry. I will complete the call

for you.

Hello?

Oh, you got him!

Who's this?

This is Rachel Emory. I work for the borough

hall.

Oh!

Well, how do you do young lady?

I don't believe I ever met you.

What can I do for you?

Well, you see, I was just working on the

files for the employee benefits,

and there seems to be some kind of

discrepancy in your social security number.

I was wondering if you could repeat that for

me, please?

Certainly, young lady.

Yes. It's

157-42-0708.

Yeah! That's it.

No, no.

No trouble at all.

You're most welcome.

( Phone ringing )

Hello.

Oh, hi.

You reached him?

And the numbers check out!

Oh, Christ!

Yeah, well guess what?

I just got another blank cassette left on my

counter.

No. I don't know who left it.

We were kind of busy in here and someone

just

left it.

No. I was about to look at it when the phone

rang.

Yeah, okay. I'll call you back.

Bye.

ELI: It's one of these!

HOWARD: Alright. Open her up.

ELI: Shit!

That's not it.

HOWARD: There he is.

I got a knife! Get the fuck out of here!

Shit!

ELI: How's it going Ricky, baby?

Aww, Ricky!

Hi, Rick! Smile for the camera!

You think you can do to me what you did to

old man Hobbs, huh?

ELI: Old man Hobbs, huh?

HOWARD: He knows about Hobbs!

Emory and the cops are on their way here

right now!

ELI: I'm not so sure about that, Ricky.

HOWARD: So, why don't you just put down

the knife, and lets talk about it.

HOWARD: There's no way out, Ricky!

I'll give you the tape! I didn't see shit.

HOWARD: You'll give us what?

ELI: Hey!

He's gonna give us the tape!

How's this? Should I kill him here?

HOWARD: No! There's not enough light.

HOWARD: Bring him against this wall!

Does this look good?

Yeah. Now let me get in close.

Hey, get him off the ground.

Sure!

Oh, sorry about this Rick.

I think he's dead!

What did you think: 1 to 10?

I think it's a 10!

I think it's a wrap!

Alright, let's get rid of him. Let's get out of

here, and get the tape.

Mrs. Emory, please.

Hi, it's me.

You're not gonna fucking believe this.

Guess what was on the tape?

Rick being strangled to death here in

the store!

Yeah, I recognize my own store, and it was

definitely Rick!

No, I'm gonna take it to the police.

Yeah. Can you meet me at home?

Okay. I'll see you then.

( Typing with one finger )

Evening, Mr. Emory.

Got something I can do for you?

Yeah.

I'm afraid I need to see the chief again.

Well, what is it this time, Mr. Emory?

Another act of "video violence"?

Yeah. Something like that.

Let me see if he can see you.

Yeah, chief. There's a Mr. Emory here to see

you again.

Right.

( Door closes )

So, Mr. Emory? What is it this time?

Look, chief.

This time you're gonna have to believe me.

I have in my hand a video tape that was left

at my store.

And on it is the murder of Rick Carlson.

Jesus Christ, Emory!

I have had enough of this bullshit!

Now, I have checked on Carlson myself.

And he's in Boston with some friends.

Now, why don't you just turn around and

get the hell out of my office!

Please.

Do you have a VCR here at this station?

Yeah.

Yeah, it so happens we do.

We video tape the drunk drivers.

And I suppose you want me to play

that tape?

It'll prove me out once and for all, wont it?

Well,

I suppose it will.

And if this is another "boy who cried wolf..."

I will do my best to find some charge

to lock you up all night!

Come on! Let's go!

Now, let's see.

I'm not so good at

operating this machine.

Our deputy usually takes care of this stuff.

But, I bet I can figure it out.

Look, I make a living working these

machines. Why don't you let me handle it?

No! No! I got it!

Now look, I got it on. Give me the tape.

Please. Let me do it.

Give me the tape!

Alright, wiseguy.

Where's the blood and guts, huh?

It's there, just give it time.

Well?

I don't know.

Maybe I didn't rewind it.

Let me see.

Dammit! You've got it on record!

You're erasing it!

Shit! I'm sorry!

Turn it off!

Let me stop it.

Turn it off.

Just, turn it off!

I don't know what to say.

Maybe you can repair it.

Oh!

Maybe I can repair it.

But you've probably already erased it!

Now you look here!

Listen! I've put up with your bullshit!

And I've indulged your fantasies!

But I draw the line at your accusations!

Now, you just take that tape, and you get the

hell out of my sight!

Thanks a lot.

You've been a "great" help.

I mean, if this were a big city, I'd swear the

whole thing reeks of a conspiracy.

But here in "Dog Patch"?

I'm being made out to look like a paranoid

idiot!

Now, there is no doubt in my mind that I saw

a tape of the real, live murder of a man

identified as the post-master.

And yet, you feel you talked to the

post-master in Florida.

I talked to him!

Or, at least, I talked to someone who said

he was the post-master.

And who knew his social security number.

You want a drink?

No.

No. You go ahead.

And then someone in the store decides to

drop off a second tape,

depicting the murder of the only other person

to see the first tape!

And yet, when I talk to the victim's mother

she swears he's in Boston.

Bullshit.

I saw him slammed up against the wall of my

studio by the same guys who did in the

post-master.

And both efforts to show the damn tapes

to our brilliant chief of police have backfired!

Especially the second one, in an obviously

all too planned "accident".

Am I going crazy, or what?

I don't know, honey. I don't know.

Look, I want to believe you.

But, you have to admit this all sounds so

outrageous!

God! I want a cigarette!

Maybe I will have that drink.

Alright.

Now, why don't you just let me play

detective for a minute, okay?

Now this whole thing would be much easier

to believe if we had a motive.

Now, why would someone murder

these two seemingly unrelated people?

And then, why would they video-tape the

murders?

By doing that, they have just created a

pretty fool-proof piece of evidence.

And, why would they then arrange to have

you - of all people - view them?

And, now, according to you, the phones are

bugged,

the post-master is dead,

and there's an impostor at his phone

number...

And Rick Carlson's mother

- Well, she's either a fake or a patsy.

I'm absolutely up against a wall.

I mean, I refuse to think that my husband

is off his rocker...

But, Steve, if all the rest of this is true, then

I'm getting pretty scared also.

I may be losing my mind,

but I'm gonna start my own little investigation

tomorrow.

Fine.

I'm all for it.

Where are you going to begin?

I haven't the foggiest idea.

Alright, well, you might as well wait here.

We'll go in and get some directions,

and something to drink.

Just a soda for me. Thanks.

What?

A soda.

Oh, wow, man. You got a lot of really good

magazines here.

Why, thank you, young man.

Are you lost?

We're just going tubing.

The weather's for shit, and they're taking

an hour in the store.

Boy, you must really be thirsty!

Oh, you better believe it. It's been such a long

ride!

Oh, yeah! I almost forgot.

How do we get to the place that rents

the canoes?

Oh, I'll tell you.

But, first, you might want to try some of my

fresh lemonade.

I just made it myself.

Okay. Thanks.

Here you go.

Nice and cold.

I think I'll...

I'll take...

( Gagging )

Shit!

We've been poisoned!

( Gagging )

You...

You son of a bitch!

Hello!

( Laughter )

Bye bye!

Okay, Howard. Now go get the ones in the

deli!

Did I miss all the fun?

No way! It's just begun!

( Carving knife whirring )

Soup's on!

( Splash )

( Splatter )

Cut it clean! And then take it to the slicer and

give me a half a pound of arm!

( Laughter )

( Slicer running )

Enough of that work anyway.

Man, am I tired.

Not bad, not bad.

Let's see what's on television.

Nah, nothing!

I know what I'll watch.

I got another goodie from the store the

other night.

Let's see what this is all about.

( Yelling and laughing )

Yeah, lean on it! That's it.

Oh! This is a good one!

Those boys are getting better at this!

Yeah, definitely.

( Footage ends )

Alright. That wasn't too bad.

Hi!

Hello! What can I get for you?

Well, why don't I take

a half a pound of the yellow American

cheese,

and

a half a pound of bologna.

Okay.

Alright. Thanks.

( Slicer runs )

Well, let me see now.

That'll be $3.90.

Okay.

Out of $4.00.

Here's your change.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

You're welcome.

Bye now.

It had to have happened in the deli!

There was a point when I went to get

some milk,

and I left my bag on the counter.

It could've been the owner,

or any of three or four people in the store.

But how could they have known the exact

time you were going to be there?

I don't know!

Maybe they followed me.

Ho! Ho! This is getting pretty spooky.

Well, however they did it, they obviously went

to a lot of work.

They obviously want us to watch this.

Are you up to it?

I really have no idea.

Don't forget, I have yet to see one of these

masterpieces.

But, I guess I am rather curious.

Go ahead.

Okay.

Here it goes.

( Music playing )

My god! That is gross!

( Tape is paused )

Now, that looked like a professional film!

Did all the other ones have titles?

No.

No titles. No music.

That doesn't look like a hollywood vampire

movie, either.

I mean, first off it was daylight.

Secondly, you could see his reflection in the

mirrors.

And, obviously, somebody took time to

edit it.

Oh, my god! That poor girl!

She looked genuinely surprised.

I really think that they cut her!

They must've lured her in telling her she was

doing some kind of a movie and then

never mentioned anything about it.

God.

Well, that definitely wasn't a hollywood

epic.

Just more of the same. Only, this time, they

got a little more artsy-fartsy about it.

But, you know, that looked very

professionally done.

Did you ever hear of it?

"The Vampire Takes a Bride".

No.

You know,

I have to tell you,

the girl...

She looks kind of familiar.

I mean,

like a member, or something.

I think she comes in to

- Well, used to -

come in with her baby.

Oh, my god! That is awful!

Look! Wait a minute. I have an idea!

What time is it?

It's about 8:30.

Didn't you tell me that the projectionist

at your old movie theater in New York

- Didn't you tell me he was a horror freak?

Why don't you call New York?

Get him on the phone and see if he's ever

heard of it!

I mean, it could be one of those low budget

films shot for the home video market.

Good idea.

I'd like to talk to someone on the

outside about this.

It's a recording.

All the outside circuits are busy.

I'll call again in a minute.

Wait a minute.

That's exactly what happened when I tried

to call Florida.

Try the operator.

Get her to try it.

Okay.

Yes, operator?

Yes. I'm having a little trouble reaching a

number in New York.

Yes, it's a movie theater.

The number's 212-

472-

4567.

Thank you.

She's dialing.

Well, you're not gonna believe this.

Well? What happened?

Well, first off, it was a recording. Which is

either something new,

or something very suspicious.

But, more important,

it said that there was a special horror double

feature tonight:

"Night of the Living Dead,

and The Vampire Takes a Bride".

What?

Oh, no. Wait a minute.

This has got to be a gag!

Yes, but what kind of a gag?

And put on by who?

And is the whole town in on it?

What is it they're in on?

No, wait a minute.

Do you want to go outside the town?

Do you want to go back to New York,

or do you want to report this to the state

police?

I don't know.

I keep trying to put myself in some place

of authority. You know?

Some guy ranting and raving about "video

murders", and conspiracy,

and the town of unfriendly people who

all have VCRs.

You gotta admit, it sounds pretty sketchy,

and a little "off the wall".

Well, it is getting me pretty nervous.

Look, I'm calling in sick to work tomorrow.

I'm gonna with you to the store, and I'm

gonna go through all the membership files.

I'm gonna try and see if something is amiss,

or weird.

Maybe if we talk about each member

then something will jump out at us.

I doubt it, honey.

I've been through them all in my mind.

Alright. Well, actually, I really don't care if that

helps to solve anything or not.

I don't want to be alone.

And I don't want to be in that office with all

those creepy people either.

Look, maybe if we just stick together we can

figure something.

And, if not, we can just pick up, and leave.

Okay.

Alright.

We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Okay?

Right now, why don't we get some sleep.

Would you mind if we left the lights on?

It's okay.

Yeah.

Here you go.

See if I can find anything.

You guys open?

Sure. Come on in.

And what can we do for you?

Do you have any XXX films?

Sure, a room full. Around back.

Just behind the door.

How much does that cost?

Are you a member?

My father is. 09.

Well, then, providing you're over 18,

it's $2.98 a tape. Just bring the box up.

Do you know him?

Huh?

No.

No, I...

I don't think so.

Honestly, this whole thing's

got me so mixed up

I really can't concentrate.

Things driving me crazy.

Hi!

Hi.

I'm Joanna Barker,

I'm visiting my aunt and uncle for a short

vacation, and I thought I'd like to rent a movie.

They're club members, and I have their card.

Oh, this one's good.

65. I know that.

The Todds, right?

That's my aunt and uncle!

Is there anything in particular, or would

you like to just browse?

Yeah, you have any Laurel and Hardy, or

Abbott and Costello? I was in the mood for a

really old fashioned comedy.

( Sigh )

What's the matter?

Nothing. Nothing. You just threw us, that's all.

I mean, you're the first person in ages to ask

for a comedy, rather than a slasher film!

Okay.

Here you go.

Thanks.

You probably haven't been around here long

enough to realize it.

But this town has a strange preoccupation

with violence.

I mean, we have a pretty good selection

of dramas, comedies, "kid vid".

But, the only thing we seem to rent are gory

horror movies.

And some occasional smut.

I can't believe this.

I thought I was crazy!

What do you mean?

Well, I made a few friends here last year.

The big thing to do on Saturday night, is

to make a bowl of popcorn and sit in front

of the tube and watch people getting killed!

And, another thing,

they don't look like the kind of movies you see

in the theaters or on TV.

What exactly do you mean?

I don't know.

They look kind of "home-made".

You know?

I mean, no real plots or anything.

Just a bunch of senseless killings!

I myself don't get a big thrill out of that kind of

thing!

Well, that does sound pretty weird.

Do you have one of these?

I mean, I'd like to take a look at it. Maybe

someone's making illegal dupes

or something.

No!

Hey! Maybe I could borrow one from

someone and bring it to you?

Great.

If you could, we would be very grateful.

Okay.

Why don't I bring it to you tomorrow when I

bring back the film?

Okay.

Terrific.

Good. So, do you have that comedy?

Oh, sure.

Oh!

We wont even charge you for it.

I mean, after all, you're doing us a favor, right?

Here you go.

Thanks.

Thanks!

Bye!

Bye.

Do you believe it?

Someone halfway normal who thinks this

preoccupation with dripping guts is

abnormal.

( Screaming )

Help!

Somebody!

Help me, please!

You lock up. I'll start the car.

( Jeep drives off )

( Car starts )

Steve! These guys are the ones on the video!

They're the murderers!

What do you think you're going to do to

stop them?

I don't know.

We can't count on the police, that's for sure.

I mean, they didn't do anything before.

I mean,

we can't let them take her!

You know what's gonna happen to her!

We'll just follow them for a little bit,

and maybe we can do something.

Alright, well you just be careful and don't stay

so close.

Don't worry. Don't worry.

I don't want to get involved with this just

as much as you don't.

Where are they going?

I don't know.

This place doesn't even look familiar.

She looks like she's tied up.

Shit.

This is none of your concern!

Look! The cellar door is open.

Don't you dare go down there!

Let me call the police.

Great. A hell of a lot of good that'll do!

It'll take that chief four hours to waddle

over here!

Look! Don't try to be a hero!

Did you see that big guy? He had a knife!

Yeah. And that poor girl is our only link to

sanity.

Look! Will you please just let me go get

some help?

I'm sorry, Rachel.

This is something I'm just going to have

to do!

I want to find out once and for all what's going

on down there!

Why don't you just wait up here?

No way!

Alright, let's get this over with!

Right. You stay behind me.

Rachel! Steve!

Welcome!

Hey, don't be shy! Come on in!

We have been absolutely breathless

with anticipation. Now haven't we, friends and

neighbors?

ALL: Yes!

I guess you're wondering why we've

brought you here. Huh?

Well,

today is the age of "video violence", right?

I mean, being from New York, I'm sure that

you're aware that people have been

making and swapping homemade porno

movies for years!

Well, you see, we like to make our own brand

of down-home snuff movies.

( Laughing )

Of course, casting these things is a bit

difficult.

You can never use the same actor twice!

( Laughter )

And if we used ourselves,

it, of course, would cut down on the size of

our audience.

So,

we use transients.

People passing through.

Or, people who want to leave.

Like our post-master, Reggie Hobbs!

( Everyone agreeing )

Now, see, he wanted to go to Florida!

We couldn't let him do that!

Oh!

Or that hitchhiker that Eli picked up.

Well,

once you've been picked up by Eli

you're history.

( Laughter )

Oh!

Or that gal in the vampire movie.

Now,

she wanted to go to Hollywood and have a

movie career.

She knew our secret!

So,

she had to die for her art.

( Laughter )

But,

they are all immortalized on tape.

And I am proud, PROUD to say,

that we have here the greatest collection of

video gore anywhere in the world!

One that no special effects man could

possibly create!

And that's because it's real!

You're all insane.

No!

Just ahead of our time.

I'm really sorry that you and Rachel wont

be able to stay on and run the shop.

But, you see, we feel we need a place

where we can rent our tapes, and meet,

and

we need a special kind of manager for that.

But, I want to assure you,

that your tape is going to be a number one

renter for a very long, long, time.

( Laughter )

( Demonic laughter )

( Scream )

( Scream )

Hey, quiet!

Shh! Shh!

Lights!

Camera!

Rolling!

Action!

( Chainsaw runs )

Hey, Mitch.

Hey! Ho!

Alright. What do you got there, kiddo?

Hey.

Okay.

Jack Gravel.

I have him... Somebody just

had him.

Alright. Here we go.

Okay.

Here you go.

Hey, did you

see what we got on the TV over there?

That's a very popular one!

Yeah, I'll take this one home tonight.

"Jenny Bailey".

Oh, do you remember her at all?

What? Get out of here!

I'll bite your neck!

Oh, I'd love it, darling!

You watch out! I'll bite your neck!

Okay. There you go.

Oh. Good.

Is it a good one?

They're all good, hon.

We don't have any bad ones!

I'll bite your neck!

( Laughter )

Get out of here!

Hey! Wait! Wait!

Did you see what we have on the tube over

there?

Special!

Go take a look.

( Music playing )