MST3K: The Dead Talk Back

In Mike Nelson’s hands, MST3K: The Dead Talk Back, a feature from the world of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) is transformed into an incredibly amusing experience, accompanied by the regular dose of wisecracking and jest from the show's infamous crew. The MST3K series is known for its comedic take on B-grade Sci-Fi flicks, fantasy and horror movies. The series carved its own niche in the world of television with characters providing a hilarious running commentary as they witness the oddities that occur on the big screen, hence the name, ‘movie riffing’.

The Dead Talk Back, originally produced in 1957 and released three decades later, is a B-grade crime horror film directed by Merle Gould. It is an obscure oddity that tells an abstruse tale of mysterious murders, séances and the living's communication with the dead. As you may have guessed from the title of this mid-century, black-and-white film, it grapples with the concept of the afterlife and the capability of the dead to communicate with the living. It was a unique spin on the typical murder mystery formula, adding an eerie supernatural element to the mix.

Nestled within its overambitious narrative are all the elements you could expect from an old-school, otherworldly crime horror – astonished characters, uncanny murders, misplaced scientific tools and of course, the unexpected twist. MST3K takes this obscure film and amplifies its inherent hilarity by layering its own narrative over it, laden with rib-tickling commentaries and comical asides.

The film begins with an unconventional scientist who has developed a radio able to communicate with the afterlife. With this device, he plans to solve a recent murder by speaking directly with the victim. Nelson and his robot friends are taken on a rollercoaster ride with the characters, as their journey unfolds into a web of spectral connections, improbable science, and a hilarious mockery of noir fiction. With their caustic wit and deadpan humor, the crew of the Satellite of Love, including the captive janitor Mike Nelson, the wise-cracking Crow T. Robot, and the childlike Tom Servo, takes the viewers on a laughter-filled journey.

As in the majority of MST3K episodes, the movie The Dead Talk Back, is interrupted by host segments featuring Nelson and his crew as they explore the universe aboard the Satellite of Love. These instances give viewers a break from the eerie movie while immersing them in the daily hijinks of the crew. Throughout the film, the crew uses their clever quips to poke fun at the strange plot, low budget, and less-than-stellar performances.

This distinct use of humor to comment upon and transform a classic, though gritty, film into a comedic extravaganza is a hallmark of MST3K's unique style which, as usual, is executed exquisitely in The Dead Talk Back. Nelson’s quips and jestings provide delightful commentaries on the characters, plot and the film-making style, that enliven the viewer's experience.

For fans of MST3K, The Dead Talk Back is another unforgettable journey into the depths of cinematic strangeness, all infused with witty humor and tongue-in-cheek criticism. For newcomers, it's a welcoming invitation into the MST3K universe, showcasing Mike Nelson’s talent and the series’ unique style of comedy. It's a bemusing celebration of obscure cinema and a successful fusion of past and present comedic art. Tasteful, witty, and armed with one-liners that will have audiences laughing throughout, The Dead Talk Back is a memorable entry into the world of MST3K. Mike Nelson and his memorable team do more than just talk back, they entertain, amuse, and they make the dead come alive in the most hilarious way possible.