The Gruesome Twosome

The Gruesome Twosome is a kitschy, gloriously demented movie from 1967 that centers on two memorable, if unsettling characters. This American splatter horror film is not for an audience seeking a balanced narrative or a touch of refined cinematography. Instead, it's an eccentric, wild, and unapologetic revel in gruesome and gory images for seasoned horror fans.

It revolves around the lead characters, Mrs. Pringle and her mentally handicapped son, Rodney, undoubtedly a gruesome twosome, and is directed by the legendary Herschell Gordon Lewis. Known for his knack for delivering politically incorrect and absurdly graphic films, Lewis's style makes this film interesting, if not memorable in its manner. Eternally etched in the annals of grindhouse cinema, the Gruesome Twosome stands proudly as an irresistible temptation for fervent fans of films that were once tagged as 'video nasties'.

The film is set in a small American town where the innocent and unsuspecting inhabitants are unaware of the grotesque reality brewing in their vicinity. The innocent and kind elderly widow, Mrs. Pringle, is anything but ordinary. Played to perfection by Elizabeth Davis, Mrs. Pringle runs a wig shop and offers a room to rent in her home, wandered by young college girls at the local University.

Initially, the viewers might see Mrs. Pringle as the typical sweet old lady, but Elizabeth Davis's performance gives the character an unparalleled edge. Her ambiguous body language and twisted smiles disguise the facades of an otherwise deranged personality. On the other hand, Mrs. Pringle's son Rodney (played by Chris Martell) is a simpleton, slightly dim-witted and possibly harmlessly innocent.

Gretchen Wells as Kathy Baker adds another wrinkle to the plot. A journalism student who is curious and excited about the mysterious disappearances of girls around campus, she is tenacious and dauntless. Her character adds a hint of classic horror mystery elements to the bizarre movie plot.

As the story unfolds, the audience rapidly discovers that the Pringle's small home and adjoining wig shop are the epicenter of a series of bizarre and horrifying events. Without revealing too much, the plot dives into a sinister secret involving the town's young college-going populace, drawing us closer into the world Lewis has deftly created.

When we think of horror films from the late '60s, The Gruesome Twosome well defines the splatter genre's inception, where bloody theatrics were gratuitous, amplified, and enjoyed. Lewis’s vision was unique and surreal with a blend of gross, odd, and weirdly funny. The movie’s plot, combined with the performances of Davis, Wells, and Martell, transports us to a dimension where horror marries classic pop with a surge akin to a ride through an amusement park's haunted mansion -- filled with thrills, scares, and the occasional giggles.

It's fair to say that The Gruesome Twosome is not just about blood and gore; it serves up a platter of uneasiness with a side dish of dark comedy. The somewhat clunky dialogue and over-the-top performances are what make this film a lost gem of the era.

However, note that this film is not suitable for all audiences. The faint of heart or those with a sensible demeanor might find its distastefully graphic visuals too gory to digest. The Gruesome Twosome is dedicated to enthusiasts harboring a curious interest in twisted psychological plots, colored with gallons of blood and moments of unexpected humor.

In conclusion, The Gruesome Twosome is a cult classic, a significant part of the graphic horros subgenre. It challenges and scares, while at the same time, it tickles the funny bone in places you least expect. It's a must-watch for aficionados of classic horror films who do not mind a generous helping of bloody visuals!