Plot-- a small town motel owner, Vincent, is celebrated for his sideline of smoked meats that aren't from Farmer John. Meanwhile, passers-by stop at their own risk.
I've driven through the Mid-west many times, but I've never seen a crop like Farmer Vincent's. My advice-- don't watch the movie unless you're going vegetarian. Actually, the gore doesn't pile up or hang down till the last. Then it's a meat-lovers nightmare. And what a deal for 50's hunk Rory Calhoun-- move over Farmer John and your local butcher. Actually, the actor does a good tongue-in-cheek, just right for the black humor role. Looks like he's also enjoying himself. But what about his so-called sister, Ida, the movie's heavyweight champ. Grinning or not, she's scarier than even the half-zombies exacting their revenge of the Potato Heads. Now, why any sweet young girl like Terry would choose to stay with Ma and Pa Meat Kettle is beyond me, but then horror-fests like this aren't built on logic. But maybe most horrific of all, Farmer Vincent thinks he's doing the Lord's work or is it population control or maybe even be-kind-to-animals week. He can't seem to decide. Meanwhile, the captive crop grows and grows.
Bottom-line- though a bit over-long, it's an inventive slasher flick with a lot of novel touches deserving of its cult status. Meanwhile, pass the salad and a chainsaw, please.
