(1968) ***3/4
The Merrye family suffers from a genetic disorder that causes progressive mental regression after the age of ten. The last remnants of this inbred clan live in an old mansion, cared for by the devoted Bruno, who made a promise to their father to look after them always. Their bizarre but self-contained world is threatened when greedy relatives arrive to take control of the substantial estate.
I was nervous when we started watching Spider Baby, because I wasn't in the mood for anything super disturbing, and we couldn't tell from the descriptions what to expect. Fortunately, Spider Baby turned out to be a charming, macabre black comedy. In fact, I had to dock a quarter star for the lack of blood (there is death and violence, but mostly off camera). Lon Chaney Jr. is wonderful as Bruno the caretaker, and the other actors heartily embrace their quirky mentally regressed characters. I recommend Spider Baby for one of those nights you want to be entertained but just don't feel the need for all that blood and gore. And there's even a contemporary musical based on the film; hope it plays Boston some day!
