House of 1000 Corpses in Theaters to Celebrate 20th Anniversary
by Srinithi
Updated Aug 18, 2023
House of 1000 Corpses
House of 1000 Corpses, a 2003 darkly comedic horror movie, marked Rob Zombie's directorial debut and kicked off the Firefly film series. The cast includes Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon, Karen Black, Rainn Wilson, Chris Hardwick, Tom Towles, Erin Daniels, Jennifer Jostyn, Walton Goggins, and Dennis Fimple in his final role. The storyline follows a group of teens who, while writing a book on a cross-country Halloween trip, fall into the clutches of a deranged family that kidnaps and torments them.
Influenced by 1970s horror classics like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes, Zombie conceived the concept during his work on a haunted attraction for Universal Studios. Production occurred in 2000, with some scenes shot in Valencia, California, after Universal Studios shelved the film over rating concerns.
Eventually, Lions Gate Entertainment released it in April 2003. While critics were unimpressed, the film gained a global cult following and grossed $16 million. The franchise expanded with two sequels, The Devil's Rejects (2005) and 3 from Hell (2019), and Zombie even transformed it into a Universal Studios haunted attraction.
House of 1000 Corpses in Theaters
In 2023, the 20th anniversary of writer/director Rob Zombie's cinematic debut, "House of 1000 Corpses" will be celebrated. In honor of this milestone, Lionsgate has unveiled a new Blu-ray edition, while Trick or Treat Studios presents a captivating House of 1000 Corpses coloring book. Now, exciting news emerges from Fathom Events, revealing a special treat for horror enthusiasts—an upcoming theatrical re-release of the film for two exclusive nights this Halloween season, on October 8th and 11th.
The narrative follows the unsettling journey of two young couples who venture onto the obscure byways of America in pursuit of the enigmatic Dr. Satan. Stranded and bewildered, their path intertwines with a macabre clan of psychopaths, unleashing a chilling tapestry of murder, cannibalism, and dark rituals.
The cast features illustrious names such as Sid Haig, Erin Daniels, Bill Moseley, Karen Black, Sheri Moon Zombie, Rainn Wilson, Dennis Fimple, Walton Goggins, Chris Hardwick, Jennifer Jostyn, Matthew McGrory, Robert Mukes, Walter Phelan, Michael J. Pollard, Tom Towles, Harrison Young, Irwin Keyes, and Jake McKinnon.
The upcoming Fathom Events re-release promises a unique delight, including an exclusive featurette by writer/director Rob Zombie. This insight-rich addition unveils the intricate details behind Zombie's directorial debut, shedding light on the challenging journey that nearly hindered this cult classic's emergence. The film's triumphant release eventually birthed a franchise, with sequels "The Devil's Rejects" and "3 from Hell" following suit.
Reflecting on my personal experience, I recall viewing "House of 1000 Corpses" during its inaugural theatrical run, despite the considerable distance of 80 miles from my residence to the nearest screening. The passage of two decades since then is astounding. Although I found myself more captivated by the subsequent installment, "The Devil's Rejects," I have revisited "House of 1000 Corpses" multiple times over the years.
Tickets will be accessible via the Fathom Events website, commencing on August 11th.
House of 1000 Corpses Cast
Sid Haig
Captain Spaulding
Bill Moseley
Otis
Sheri Moon Zombie
Baby
Karen Black
Mother Firefly
Chris Hardwick
Jerry Goldsmith
Erin Daniels
Denise Willis
Jennifer Jostyn
Mary Knowles
Rainn Wilson
Bill Hudley
Walton Goggins
Steve Naish
Tom Towles
Deputy George Wydell
Matthew McGrory
Tiny
Robert Allen Mukes
Rufus
Dennis Fimple
Grandpa Hugo
Harrison Young
Don Willis
William Bassett
Sheriff Frank Huston
Irwin Keyes
Ravelli
Michael Pollard
Stucky
Cast
Character
House of 1000 Corpses Plot
On October 30, 1977, inept criminals Killer Karl and Richard Wick embark on a bungled armed heist at a gas station with a macabre exhibit. The establishment's owner, Captain Spaulding, and his assistant, Ravelli, thwart their efforts, resulting in the demise of the would-be robbers. That evening, a quartet comprising Jerry Goldsmith, Bill Hudley, Mary Knowles, and Denise Willis sets off on a road trip to document peculiar roadside attractions for a book.
Their encounter with Spaulding, who operates "The Museum of Monsters & Madmen," introduces them to the local myth of Dr. Satan. Setting out to locate the tree where Dr. Satan was purportedly hanged, they encounter a carefree hitchhiker named Baby, claiming she lives nearby. A shadowy figure suddenly appears and shoots their tire, leading Baby to seek help at her family home while the others stay behind.
Baby's half-brother, Rufus, soon comes to their aid and transports them to the family residence. There, they are introduced to Baby's kin: her adopted brother Otis Driftwood, her colossal deformed half-brother Tiny, the enigmatic Mother Firefly, and the aged Grandpa Hugo.
During a shared meal, Mother Firefly recounts the traumatic history of the family, including an attempt by her former husband Earl to incinerate Tiny and their home following a mental breakdown. Following dinner, the family stages a Halloween performance, yet tensions escalate as Baby's advances toward Bill anger Mary. Rufus informs them their vehicle is repaired, prompting their departure.
As the group leaves, Otis and Tiny, disguised as scarecrows, ambush them in the driveway, taking them captive. Subsequent days see Otis murdering Bill and mutilating his remains, Denise enduring torment while tied to a bed disguised as a doll, and Jerry enduring a grisly fate for failing to identify Baby's favorite actor.
Concerned for Denise's well-being, her father Don enlists the help of law enforcement, with Deputies George Wydell and Steve Naish finding a ghastly scene at the Firefly residence. Mother Firefly eliminates Wydell, while Otis dispatches Don and Steve upon their discovery of more victims in the barn.
The three surviving teenagers undergo further torment, with Mary meeting a gruesome end at the hands of Baby. Otis incinerates the bodies, and Jerry and Denise are confined within a coffin and lowered into an abandoned well.
Within the depths, the pair encounter grotesque experiments associated with Dr. Satan. Jerry meets a horrifying demise, and Denise navigates through a nightmarish underground complex. She confronts Dr. Satan and his patients, as well as the colossal Earl, Mother Firefly's estranged spouse. Earl meets his demise, and Denise escapes the collapsing tunnels.
Rescued by Captain Spaulding, Denise loses consciousness. Upon waking, she finds herself captive and surrounded by Dr. Satan, Earl, and the nightmarish setting. The movie concludes with a scream of terror from Denise and the words "The End?" appearing before the credits roll.
House of 1000 Corpses Trailer
House of 1000 Corpses Release Date
In pursuit of an R rating, "House of 1000 Corpses" underwent substantial editing, with Rob Zombie noting that a significant portion of the excised content involved Shelly Moon Zombie's character. The film debuted in Argentina on March 13, 2003, before hitting theaters on April 11, 2003.
The editing aimed to conform to the desired rating while preserving the essence of the movie's narrative. This process allowed audiences to experience Zombie's disturbing directorial debut within the parameters of the R rating, balancing the film's macabre elements with wider accessibility for viewers.
Are Re-release Tickets Available?
"House of 1000 Corpses" is a 2003 darkly comedic horror film, marking Rob Zombie's directorial debut and initiating the Firefly film series. This unsettling tale follows a group of travelers encountering a psychopathic family while investigating local legends. Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon Zombie, and others deliver captivating performances.
The film, inspired by '70s horror classics, balances horror and humor, unveiling murder, kidnapping, and macabre rituals. Despite initial critical reception, it developed a fervent cult following, leading to a special theatrical re-release in 2023. Tickets for this celebration of horror cinema's 20th anniversary will be available on the Fathom Events website from August 11th.
House of 1000 Corpses in Theaters-FAQ
Yes, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of "House of 1000 Corpses," Fathom Events has announced a special two-night theatrical re-release on October 8th and 11th during the Halloween season, allowing fans to experience the film on the big screen once again.
Tickets for the theatrical re-release will be available through the Fathom Events website starting on August 11th, offering a unique opportunity for both fans and newcomers to enjoy the film in a cinematic setting.
"House of 1000 Corpses" is a darkly comedic horror film directed by Rob Zombie, serving as his directorial debut and initiating the Firefly film series. It was released in 2003.
The story follows a group of young adults on a cross-country Halloween trip, who stumble upon a twisted family with a penchant for kidnapping and torment. As they delve into local legends and encounter the chilling Dr. Satan, their nightmarish journey unfolds.
The film can be streamed on AMC+ for subscribers or rented on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Alternatively, it's available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, offering various options for viewing.