If regional horror has an unheralded genius, then that man is probably S.F. Brownrigg, the Texas director who gave us Don't Look in the Basement (1973), Don't Open the Door (1975), Scum of the Earth (1974), and Keep My Grave Open (1976). High on style (but sometimes low on action), Brownrigg's films ooze atmosphere, and are heavy on overly theatrical acting, seedy locations, low lighting, and sweaty close-ups of shady characters staring bug-eyed at the camera. With the promised release of Scum of the Earth on DVD soon (How soon? Someone needs to harass Brownrigg expert Dave Szulkin about this!), his entire horror output will soon be available for home consumption.
Take the release dates above with a grain of salt. All four films were shot between 1972 and 1974 (again, according to Texas horror historian Dave Szulkin); both Door and Grave languished for several years before they were originally released.
So, with the usual thanks to Fred Adelman at Critical Condition and the folks at Wrong Side of the Art, behold the legacy of "Brownie" Brownrigg! (You can also see a nice gallery of Don't Look in the Basement art at the Temple of Schlock.)
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