Strange and Fantastic Tales of the 20th Century is a look back at the weirdest, most memorable, and most off center movies of the 20th century. From head turning horror to oddball science fiction, this column examines the films that will leave a lasting impression for centuries to come.
We all have that one weird relative who thinks they are a spider, right? It’s hard to take them anywhere, but even harder to hide them when company comes to visit. 1967’s Spider Baby is about a family of misfits and weirdos who are raised by the family chauffeur, Bruno, beautifully acted by Lon Chaney Jr. Written and directed by Jack Hill, Spider Baby tells the story of the Merrye family who are plagued by the Merrye disease. Dementedly charming and disturbing, this week’s strange and fantastic tale offers heart and terror via Spider Baby.
The Merrye family is afflicted with a disease. We are told so, by the only surviving Merrye, Peter (Quinn Redeker), a distant cousin who reads the family history to the viewer from a cozy armchair in his home. This framing device along with Peter’s cheerfulness allows for a playful tone that mingles in with the darker and more depraved aspects of the film. Peter recounts the first time he met his cousins, in which murder and the family’s destruction ensued. Peter, along with his sister Elizabeth, a lawyer, and his assistant seek out the Merrye’s to inquire about the family property.
And that’s how I met your mother.
Quinn Redeker gives a fun performance as the good natured distant cousin and his demeanor allows for a more comical portrayal of the Merrye’s creepy behavior. He is only too happy to eat the insane dinner they cooked up for the guests. Bruno explains that Ralph, the male Merrye sibling played by Sid Haig, is allowed to eat anything he can catch. The dinner consists of rabbits, grass, and bugs for Virginia Merrye, a sibling who believes she’s a spider and likes to capture prey in her web.
Sadly, Virginia is just a cute young lady who calls herself a spider. I was hoping for a human baby head on some spider legs, but Virginia is pretty impressive. Played by Jill Banner, Virginia is both seductive and demented. Banner’s performance is brilliant as the spider baby, but her performance is second to Chaney’s Bruno. Chaney’s performance is heartbreaking as Bruno realizes he must kill the Merrye’s to stop them from their criminal acts that range torture, murder, and rape.
Spider Baby is a disturbing film that has no right to feel as delightful as it does, but this is accomplished through its cast. Check out Spider Baby with your most embarrassing relative, unless that happens to be you.
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