A mechanic and his friend invite themselves to a get-together in New Jersey. Unfortunately for the guests, their new acquaintances are psychopaths (!)

Theres lots to love about The House on the Edge of the Park. The opening night-time New York scenes, the sleazy score by Riz Ortolani, the fact that the two psycho leads are played by David Hess and Giovanni Lombardo Radice.

But whilst the film is completely debauched, it’s also beautiful to look at which also provides an interesting subtext to the film. The ultra-modern and sophisticated environ of the house where the soiree takes place is completely subverted and defiled by the murderous duo. The surroundings these extreme events occur in, which also contain the latest mod cons, feels more like a lifestyle to aspire to from the world of advertising. Strangely, this makes the horror even worse. One scene features someone being terrorised whilst a state out of the art stereo is also in the shot. This is a brutal clash of cultures.

There also seems to be a class element to proceedings. The working-class duo have invaded the world of the middle-class and are showing it the respect they think it deserves. The haves vs the have-nots.

It’s David Hess who steals the show and rightfully so. It’s almost as if director Ruggero Deodato has given him carte blanche to go full retard and he throws himself at the opportunity and gives a fully deranged performance which rivals his turn as Krug in Last House on the Left. That takes some doing. Although his ‘disco dancing’ leaves a lot to be desired. It’s just as horrific as any of the violence with the movie. Wait until you see him in his John Travolta disco finery.

There’s a huge plot twist that doesn’t work but who cares. The film still delivers. Also, some of the acting is, shall we say, overripe. Again, who gives a shit. I don’t think any of the actors were thinking of awards season.

The BBFC must have had a coronary when they saw this film when it was presented for classification for home video release. And for good reason.

Highly recommended.

4 out of 5 stars