Grindhouse Double Shock Show: Carnival of Blood (1970) / The Undertaker And His Pals (1966) (DVD)

Carnival of Blood is an improvised low budget classic in the tradition of Herschell Gordon Lewis' Blood Feast. It features several recognizable New York actors, including Rocky's Burt Young (aka John Harris), and was directed by Leonard Kirtman, who was also responsible for the equally profound Curse Of The Headless Horseman and a string of renowned hardcore pornos, some with extremely clever titles (Little Often Annie, Santa Claus Comes Twice, and Around the World In 80 Ways). The Undertaker and His Pals has the distinction of being part of a triple bill distributed by producer/director Ted V. Mikels, the man behind such crowd-pleasers as Astro-Zombies and The Corpse Grinders.

Carnival Of Blood (1970, Color): There's a killer on the loose at Coney Island - a disturbed and twisted individual who's been stalking and mutilating women. Dan has just been made Assistant D.A., and he's determined to crack the case himself. His growing obsession with the murders has strained his relationship with girlfriend Laura. The distraught girl heads to Coney Island to confide in her friend, Tom, a carnival game operator. Tom's shoulder may not be the best one for Laura to cry on, though. A truly terrifying discovery at his apartment convinces Dan that Laura is in terrible danger. Starring Burt Young, Earle Edgerton; Directed by Leonard Kirtman. Includes Bonus Feature: Coney Island U.S.A.

The Undertaker And His Pals (1966, Color): A rash of seemingly motiveless killings by a trio of masked men has the authorities baffled. Stalking their female prey on motorcycles, undertaker Mr. Mort, and lunch counter owners Doc and Spike have a deviously twisted partnership - Mr. Mort gets to bury the bodies,while Spike and Doc cook up choice cuts from the victims. After his secretary Ann Poultry is featured on the menu as breast of chicken, private investigator Harry Glass resolves to make the killers pay. Starring Warrene Ott, Rad Fulton, Marty Friedman; Directed by T.L.P. Swicegood.

• horror