The Norliss Tapes
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Movie Reviews of The Norliss Tapes
Movie Review: The Golden age
Summary: 4 Stars
The 70's were the golden age of supernatural made-for-TV movies. I'm hoping that they all eventually surface on DVD. To name a few: DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK, THE EYES OF CHARLES SAND, WHEN MICHAEL CALLS, THE HOUSE THAT WOULDN'T DIE...Movie Review: 70's TV movie classic finally comes to DVD
Summary: 3 Stars
A long time favorite of mine "The Norliss Tapes" finally arrives on DVD in a very nice transfer but without any extras to speak of. Although it's a cut or two below "The Night Stalker" Curtis uses many of the same techniques to tell his story here about psychic investigator and writer David Norliss(Roy Thinnes from "The Invaders" and later a guest star on "The X-Files") has disappeared after investigating the strange case of a man who seemingly has come back from the dead. Unlike Kolchak in "The Night Stalker" Norliss is out to discredit the supernatural until he encounters Helen Court(Angie Dickinson). James Court her husband has died but he appears to have come back. Norliss disappears shortly after starting work on his book. His worried publisher shows up at Norliss' place and ends up listening to the story and we, in turn, hear Norliss tell the bizarre tale of James Court.
Although "The Norliss Tapes" hasn't aged as well as some other films from the same era it still manages to induce a few chills and be entertaining. Directed by Dan Curtis ("Dark Shadows", producer of "The Night Stalker" and director of "Trilogy of Terror")the film was originally a pilot for a TV series but plays just as well as a stand alone film. We never find out what happened to Norliss and the tale does indeed creep us out. Although not as well written as "The Night Stalker" or "Trilogy of Terror"(both scripted by Richard Matheson and Matheson with William F. Nolan respectively)Nolan's script of the Fred Mustard Stewart story has enough jolts to make the TV film memorable.
I am disappointed that Anchor Bay didn't give this film the complete care they gave cult classics like "Race with the Devil"; although Curtis is no longer with us Thinnes is around as is Dickinson and both could have been contacted for a commentary track at the very least. Also it would have provided the perfect opportunity for Anchor Bay to do a featurette on Curtis who was the consumate TV director working in a variety of genres (he directed "The Winds of War", "War and Rememberence" in addition to "The Night Strangler" and other horror projects)and creating memorable work.
Although "The Norliss Tapes" isn't quite as successful as Curtis' other projects from the time it's still enjoyable and has enough creepy atmosphere to make it worthwhile. A warning to fans of gore driven horror films--this film is not into gore and it's scary moments will seem tame compared to most theatrical films like "The Hills Have Eyes" or "Saw" but it's from another era where acting and suspense were more important than gore for the sake of gore.
I'm happy to finally have this on DVD now I'm hoping that Anchor Bay can license "Night Slaves" a great little sci-fi thriller directed by Ted Post. Many of these vintage 70's films are getting the loving care that they deserve (and I have no complaints whatsoever about Anchor Bay's transfer the film looks surprisingly good)so I'm hoping that either Anchor Bay or Dark Sky will continue to mine the vaults for these minor gems.
Movie Review: Good for Roy Thinnes and Angie Dickinson fans
Summary: 3 Stars
"The Night Stalker" with Darren McGavin was a brilliant, one of a kind comedy-thriller. The great McGavin hit his peak with that film, as Las Vegas reporter Carl Kolchak.
The original title of "The Night Stalker" was "The Kolchak Tapes". Darren McGavin apparently didn't want to work with producer Dan Curtis on a series version of "The Night Stalker". McGavin was hoping his own production company would make the series.
Since McGavin shut him out of making a series of "The Night Stalker", Dan Curtis redid the same premise with "The Norliss Tapes". Except he left out the humor.
Roy Thinnes was a hot property after giving three fine series performances: "The Long, Hot Summer", "The Invaders" and "The Psychiatrist".
"The Norliss Tapes" must have been a very expensive TV movie. The production values were first rate, with impressive on location shooting in San Franciso and Big Sur. The film had a much richer look than most TV movies of the period. Dan Curtis' direction had some unusual, quirky touches. Everybody tried hard with this pilot.
David Norliss must have been a very successful journalist, based on his magnificent San Franciso home, his expensive sports car and his stylish clothes. But he is now a terrified loner who has disappeared into thin air. Thinnes gave a good, stylized performance as the very serious journalist, who pretty much functions as a private eye.
Don Porter ("The Candidate", "Private Secretary") would have been the other series regular as David's publisher, who listens to tapes David had recorded for a pending book. The tapes are all that remains of David.
Angie Dickinson gave a warm, natural performance as a woman whose dead husband doesn't want to stay dead. Unfortunately, David Norliss was so serious that there was no romantic or sexual tension between him and Angie. David even called Angie Mrs. Cort. When David suggests Angie live temporarilly at the Inn where he is staying, she knows he has no ulterior motive. He is only concerned about her safety. This was the most unbelievable part of the film. I wonder if Carl Kochak would have been so gentlemanly.
Claude Akins was funny as a dense sheriff, as he had been in "The Night Stalker".
Hurd Hatfield ("The Picture of Dorian Grey") and sexy Michele Carey were intriguing in supporting roles.
If I was NBC, I don't know whether I would have bought this series. It would have been a close call. It might have been good as a segment of their "Wednesday Mystery Movie", which is where it originally aired. I enjoyed this dvd after seeing the original over thirty years ago. The quality of the picture was excellent. I am a big Roy Thinnes and Angie Dickinson fan, so I had a good time.
Movie Review: David Norliss: The Night Stalker
Summary: 3 Stars
Watching "The Norliss Tapes" reminded me of watching "Karl Kolchak: The Night Stalker." Not surprising since both were directed by Dan Curtis who also helmed the landmark gothic soap opera "Dark Shadows." He also directed numerous gothic telehorror masterpieces such as "The Night Stalker," "The Night Strangler," and "Trilogy of Terror."
Let the viewer be warned that "The Norliss Tapes" is a made for television movie that was a pilot for a series that never happened. Its ending led the viewer to believe that the story would be concluded in the first episode of the series. Alas, we will never know what happened to David Norliss (Roy Thinnes).
Angie Dickinson of Brian DePalma's "Dressed to Kill" is wonderful as the wife who is terrorized by her dead husband in his studio. (He looks very similar to the vampire Barnabas Collins of "Dark Shadows.") Norliss investigates the apparition which has a connection to a string of murders where victims are drained of blood.
"Norliss Tapes" is a suspenseful occult telehorror from Dan Curtis. Unfortunately, the ending is disappointing in its abruptness and lack of resolution. I like an open ending but I felt as though twenty minutes were missing. Commentary from Curtis would've been nice; maybe he could've explained future plans he had for the series. As it was, the DVD lacked special features except for a few trailers. Furthermore, the makeup appeared dated and there were innumerable plot holes. "The Norliss Tapes" is recommended only for die hard fans of Curtis' works.
Movie Review: Not one of Dan Curtis's Best Movies
Summary: 3 Stars
Well lets just that this movie was "OK" and thats it. It isn't one of Dan Curtis's best movies thats for sure. However, this movie is just that..average and sometimes dull. The vampire looks more like a "zombie" and any movie that needs narrating isn't that good. I guess the high rating made this "high rated" because it took so long to get it on DVD, but, other than that, its an average movie thats a rental..no more..no less.