Happy Halloween, get out and stream these great black classics.
Originally published in 2022.
This is another look at a horrifying classic black exploitation film, with an adult take on the block buster The Exorcist. The Exorcist starring Linda Blair, was a demonic terrifying horror flick about a 12-year-old girl possessed by Satan himself.
However, two years later in 1974, Satan’s little sexuality demons had gotten a hold of a grown up marriage counselor. Abby starred the cute, bubbly actress Carol Speed. Moreover, if you like horror, this was the one to take you truly to the Soulful of darkness.
You probably know Carol Speed in 1972; when she starred as Lamont’s fiancee Crystal Simpson, during Season 2, Episode 13 of Sanford and Son; leaving Lamont at the altar. In addition, Carol Speed is no stranger to other black exploitation films in the seventies. Because she also played a prostitute training boosters in The Mack, another popular black exploitation film.
Plot: Wikipedia
Dr. Garrett Williams (William Marshall) explains to his students, “Eshu is the most powerful of all earthly deities. Eshu is a trickster, creator of whirlwinds… chaos.”
While on an archaeological dig in a cave in Nigeria, Dr. Williams finds a small puzzle box, carved with the symbols of Eshu: the whirlwind, the cock’s comb, and the erect phallus. When Dr. Williams discovers the mechanism to open the box and unlatches it, a tremendous wind blasts out, knocking Dr. Williams and his men against the cave walls and floor.
The spirit released by Dr. Williams crosses the Atlantic to Louisville, Kentucky to the new home of Dr. Williams’ son, Emmett Williams (Terry Carter) and Abby Williams (Carol Speed). After Abby becomes possessed, her behavior becomes exponentially bizarre and dangerous.
Abby wasn’t as high-budgeted as The Exorcist, but it was a conspicuous and ‘spook-tacular’ second best. You might remember Abby and the knife scene, the bone chilling church performance or the dramatic night club scene.
Additionally, Abby had a great line up of African-American stars. Including, Bracula star William Marshall, who played her father-in-law and a church Bishop. Austin Stoker, a great actor who played the daring and caring detective.
The most notable actor, was the late great Juanita Moore, who portrayed her mother. So, this Halloween stop what you are doing and grab the remote or mouse and stream these great horrific movies of all time.
More:
https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/tv-movies/g33624587/black-horror-movies/
Update from original blog October 13, 2021: The lovely Carol Speed died months after this blog, on January 14, 2022, at the age of 76.
