Fear No Evil

LaLoggia Productions. Director Frank LaLoggia; Producer Frank LaLoggia, Charles LaLoggia; Screenplay Frank LaLoggia; Camera Fred Goodich; Editor Edna Ruth Paul; Music Frank LaLoggia, David Spear

Elizabeth Hoffman
Kathleen Rowe McAllen
Frank Birney
Stefan Arngrim
Daniel Eden

Though the horror genre is sated with maniacs on the menace, Fear No Evil stands out. Spooky and surreal, the ultimately hopeful film has its basis in religious morality.

A rotten seed, born to horrified parents, grows into a menacing 17-year-old. He's a hopeless baddie consumed by the power to destroy. At Andrew/Lucifer's wicked island domain, he summons the undead and tangles with Margaret, an old woman with the power of God behind her.

Strong on atmospherics, thanks to slick lensing by Fred Goodich, Fear No Evil is a studious chiller that works best in scenes featuring Elizabeth Hoffman, who fairly glows with devotional fervour as Margaret.

At a cost of $1.5 million, Fear No Evil is an admirable first feature by writer-director Frank LaLoggia, 27, who also co-wrote the lush music. The former U of Miami drama student previously made three award-winning shorts and acted in three television pilots.

(Color) Available on VHS. Extract of a review from 1981. Running time: 99 MIN.

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