DVD Review: Basket Case 3: The Progeny

Basket Case was one of my favorite horror films growing up. Its first sequel, which came out eight years later, was a lot of fun, mixing humor with the horror. The third film, Basket Case 3: The Progeny, ventures further into the comedy realm, though of course a very twisted, gory version of comedy.

The Film

Basket Case 3 opens with the great sex scene from the end of the second film, and then shows us the rest of that ending. Then it’s months later, and Duane (Kevin Van Hentenryck) is locked up in a straightjacket in a padded cell in Ruth’s home. He and his brother are no longer attached. Ruth (Annie Ross) tells him his brother was removed and that Eve, his brother’s girlfriend, is pregnant. There is only one doctor that Ruth trusts to deliver the baby, and so all the freaks pile onto a school bus for a road trip to that doctor’s home.

This film, unlike the previous one, takes advantage of Annie Ross’ vocal talents (she is an accomplished jazz singer). There is a ridiculous and completely enjoyable scene where she leads the freaks in a rousing rendition of “Personality” on the bus. Also, this film firmly puts us on the side of the freaks. It is the freaks who are the victims here.

One thing I love about the film is that it shows that everyone is a bit of a weirdo. The doctor, Hal, is taking care of Little Hal, who creates lots of mechanical gadgets, including a complicated (and humorous) coffee machine. “It’s coffee!” The presence of Little Hal provides an explanation for why Ruth is out to help and protect the freaks, by the way. Even Opal, the sexy daughter of the local sheriff, turns out to be a bit of a freak (in a way that I very much appreciate).

The film also features some wonderfully humorous lines, like when Duane exclaims, “That’s not a pet, goddamnit, that’s my nephew!” Be sure to watch the closing credits, for there is a brief shot at the very end.

The DVD Features

This DVD contains the film’s theatrical trailer.

Basket Case 3: The Progeny was directed by Frank Henenlotter, who also directed the two previous Basket Case films. It is available on DVD through Synapse Films.