February 2007
Manos: Finger-Lick’n Good
If you have not been privileged enough to bear witness to one of film’s greatest achievements, Manos: The Hands of Fate, then you have not yet lived. Set in a barren Texan desert, this landmark horror film focuses on one family’s zany roadtrip, guided by the sweet caress of fate.
Manos was originally panned by critics and audiences alike. Much of the cast and crew is said to have left the theatre during the film’s premiere, due to the film’s perceived poor quality. John Reynolds, who played the memorable role of “Torgo” (servant to “The Master”) reportedly commited suicide within a year of the film’s release because of how the film was received. But now, over forty years later, the film can be appreciated for the true work of genius that it is.
Hal Warren, a manure salesman from El Paso wrote, directed, financed, casted and starred in this little gem, lending his remarkable vision to the big screen. The film was the result of a wager between Mr. Warren and a friend, who bet that Warren could not make a horror film to rival those of Hollywood, armed only with a home video cam.
Manos: The Hands of Fate follows “Michael” (Warren), his beautiful wife, young daughter and black poodle on a vacation that they will never forget! While driving down a road that locals assert, “leads to no where” Michael and the gang stumble across a derelict shack. This is the home of Torgo, a wacky sort of…