MHFS November: Fanatic (1965)

Date: Wednesday 26th November 2025
Time: Screening starts at 7:30pm
Location: Champagne Video 318 St. Georges Road Fitzroy North

Back by popular demand, guest presenter Carina Hayden-Skok returns to MHFS with another Hagsploitation Classic: Hammer Films' FANATIC (1965), also known by its American title, DIE! DIE! MY DARLING! And yes, for those familiar, it did go on to inspire a Misfits song

The legendary Tallulah Bankhead - who inspired Cruella de Vil with her scandalous lifestyle - delivers her final screen performance as Mrs. Trefoile, a severe religious fanatic (and Tallulah's complete opposite).

When young Patricia (Stefanie Powers) pays a courtesy visit to her late fiancé's mother, a simple condolence call turns into a claustrophobic nightmare.

This modern (for its time) psychological thriller marks Hammer's departure from Gothic monsters and their first colour suspense film - also a first for the genre! Director Arthur Ibbetson paints a striking visual descent with hues that shift from gorgeous to increasingly garish.

With a screenplay adapted by horror legend Richard Matheson (from Anne Blaisdell's 1961 novel Nightmare), a very young Donald Sutherland in an early role and some powerhouse female performances, you're sure to be in for a treat.

Join us for 97 minutes of prime "psycho biddy" cinema - captivity, religious mania, and one Hollywood icon's unforgettable swan song.

Memberships will be available at Champagne Video on the night for $20 or $60 cold hard cash. That gets you into three or twelve screenings respectively. We'll be in the cinema room between 7 and 7.30 to organise those, with the screening getting started at 7.30. Come along early for a drink / eat / hang before the show!

Can't wait!
MHFS Crew