TOMMY LEE WALLACE'S 'HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH'

New Scream/Shout Factor Cover H3 YEAR: 1983

This underrated gem, written and directed by producer John Carpenter's collaborator Tommy Lee Wallace, has been maligned for two reasons: It has nothing to do with Michael Myers, the mask-wearing "shape" of the John Carpenter franchise, who was ironically played by Wallace... And it's much more of a sci-fi/thriller than a horror movie.

Plot centers on a doctor, played by dependable Tom Atkins, teaming with beautiful Stacey Nelkin whose father, the owner of a magic shop, is murdered by a man in a black suit.

Signed by Tom Atkins RATES: ****

Atkins and Nelkin wind up in a small town ruled by the mysterious head of a novelty corporation specializing in three simple but spooky Halloween masks: a witch, a pumpkin, and a skull... and because of magic shops, they're open all year round but are still waiting for that titular night to shine: Turns out these masks have powers: After a commercial plays a really creepy/catchy jingle, the children are promised to win a prize...

But this particular trick is no treat, thus resulting in a rather gruesome outcome, while much of the film concerns our snoopy heroes investigating the town after dark, and then the factory itself holds the coolest scenes, replete with mind-bending antique curios even creepier than the antagonists: all created by or purchased by – or working for – head honcho Dan O’Herlihy, who delivers charmingly sinister monologues throughout. And right when you think it’s over, there are a few more twists around the bend.

Stacey Nelkin as Ellie Grimbridge

Never remove a label from a Silver Shamrock Mask...

Stacey Nelkin's got a secret... She isn't gonna go down easily...

Stacey Nelkin dated Woody Allen in the latter 70's, and here in Broadway Danny Rose circa 1984 his ex's marquee is visible