The 31 Days of Halloween: Day 13

Halloween is the best time of the year. It's a wonderfully indulgent time, where your inner ghoul is given societal license to be put on display. To celebrate it to it's wicked fullest, the Midnight Cheese will be posting every day in October with excellent ways to enjoy the season. Whether it's horror films, video games, books or activities, check back every day for some new Halloween fun.

The Last Man on Earth

Ah Vincent Price! I could write about the man all day. Previously we gave him some love here. The man was more than a horror icon, he was a force of nature. Today, we're focusing on The Last Man on Earth as part of our Halloween Advent celebration. I hadn't seen this film in years until it came hidden among some dregs and some gems in one of those cheap multipacks containing 50 public domain films.

Man I miss the pure style of these old posters!

This is the first of three films based on the novel I Am Legend by the amazing Richard Matheson. The other two, The Omega Man (1971) and I Am Legend (2007) may both be better remembered and carry more of a cult following, but neither stay as true to source material as Price's original vehicle. He plays the last remaining uninfected human, after the world's population succumbs to a plague which turns them into a form of weakened vampire. His days repeat over and over as he ventures out to find food and fuel during the day and bunkers into his reinforced home at night- when the infected dead surround his house attempting to pound their way inside. This life is clearly wearing on him and he can't seem to kill the sleeping vampires, during his day trips, quickly enough to grant himself some safety (and sanity).

Would you like your steak medium or through the sternum?

No, The Last Man on Earth isn't a big budget actioner. It's just the story of a lonely man trying to persevere and carry on the legacy of mankind. It's a solitary existence and the only moments of joy he might encounter are quickly taken back from him again. Luckily for you, this little thought of gem is available on Netflix for instant streaming. If you don't feel like picking up one of those cheapie 50 horror film packs, chill on the couch and watch a film which had an enormous impact on the genre redefining Night of the Living Dead. (Romero himself claims that he partially ripped of this film and Matheson's source novel). If you're one of the whiny complainers who hass shaken their angry fist at that company's price increase, take comfort- you can also watch The Last Man on Earth (for free and in nice quality) on YouTube Here.

If you're unconvinced, check out the trailer first. I know you won't be able to resist!