Reviewed by Melissa Antoinette Garza
Possession films make up both some of the best and worst horror movies ever made. Classics like THE EXORCIST (1973) and BURNT OFFERINGS (1976) have provided some of the scariest moments ever filmed. One of the most famous, “Evil Dead” not only stands the test of time but has spawned sequels and a musical rendition.
Recent works like THE LAST EXORCISM (2010) and AN AMERICAN HAUNTING (2005) have added alternative spins and modern twists to the sub-genre making possession popular again. These particular movies, when done correctly, are far scarier than slashers or monster movies. Watching an ordinary individual, whether child or adult, completely lose themselves and lose control as a demon takes over is fascinating and terrifying. Even teen horror can turn a completely mediocre movie into something to remember. KILLER PARTY(1986) has some intense and frightening scenes when the lead is taken over by a demon.
“Abby” very well could’ve been one of the horror classics if given a fair shot. The production stars the 1970s queen of cult cinema Carol Speed as the main character. Abby is a fun, spunky woman who exemplifies the wonderful mix of sweet innocence and seductive prowess. Her husband Reverend Emmett Williams (Terry Carter) grows concerned when Abby begins to act differently. While in the kitchen preparing a meal, she slices her arm open. He calls a doctor who prescribes both pain and sleeping pills. The doctor asks if Abby could be depressed, but the Reverend quickly dismisses the claim and believes the ordeal to just be an awful accident.
Things quickly get worse as Abby’s voice deepens to a demonic tone. She kicks her husband in the genitals and laughs at his agony. Worse still, when her mother invites a friend of the family to come watch over her, Abby goes on the attack both verbally and with the power to move items with her mind. She blocks the door and says awful things to the woman which prompts a fatal heart attack.
When Emmett invites family friends over, Abby flashes herself and right in front of their spouses, makes sexually explicit remarks. Unable to reach her, Emmett calls his father, Bishop Garnet Williams (portrayed by the Late Great blaxsploitation king William Marshall). Upon listening to her symptoms, the Bishop knows precisely what has happened. During one of his archaeological research expeditions, he located a puzzle box with carvings of a sex demon known by the West African Yoruba people as Eshu. Eshu was a trickster and known to be the most powerful earthly deities. Garnet believes that the demon has taken over Abby and decides that an exorcism is necessary. He takes the next flight and advises his son to bring Abby to the hospital.
At first, she plays nice with the nurses and the doctors, only to be vicious to Emmett as soon as they turn their backs. Eventually, she escapes knocking down everyone in her path and locking the hospital doors to ensure that no one follows. She then goes to parties and preys on those who are taken by her sexuality.
There are several interesting facts surrounding the making and subsequent release of this production. Firstly, William Marshall, was extremely dissatisfied with the lack of knowledge the creators had about the West African religion. He took exception to the presentation of the Yoruba people. More so, Mr. Marshall felt that the white producers and writers were too uninformed to present accurate information. His reservations were proven to be sound when the creators were unable to meet his demands though they had assured him the changes were in fruition.
Though, a few adjustments were made and though he personally added some detail when his character spoke of the Yoruba people, he remained upset with the finished product. Promises that were made to him, were not kept. The creators agreed to make adjustments and modify certain scenes so that the film was more realistic concerning the West African people. These changes were never made. One can easily understand Mr. Marshall’s reservations. More than that, his insistence that correct information was shown commands respect. So often, actors simply go with the punches, and care little if entire tribes or groups of people are misrepresented. Marshall vocally separated himself in this manner and this is one of the many reasons, he is missed.
He was an amazing versatile actor, who stole nearly every scene he was in. Reservations aside, he did a phenomenal job in ABBY. Sometimes, when a movie has such an outlandish plot, like human possession, one can find it difficult to suspend disbelief and fall into the plot. He kept his character believable making it easy for the audience to accept all the insanity that ensued around him.
On a personal note, as a woman who is a descendant of the Cherokee people, I have always had great fondness for Mr. Marshall. His contributions to the horror world live on and he will be forever remembered and cherished.
Sadly, though ABBY started off making a large profit and was highly sought after, Warner Bros. destroyed its chances of going down in history as a successful horror classic. Warner Bros. threatened to sue the distribution company stating that ABBY was a blatant copy of THE EXORCIST. This could not be further from the truth. Other than a demon taking possession over a human, there are virtually no similarities between the two productions. Nonetheless, the much smaller AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL PICTURES caved and pulled the movie which grossed nearly 4 million dollars (on a $400k budget) from the theaters. I wish AIP told Warner Bros. to go to hell, because I would have loved to see how much revenue ABBY could have made if given a fair chance.
The movie was shelved for nearly 30 years and hadn’t a proper release. The movie was finally placed on DVD though it appears to be a VHS transfer. Still, despite the poor quality the movie rises above and when one is watching the production value is forgotten about. It is so easy to get pulled into the plot by the excellent acting and disturbing scenes.
Carol Speed is perfect in the lead. Her soft and sweet demeanor and portrayal of Abby prior to the possession makes the transcendence into evil so much more terrifying. This gorgeous woman turned into a terrifyingly ugly and masculine beast. This single character allows one to witness the versatility and talent of Ms. Speed. A few years ago – after a long time away, she returned to acting in an independent thriller called VILLAGE VENGEANCE (2006). I would love to see her in a full-fledged comeback. A sequel to ABBY would definitely be intriguing whether it repossessed her or if she had given it to her children.
Terry Carter was another great asset to the production. The gentleness and never yielding loyalty of Abby’s husband easily invoked sympathy. Carter’s performance was essential in respect to rooting for Abby’s return. His showing of devotion and willingness to do anything to protect her despite the probability of him being hurt or worse makes certain that the audience remains on her side as well. Throughout the majority of the movie, we see Abby committing atrocities including murder. As the real Abby was barely seen it would be easy to see her as the villain, however the combined talent of Speed and Carter made it impossible to want anything but her safe return after the ordeal.
Another great actor who added much to the production was Austin Stoker who played Abby’s brother Detective Cass Potter. Stoker has been in many amazing productions and has given us superb performances in practically every role. One cult classic sci-fi horror movie, I had the pleasure of seeing him in recently was the 1983 classic “Time Walker.” Despite, my husband asking if we could name our first born, Time Walker Garza, after the movie was over – I still enjoyed it immensely.
Stoker adds a subtle strength with each role which not only commands attention but makes the entire film more believable – especially with the plot is of a horror or science fiction nature. Most notably and memorably, he was the hero in John Carpenter’s smash hit ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 (1975) When reviewers say things like, “they don’t make movies the way they did in the 70s and 80s,” Stoke is great evidence supporting this claim. Leading men like Stoker just don’t exist anymore. He had more than just good looks. He has unsurpassed talent which makes each role stand out. Though he could portray an array of different characters with a level of realism, he had a signature about his acting that is reminiscent of Clint Eastwood or Henry Fonda. Few actors today can capture that level of captivation that Stoker has on his audience.
Today we are stuck with “leading” men like Shia LeBouef and Mark Wahlberg who seem like pretty boys with little talent. Though I’m aware Wahlberg obtained critical acclaim for his performance in “The Fighter,” he’s always seemed like a one trick pony to me. There has never been anything about any character he played which WOWed me. He doesn’t have that unspoken charisma or power that the leading men of yesterday have. When I watch a movie they never become the character. I’m always watching Marky Mark or the jerk who got the DUI and broke his arm and cried like a bitch about it. The same is true for Robert Pattinson (though by all accounts, he’s nicer and more respectful than LeBouef) and Christian Bale (who at least apologized for his bitchiness). They just aren’t compelling. Now, if they had the Stoker-esque quality or the Eastwood demeanor they could get away with playing similar roles, but they don’t. I almost want to say that there’s no heart, but that’s a judgment I’m not willing to make. I will say that the talent of an actor like Stoker who can take hold of an audience and keep them captivated throughout is missing in Hollywood today. I would love to see him on the big screen in an action or horror film where he plays the hero.
The closest I’ve seen in recent times is film veteran Liam Neeson who is being cast in both independent productions like THE OTHER MAN (2008) and major productions like THE A-TEAM (2010) and TAKEN (2008) where he has captivated in each performance. The younger generation – though not horrible, are without the ability to step outside themselves and deliver a performance that brings the viewers to their feet.
Back to Abby – for those who haven’t seen the movie, you must. There are genuinely creepy moments and then some that will just entertain. It’s a must-own for any horror fan.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8/10
