Have you ever wondered to yourself why a specific film is considered by many to be a “cult film”? Have you ever wondered why a particular film has the fans and legacy that it does? Join your host, Jesse Krempel, every week as he dives into a different film from a variety of genres, and analyzes how the movie came to be, how it was released and how exactly did it become a cult classic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode, we dive into Gregg Araki’s Totally Fucked Up (1993), the raw, DIY cornerstone of his Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy. Blurring the lines between documentary-style confessional and narrative chaos, the film follows a group of queer teens navigating love, alienation, and survival in early ’90s Los Angeles. We unpack its fragmented structu…
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Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990)
1:20:29
1:20:29
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1:20:29In this episode, we unpack the cult classic Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990), a quirky, melancholic tale of identity, abandonment, and small-town myth-making. We follow the story of Dinky Bossetti, played by a young Winona Ryder, as she navigates her outsider status in anticipation of the return of the town’s elusive hometown hero, Roxy Carmich…
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in July 2025. Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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In this episode, we unravel the haunting psychological labyrinth of Jacob’s Ladder (1990), a film that blends horror, trauma, and existential dread into a singular cinematic experience. Directed by Adrian Lyne and starring Tim Robbins, this cult classic follows Vietnam veteran Jacob Singer as he grapples with disturbing visions, shifting realities,…
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In this episode, we’re diving into Loser (2000), the offbeat teen dramedy that tried to flip the college rom-com formula on its head. Directed by Amy Heckerling (Clueless, Fast Times at Ridgemont High) and starring Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari, Loser tells the story of Paul Tannek — a socially awkward but good-hearted guy navigating life at NYU, unr…
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On today's episode, we're cutting off our hair and going on the run, but standing for justice, damn it, as we revisit the underseen and IMO underrated 80s classic that is The Legend of Billie Jean (1985). Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, …
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On today's episode, we're heading out to the desert and fighting for our lives against a family of bloodthirsty cannibals as we dive into The Hills Have Eyes (1977). This movie was written and directed by the one and only Mr. Wes Craven. Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] Follow Cult Cine…
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In this episode, we dive into the body-swapping chaos of Freaky Friday (2003), the Disney teen comedy that gave us peak Lindsay Lohan, a guitar-shredding garage band, and Jamie Lee Curtis in one of her most unexpectedly hilarious roles. We unpack the film’s themes of mother-daughter tension, identity, and empathy—plus, why this version of Freaky Fr…
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in June 2025. Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (1987)
1:01:11
1:01:11
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1:01:11In this episode, we dive deep into Todd Haynes’ underground cult classic Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story—a haunting, avant-garde retelling of Karen Carpenter’s life told entirely through Barbie dolls. Banned shortly after its release due to music rights issues, this 1987 short film remains a powerful and controversial portrait of fame, control…
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Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls (1970) with special guest Elizabeth Teets
1:22:07
1:22:07
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1:22:07Welcome to this week’s wild ride as me and my returning guest, Elizabeth Teets dive headfirst into the psychedelic madness of Beyond the Valley of the Dolls—Russ Meyer and Roger Ebert’s infamous 1970 cult classic that defies categorization and good taste in equal measure. From its candy-colored visuals to its unhinged plot twists, this film isn’t a…
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Valley Of The Dolls (1967) with special guest Donovan Marcotte
1:37:28
1:37:28
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1:37:28In this episode, me and my homegirl, Donovan Marcotte, pop the cork — and the "dolls" — on one of Hollywood’s most infamous cult classics: Valley of the Dolls (1967). From its glamorous rise to its tragic falls, we explore how this adaptation of Jacqueline Susann's bestselling novel became both a time capsule of 1960s stardom and a cautionary tale …
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On this episode, we're holding a very important meeting of the Special People Club, and inviting our much older crush to dine on some Hostess snacks, while we cover the pitch black comedy from 1995, Welcome to the Dollhouse. This movie was written and directed by Todd Solondz. We explore how this movie was a huge part of the indie movie boom in the…
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in May 2025. Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Now and Then (1995) - Revisited with special guest Sarah Heidelberg
2:16:39
2:16:39
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2:16:39In this episode, me and my sister hop on our bikes and ride back to the summer of 1970 while we revisit the absolute banger that is Now and Then—a nostalgic coming-of-age classic that’s equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching. We explore how this beloved 1995 film captures the complexities of girlhood, friendship, and the sometimes awkward, of…
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In this episode, we’re hitting the road—literally—as we take a wild ride back to the year 2000 with Road Trip, the raunchy college comedy that defined an era of gross-out humor and questionable decisions. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, and Amy Smart, this chaotic journey across state lines is packed with …
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The Baby-Sitters Club (1995) with special guest Mark J. Parker
1:58:13
1:58:13
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1:58:13In this nostalgic deep-dive, myself and my buddy Mark J. Parker head back to Stoneybrook to revisit The Baby-Sitters Club (1995), the feel-good film based on Ann M. Martin’s beloved book series. From Claudia’s iconic outfits to Kristy’s summer business dreams, we explore how the movie captured the heart and hustle of a group of young girls balancin…
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Equinox (1970) with special guest Jackson Cooper
1:14:30
1:14:30
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1:14:30In this episode, me and my homegirl, Jackson Cooper, dive into the cult classic Equinox (1970), a low-budget horror gem that helped lay the groundwork for independent genre filmmaking. With its surreal story of college students stumbling upon an ancient book that opens a portal to another dimension, Equinox blends stop-motion monsters, amateur char…
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in April 2025. Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000)
55:42
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55:42In this episode, we take a prehistoric plunge into The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000), the flashy, goofy prequel to the 1994 live-action original. With a brand-new cast and a wild ride through young love, dino-driven limos, and Vegas-style shenanigans, this film aimed to show us how Fred and Wilma—and Barney and Betty—first found love in the…
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This week, we’re stirring the pot with Gossip (2000)—a deliciously chaotic college thriller where one little rumor blows up way bigger than anyone expected. It’s got hot young stars (hello, James Marsden, Lena Headey, Kate Hudson), questionable ethics, and enough plot twists to make your head spin. We’re breaking down all the wild turns, the early-…
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This week, we’re strapping on our scrunchies and doing synchronized backflips into the gloriously neon world of Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985). Join us as we relive the tale of rebellious Catholic school girls, televised dance-offs, and the eternal struggle against buzzkill parents who just don’t understand the rhythm. We’re talking Sarah Jessi…
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This week, we’re shedding one single, sexy tear for Cry-Baby (1990), John Waters’ delightfully deranged teen musical where bad boys ride motorcycles, good girls lose their minds, and everyone’s got more hair grease than sense. We’re talking prison chic, awkward tongue kisses, and a world where courtroom scenes turn into doo-wop numbers. Johnny Depp…
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April's Fools Day (1986) with special guest Shawn Williams
1:35:36
1:35:36
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1:35:36It’s April 1st, and we’re celebrating the only slasher movie where the real killer might just be… vibes? Join me and my special guest, Shawn Williams, as we revisit April Fool’s Day (1986), the horror movie that asks, “What if Clue, but with hotter people and way more shoulder pads?” We’re talking booby traps, bizarre accents, mystery mullets, and …
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in March 2025. Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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This week, we’re infiltrating the highly classified, absolutely ridiculous world of D.E.B.S., the 2004 spy spoof where top-secret agents are recruited via… standardized testing? Join me as I salute the absurdity of crime-fighting schoolgirls in mini skirts, Lucy Diamond’s gay villain era, and a love story that somehow bloomed in the middle of a las…
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Tank Girl (1995) with special guest Mark J. Parker
1:48:47
1:48:47
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1:48:47In this episode, me and my buddy Mark J. Parker are diving headfirst into the chaotic, punk-fueled world of Tank Girl (1995)! Based on the cult comic series, this dystopian sci-fi action-comedy follows Lori Petty as the rebellious, tank-driving heroine taking on a corrupt megacorporation in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. With wild visuals, a killer …
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Buckle up and keep an eye out for signs—this week, we’re diving into Final Destination (2000), the horror classic that made us all fear plane rides, highways, and even showering. We’ll revisit the film’s iconic death scenes, discuss its eerie premonition-fueled premise, and break down why Death itself is the ultimate villain. Plus, we explore how F…
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What if something was always coming for you—slow, steady, and unstoppable? This week, we’re breaking down It Follows (2014), David Robert Mitchell’s haunting take on supernatural horror. With its eerie, synth-heavy score by Disasterpeace, unsettling cinematography, and a relentless entity that never stops moving, this film has cemented itself as on…
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in February 2025. Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Grab your sleds and stock up on hot cocoa because on today’s episode, we’re diving into the 2000 Nickelodeon classic Snow Day! We dive into how this movie was conceived as a movie taking place in the Adventure of Pete and Pete universe, talk about the banging soundtrack and how this movie just might not hit the mark for me. Video Essay About The Ad…
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Frozen (2010) with special guest Jenn Adams
1:34:52
1:34:52
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1:34:52In this chilling episode, we take a deep dive into Frozen (2010), Adam Green’s brutal survival horror film about three friends stranded on a ski lift in deadly conditions. We discuss the film’s gripping tension, the terrifying realism of its premise, and the emotional weight of its characters’ struggle for survival. Plus, we explore how Frozen stan…
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My Bloody Valentine (1981) with special guest Pickens Barringer
1:25:26
1:25:26
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1:25:26"Roses are red, violets are blue, one is dead and so are you" Love is in the air… and so is the sound of a pickaxe swinging. In this episode, we’re diving into the cult classic My Bloody Valentine (1981), the slasher that gave Valentine’s Day a terrifying twist. From its gory kills to its eerie mining town setting, we’ll explore what makes this Can…
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“Repent for your sins, Grace” On today’s episode, we’re celebrating the start of Frigid February, by covering a film that is very unsettling and overall depressing, but is a great snowy horror film, The Lodge (2019) Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Inst…
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in January 2025. Check Out My Podcast Appearances From January!! Men Who Like Men Who Like Movies Into The Darkness: Exploring Horror Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, an…
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Comfort Sequels: An Interview with Emily Marinelli
57:32
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57:32On today's episode, we're talking with Emily Marinelli, author of the new book, Comfort Sequels: The Psychology of Movie Sequels from the 80s and 90s. We talk about what inspired Emily to write this book in the first place, her undying love for Grease 2, and her fascination with all things sequels from the 80s and 90s. This was a super fun chat, an…
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Rod Serling at 100: An Interview With Joseph Dougherty
1:07:45
1:07:45
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1:07:45On today's episode, I'm chatting with television and film writer, Joseph Dougherty about his new book, Rod Serling at 100: One Writer's Acknowledgment. Joe and I talk all about how he got started in the entertainment business, and a bit about his time on the TV show Thirtysomething and his experience writing the HBO Film, Cast A Deadly Spell. We en…
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in December 2024 Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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"Look, I'm just gonna go home and kill myself. You wanna share a cab?" "So I can pass out and wake up *alone* on New Year's Day?" On today's episode, we're closing out the year with an absolutely appropriate pick for New Year's Eve. This film has somewhat gone lost, but is deeply beloved by a lot of folks who have seen it and that is the MTV Film, …
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Go (1999) with special guest Seth Shubin
1:32:22
1:32:22
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1:32:22"Just so we're clear, you stole a car, shot a bouncer, and had sex with two women?" On today's episode, we're celebrating Christmas with an unconventional pick for the season, as we cover the absolute banger that is Go! (1999). This movie is such a fun, frenetic time, and I can't help but enjoy myself when I watch this. To add to this conversation,…
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Richie Rich (1994) with special guest Sarah Heidelberg
1:39:49
1:39:49
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1:39:49“Poor kid? What are you talking about? He's the richest kid in the world!” On today's episode, we're heading to our very own McDonald's and covering the absolute kid wish fulfillment film, Richie Rich! Videos Referenced: Leeja Miller: My Cousin Vinny Reaction LegalEagle: My Cousin Vinny Reaction Go Listen To Me!!! Party Monster Episode of MTMUG Int…
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Girl, Interrupted (1999) with special guest Shawn Williams
1:26:55
1:26:55
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1:26:55"Because you're dead already, Lisa! No one cares if you die, Lisa, because you're dead already. Your heart is cold. That's why you keep coming back here. You're not free. You need this place, you need it to feel alive. It's pathetic." It's cold outside, but we're having a ball at Claymoore with our best girl friends!!! On today's episode, my buddy,…
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"God bless us every one... except Satan!" On today’s episode, we’re pulling up to the town of Ornaments, and checking out a little hidden gem of a SyFy movie, called Letters To Satan Claus Interview With Michael Zara, Writer of Letters To Satan Claus Jane Mulcahy’s Video Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: cultcinem…
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in November 2024 Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Blood Rage (1987) with special guest Brandon Randolph
1:35:33
1:35:33
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1:35:33"That's not cranberry sauce..." Thanksgiving is a farce of a holiday, anyway, so to go along with that, I'm excited to bring you an episode, covering one of the only horror movies dedicated to the holiday, Blood Rage!! Join me and my guest, Brandon Randolph, owner and artist at Zombae Brando Designs, as we talk about this wild movie, and also talk …
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On today’s episode, we’re popping in some video tapes and talking about the movie that started a long running series, V/H/S (2012) Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform…
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Steel Magnolias (1989) with special guest Drew Gaver
1:31:17
1:31:17
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1:31:17"My colors are blush and bashful" On today's episode, my guest Drew Gaver (aka Bev The Drag Queen) and myself are heading to Truvy's Salon, as we revisit the absolute masterpiece that is Steel Magnolias (1989) Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Drew on Instagram, TikTok, Faceb…
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Faster Pussycat, Kill Kill (1965) with special guest Rocco T. Thompson
1:36:04
1:36:04
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1:36:04"Like a velvet glove cast in iron, and like the gas chamber, Varla, a real fun gal!" On today's episode, my guest Rocco T. Thompson and I are welcoming you to violence, as we cover Faster, Pussycat Kill Kill (1965) Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Rocco on Instagram, Twitter…
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On today's bonus episode, I talk about the films that I watched in October 2024 Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Bluesky, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Night Of The Demons (1988) with special guest Pickens Barringer
1:30:12
1:30:12
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1:30:12"Do you guys have sour balls?" This week, my friend, Pickens Barringer and I are going to a party at Hull House, as we revisit the absolute horror classic, Night Of The Demons (1988) ---- Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan Boyle ---- Show E-Mail: [email protected] ---- Follow Pickens on Instagram Follow Cult Cinema Circle on Inst…
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