Mausoleum (1983)

Director: Michael Dugan

Starring: Marjoe Gortner, Bobbie Bresee, Norman Burton

A 10 year-old girl, mourning the death of her mother, becomes possessed by a demon who has been preying on her female ancestors for centuries. Years later, the demon starts to take over, both mentally and physically.

‘Mausoleum’ is a forgettable 80s horror movie about demonic possession – and even laughable by today’s standards.

The story revolves around the Nomed family, who has a history of demonic possession. (Note how their last name spells Demon when read backwards). The latest member of the family to be possessed, is Susan (Bobbie Bresee), at the age of ten. However, the demon only takes over when she is thirty, and married. So, how was the demon dormant for so long and why?

The premise is not well explored, and as a result I didn’t find it all that interesting. The demon’s intentions were not clear, as it never fully took control of Susan. She seem to be infatuated with men, but her motives are questionable. She has her way with some, and then only kills others. Why? There is no pattern, no sense, no motive.

There’s always promise of something exciting about to happen, but it sadly never does. It pretty much is deja vu, deja vu, deja vu. If you’re into seeing boobs, you’ll love this, as Susan sure do enjoy flaunting her voluptuous body. Again, is this the demon’s actions or her own? If the demon, then why lure men if there is no intention of possessing them, too, or gaining something in he process? It is just silly, unexplored ideas.

Some of the make-up and prosthetics are good, but some are also really bad – again adding to the inconsistency of the film in general. They even make use of freeze frames (still images)!!! Wow, now that’s low budget! At least the performances were not all bad. In closing, I don’t think I’m going to remember this. Then again, I won’t be missing anything if I don’t…

Would I watch it again? No.