Four Korean War veterans, all accomplished surgeons, decide to spend their yearly vacation in isolated Canadian woodland known as “The Cauldron Of The Moon”.  Each of the men has their dynamic within the group of friends. Harry (the always amazing Hal Holbrook) is the moral backbone of the group, who has chosen to maintain his practice a less profitable hospital in order to help the patients that really need it. While Mitzi (Lawrence Dane) is a narcissistic alcoholic focused on deepening his pockets through the advent of more modern medicine.  Brothers DJ (Gary Reineke) and Marty (Robin Gammell) couldn’t be more different, DJ is the alpha male who put the trip together and is prepared for the action that lies ahead and Marty is a homosexual who is recovering from both a breakup and a nervous brake down. And, finally, good natured Abel (Ken James) is just there for the fun and camaraderie.

On the first night, amidst the petty squabbles and alcohol the group passes out and wakes up to learn that someone or something has taken their shoes, save for DJ who slept in his. Unable to hike the dangerous terrain, the group sends DJ off to a nearby power plant to get some help. While waiting in the unknown wilderness they discover a totem like collection of severed animal parts, and it begins to become apparent that they are being watched. While attempting escape, they discover booby traps set up to block their way through the forest. And if the men are to survive, they have to put aside their differences and work together to combat whatever unseen force is out to kill them.   

I’ll get it out of the way by saying first that this film is difficult to sit through. Not just for its subject matter, but it literally seems like it was made by someone who had no knowledge of lighting or sound. There are certain times in the film where you can’t see or hear anything!! No matter which version of the film you are watching and ,at times, it can make you want to give up on the film. That being said, I think that the clear mistakes actually work in the film’s favor. These gaffes giving the film a documentary like feel that increases the sense of reality and heightens the fear of the unknown. I sincerely doubt that this was Carter’s intention, but for what it’s worth it really worked on me.

The other great thing about this film is that the dialogue is mostly, for what I could tell, Ad libbed. This also gives the film a greater sense of realism, and helps you to more fully get sense of who these men are and how their relationships work.  It reminded me of “M*A*S*H” in a way. The characters and acting style are similar in tone and execution. The plot moves on at slower pace then other films of this type, especially “Deliverance”, but what it lacks in action it makes up in character development. It works more like a character study on the men’s situation then a survival horror film. Additional kudos are rewarded for not making Marty’s homosexuality a joke or plot point. Treating a homosexual character like a normal human being was not something was common in the late 70’s, and it should be recognized.

Hal Holbrook is one of America’s greatest underrated actors. Through his many memorable performances in films like “The Fog” or “All The Presidents Men” whether playing the hero, or the villain, one things for sure, Hal always brings his A game. And here he gives one of my favorite of his performances. He plays a man who truly is trying to do what’s right, but is struggling choosing between his survival and that of his friends. His character, Harry, has to make some tough choices, and good ole Hal let us feel every emotion of each one of them, it’s a powerhouse performance to say the least. Out of the others, the two actors that we see the most onscreen are Dane and Gammel and they turn in solid work. Especially Gammel who wisely underplays his role and has one great monologue that really makes you feel for his character. Dane, who is a little hammy, works off Holbrook well as the psychological cat and mouse between them becomes the plot’s focal point in the final reel.

It’s a real shame that this film hasn’t been given a proper release. Rue Morgue Magazine had it featured in a cover story that spoke of a Code Red DVD. But, sadly, this release has been delayed indefinitely for unknown reasons. Hopefully however with Code Red’s great track record, the wait for a sold transfer with a bountiful extras, won’t be far off. Please, if you can, visit their website www.codereddvd.com and send them an e-mail petitioning the release. Maybe then we, finally, can have a good look at this forgotten gem it all it’s gritty glory.