Don't Look in the Basement (1973)

"Don't Look in the Basement" (aka. "The Forgotten") is a very entertaining and remarkably well directed horror-exploitation flick. Not so much an ultra-sleazy 'gore film' or anything of that nature (though there's enough to satisfy those seeking such bloody 'perks'...), but what it lacks in that department, it makes up for in crazy fuckers acting all crazy and shit.

A rural mental facility becomes grossly understaffed when two of their doctors are murdered by a few of the more deranged patients so a new, attractive female faculty member is hired on. It doesn't take too long for the house full of wackadoos to unnerve the new arrival with their violent outbursts and dark little secrets tucked away in the basement (and elsewhere, too...).

Considering it clearly had such a minuscule budget and is pretty low on violence for the bulk of it's run-time, I still always find "Don't Look in the Basement" to be an immensely fun watch. The characters are well-portrayed (despite some so-so acting here n' there...) and interesting - sometimes in more funny ways; others more dismal - and the pacing is spot on. There's also a pretty solid 'twist' ending to top things off, along with some axe mutilation. This film is definitely a MUST for 'exploitation' fans or those who enjoy asylum-set horror movies and the like.