If you’re a fan of GAME OF THRONES, you are going to love Andy Milligan’s TORTURE DUNGEON! Devious machinations! Premeditated murders! Arranged marriages! Incestuous siblings! Familial revelations! All for the sake of gaining the power of the throne! Though there are no dragons to be found, so maybe it’s not quite like GAME OF THRONES.
We’re going to need a bigger Band-Aid!
When the king quite literally loses his head while picking a rose, his throne is up for grabs. His brother Albert, Duke of Aberthy is next in line, followed by his sisters Lady Agatha and Lady Jane, the latter being pregnant with her dead brother’s baby. The last in line is half-sibling Norman, Duke of Norwich. Even if Norman could be king, his sterility would prevent the royal lineage from continuing, so he pushes the council, which consists of three men all named Peter, to find a fertile bride for the child-like Albert.
Are you looking at my eye?
Heather MacGregor is a lovely young woman living with her adopted father in what appears to be poverty. She is so in love with a young man named William, she agrees to frolic naked in a questionably clean stream with him, but her happiness is short-lived. For 30 pieces of gold, Heather’s father agrees she will marry Albert. After the bad news is delivered, Margaret, family friend and local one-eyed hag, explains to the young woman that there is nothing to be done about the situation and it’s for the best. Heather tries to find peace of mind through a conversation with her intense and barely clothed friend Marvin, but only accepts her fate after William is crucified to a wall, jabbed with a pitchfork and gutted.
Is that a pitchfork in your chest or are you just happy to see me?
As the wedding day approaches, Heather must face her lack of control amidst the insanity. Her impending groom is eating bugs before their first meeting. Her soon-to-be sisters-in-law keep warning her about Norman. She needs no warning because Norman and his hunchback servant/lover Ivan keeps Heather more than unsettled. Finally, the manic marriage counselor Magda instructs Heather in what to expect during the ceremony and the wedding night.
Let’s talk about sex, baby!
The wedding night is when bodies really start piling up, which isn’t exactly what Magda described. Who is behind this systematic slaughter for the elusive crown. The suspects are many, but I’m only giving you one guess. However, you need to watch TORTURE DUNGEON, streaming on Tubi and Fawesome, to find out for certain.
Why does he insist on torturing us so?
I generally prefer Andy Milligan’s sexploitation films over his horror stuff, but I seriously enjoy TORTURE DUNGEON. Gerald Jacuzzo, who sadly passed away in August, is the reason to watch. His overly dramatic, searingly sexy turn as the manipulative Norman is his best performance in a Milligan film. He also gets to explain his desires in a fantastic speech. “I live for pleasure. Only second to power, of course. And I’ll try anything. I’m not a homosexual, I’m not a heterosexual, I’m not asexual, I’m try-sexual. Yes, that’s it, I’ll try anything for pleasure.”
Prince Valiant brings all the hunchbacks to the yard!
Another reason to watch is Maggie Rogers, who is best known as the vicious matriarch in Andy Milligan’s SEEDS (aka Seeds of Sin). In TORTURE DUNGEON, she plays Margaret, the one-eyed hag, a much more sympathetic character. She shows a range from motherly figure to a woman seeking revenge and is magnetic in every scene.
Not a selfie.
A couple of other actors from the Milligan stable are worth mentioning. Hal Borske (MONSTROSITY) is believably insipid and amusing as dim bulb Albert. Neil Flanagan (FLESHPOT) is always a welcome sight and he keeps things surprisingly understated as the Peter with an eyepatch.
Pick a peck of pickled Peters.
Speaking of which, having Peter be the name of each of the three council members makes me feel a real kinship with Andy Milligan. Several secondary characters in my book DARK EXCURSIONS have variations of the name Peter, so maybe we share a similar sense of humor.
A book of Peters?
I can’t let this review slip by without specifically mentioning Magda, the manic marriage counselor. From my understanding from an audio commentary, the woman who gave energetic life to the role is uncredited and unknown. Whoever she is/was, she bursts forth into the middle of TORTURE DUNGEON like a colorful whirlwind and is gone just as quickly. I don’t know if I can fully express how random, weird, wonderful and delightful she is! Magda might be one of the most bizarre and entertaining characters to appear in any Milligan film and she needs to be experienced!
We all need a Magda in our life!
In conclusion… Andy Milligan managed to meld what appears to be his three favorite genres, horror, sexploitation and family melodrama, into one gleefully grisly and absurd film. The medieval (?) setting gave him the opportunity to show off some of the wildest costumes he ever designed for his films. Don’t panic though, Swirl Camera is here, along with other Milligan modus operandi, such as the previously mentioned crucifixion, pitchfork, hunchback, incest, and male and female nudity. What more can you want from grindhouse cinema? If all of these things peak your interest, pull up an iron chair, or maybe sit on your porcelain throne, and explore the sights and sounds of TORTURE DUNGEON!
Dom sure does, but only to make sure his best friend Benjamin has some extra money before leaving.Benjamin is off to L.A. to become the next big gay porn superstar and the producers are paying for everything.This is why Dom agrees to be a drug mule for his cousin Dee-Dee.
The first thing to go wrong is Dee-Dee is out of it, leaving her girlfriend Alice in charge. Dom tries to back out of the deal, but Alice convinces him, at gunpoint, to swallow several gelatinous spheres containing the drugs. Alice even forces Benjamin to swallow one. Their mission, which they are forced to accept, is to drive across the border to a specific rest stop and poop out the spheres.
The second thing to go wrong is a confrontation with a homophobic redneck, leaving them in a mess, literally. After getting punched in the gut, Dom expels some of the drug spheres, but one has broke open inside him. The side effects are simultaneously numbing and arousing. Freaking out, and not knowing what else to do, Benjamin calls the police. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Alice shows up first.
The third thing to go wrong is Alice drives Benjamin and a very high and hard Dom to a cabin in the woods, leaving them at the mercy of Rich. Rich is an aging drug kingpin with a flamboyant stylish flare and he wants his drugs out of the two young men. What will happen? Will Rich retrieve his gelatinous drug spheres and how? Will Benjamin poop out the one he swallowed? Will Dom and his erection come down? Will Alice help or hinder the whole situation? What exactly are the drugs anyway? I’ll keep my mouth shut and swallow the answers.
I ordered SWALLOWED from Vinegar Syndrome for 2 reasons: Jena Malone and Mark Patton. I first saw Jena Malone in the wickedly irreverent SAVED! (2004) and I’ve been a fan ever since. As Alice in SWALLOWED, Jena does not disappoint. She is somehow both scary and sympathetic. Mark Patton, of course, became horror’s first male scream queen in A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET PART 2: FREDDY’S REVENGE (1985), which had an effect on my worldview. As Rich in SWALLOWED, Mark gives a tour de force performance. He manages to be humorous and disturbing, sometimes in the same breath. Even though I’m not as familiar withCooper Koch as Benjamin and José Colón as Dom, they both give strong performances as very complicated friends trapped in a waking nightmare.
Writer/Director Carter Smith keeps the story moving and creates a truly unsettling atmosphere.When researching SWALLOWED, I surprisingly discovered that I had seen another Carter Smith film.He directed THE RUINS (2008), which is about a jolly holiday gone horrifyingly wrong by some killer greenery.I recommend THE RUINS and not just because Jena Malone stars in it.
In conclusion… SWALLOWED might be one of the most disturbing films I’ve seen in a long time. However, what isn’t shown is the most unsettling and difficult to sit through. That being said, I enjoyed the complex characters and have watched it more than once. So, if you’re in the mood for some queer horror, you can’t go wrong with SWALLOWED. Just sit back, relax and unclinch your cheeks!
Freak Out, JLH
P.S. click the pic 👇 to read about a similarly titled film…
When Rebecca of Taking Up Room announced The Vivian Blaine Blogathon for October 2-4, 2026, my first thought was, naturally, Perry Como. Before my Andy Milligan obsession, my ears were tuned in and turned on to the ultra-smooth, uber-mellow musical stylings of The Como! Since I already blogged a bit about DOLL FACE (1945), and I’m not touching SOMETHING FOR THE BOYS (1944), my only remaining choice for a Blaine/Como vehicle was IF I’M LUCKY (1946).
The plot is pure joyful musical nonsense wrapped around a political satire of sorts. Wally (Phil Silvers) is getting the band back together for a gig with Titan Tires. The main members of the band include his girlfriend/harp player/singer Michelle (Carmen Miranda), trumpeter Earl (Harry James) and, last but not least, singer Linda (Vivian Blaine). There are several other members but they aren’t important to the plot. When the Titan Tires gig falls flat, the band is on the street and hungry. Salvation for an empty stomach is found in the most unlikely place, a political rally. While devouring free hot dogs, the band notices nobody is listening to the candidate running for governor. Thankful for full bellies, the band puts on a show, which keeps butts in seats and makes the candidate happy and popular. The candidate thanks the band by hiring them for all of his political rallies. It’s during one of these events that Allen (Perry Como) shows up with a song and a desire to break into the business of show.
Please stop singing into my eye!
Allen’s song is a hit, so he joins the band and catches the eye of Linda. Things seem to be coming up aces for everyone. The band has a steady gig, Allen and Linda are singing duets, and the candidate is more popular than ever! That is until a political committee blackmails the candidate so the current governor will win the election. Before you know it, Allen goes from crooner to candidate, and the constituents love him! Will Allen become the next governor? Will Linda lose her duet partner? Will Michelle run out of quirky hats to wear? Will Wally throw his back out lugging around Michelle’s harp? Will the political committee use Allen for their own nefarious purposes? I’ll just say that a musical from the 1940’s, even a black & white one, will probably end happily.
The bus driver is ready to drive off a cliff.
I could go on about how amusing it is to watch Perry Como acting like an ingénue when he was already a crooning chart-topper. I could lament the Technicolor tragedy of the vibrantly dressed Carmen Miranda being relegated to black and white. However, we are here to celebrate Vivian Blaine!
Betty White?
According to IMDb, Vivian Blaine was born Vivian Sarah Stapleton on November 21, 1921. It sounds like Blaine was a Broadway star, originating many roles, including Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls and would later appear in the 1955 film. As Linda in IF I’M LUCKY, Vivian Blaine is humorous, charming and appears to be having fun. Though maybe not as much fun as she was having in the “Pet Me Poppa” number in Guys and Dolls, which is literally the only thing I remember about that movie. Sadly, this singer-dancer-actor triple threat died on December 9, 1995. Her last appearance was in a 1985 episode of Murder, She Wrote, so at least Vivian Blaine took her final bow in style.
Thanks for the song and dance!
In conclusion… IF I’M LUCKY may not be the best film in Blaine’s decades-spanning career, but I enjoy the innocent humor and the general ridiculousness of the whole thing. If you’re a Vivian Blaine completist or a Carmen Miranda fan or obsessed with Perry Como, then put on a quirky hat, slip on your dancing shoes and “follow the band” to IF I’M LUCKY!
SIDE NOTE: During my research, I learned IF I’M LUCKY is a remake of THANKS A MILLION (1935). Just more proof that Hollywood has always been about remakes.
I was searching for a soundtrack to some other film when I noticed a soundtrack to a film with a long and unusual title. My first thought was, Is that a real movie?
After doing research, I realized it is a real film, obvi. The trailer hypnotized me! Gillian Anderson of X-Files fame stars! Jane Schoenbrun (I SAW THE TV GLOW) is the writer/director! I felt an overwhelming need (yes, need) to see TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA! I so badly wanted to grab my Mad Scientist Glasses and catch a showing in a theater, but I live in the center of Nebraska. The closest theater showing it was 2 and a half hours away. If I could drive, I would’ve been there in a heartbeat. I even checked public transportation, which is about an hour away, and departures were at 2 in the morning! It SUCKS to be visually impaired in the middle of nowhere!
Anyhoo…since a theater screening was not going to happen, I purchased a digital copy from Apple TV the moment I could. I convinced myself doing this was no different than purchasing an unknown Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome. Ultimately, purchasing the digital version was perhaps better for my half-blind eyes than seeing it in the theater because of the extraordinarily helpful Descriptive Audio language option.
You might be asking, “What is TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA about?”
Well…
Is it about rebooting a problematic film franchise from a queer perspective?
Is it about the stress of being a young filmmaker?
Is it about the emotional toll of being an actor?
Is it about how films can positively and negatively alter us?
Is it about the blurring of lines between reality and film?
Is it about the female orgasm?
I will just say Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder better receive acting nods as the two leads! As for Jane Schoenbrun, if they aren’t nominated for original screenplay and director, then the Academy Awards can sink to the bottom of Lake Miasma!
In conclusion… TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA was everything I expected, but also so much more. I actually can’t stop thinking about it. So if you’re a horror fan who enjoys a smart, unique take on the genre, grab some fried chicken, dipping sauce and loads of candy to better prepare yourself for meeting Little Death!
It was fantastic! It was amazing! It was, dare I say, magical!
Those are some of the statements I exclaimed to those who asked how the poetry event went. It was a breath of fresh air to step into the creative atmosphere of Chadron Open Art.The proprietors, poets and people I met there were warm and inviting. Honestly, I felt a bit loud and artless among such thoughtful, artistic souls in such an artistic place.
Thankfully, the 2 Daniels of Chadron Open Art and the other poets, Jewel Rodgers, Stephanie E. Glass and Robert McEwen accepted me for whichever me was present that evening. I know I was feeling super excited and enthusiastic for the event, so I can only imagine how tactless and uncool I was being. Dork be dorking, but that’s ok.
Robert, John, Stephanie and Jewel!
I was a bundle of nerves as the event kicked off, but watching and listening to Jewel and Stephanie perform their moving, thought-provoking words helped me to relax. When Jewel introduced me, I was ready, but more about that later. After my moment, Bob transfixed the audience with his poetry and humor. I felt a distinct impression the majority of the room knew Bob in one way or another. I definitely won’t forget him now that I’ve met him. The incredible evening wrapped up perfectly with a few volunteers from the crowd sharing their poetry. One piece about loving yourself, by a poet named Bailey (spelling?), was beautiful and relatable.
As for my moment in the spotlight, I feel I did well. My sister claimed I did a great job. A few friends from home and elsewhere expressed similar opinions after watching the YouTube video my sister shot and I uploaded that very night. I’ll let you judge for yourself… I must give a shout-out to Jeanne and The Olde Main Street Inn! This historic hotel, located in downtown Chadron, Nebraska is like stepping back in time. Jeanne greeted my sister and I with a refresher drink and we all had a delightful chat for almost an hour. Our room, The Cowboy Room, was wonderfully unique. So much more atmosphere than a chain hotel. The next morning, over our choice of caffeine, we chatted with Jeanne about this, that and everything. She made us feel at home and we will definitely stay at The Olde Main Street Inn the next time we visit the city of Chadron!
Another shout-out goes to Chadron Public Library at its temporary location! My sister and I found its usual home, but it is being remodeled. Thankfully, the rather groovy temporary location is not too far away from The Olde Main Street Inn and was easy to find. I donated copies of Vision Bent, Dark Excursions and Sturgeons for possible inclusion into their collection. It would be awesome to see my books at a second Nebraska library, but we shall see if they are accepted.
Overall, the weekend of September 5 & 6 was fantastic, amazing and, yes, even magical. I got up in front of a crowd and performed my poetry and the audience seemed to enjoy and maybe related to my words. I feel a sense of pride for having done what I could’ve scarcely imagined a few years ago, but the sound of the applause still embarrasses me. So, even if nothing else comes from this event, at least I can say, “I did it!”
Freak Out, JLH
P.S. On the way home, we swung by Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska. Think Stonehenge made out of cars. It was interesting and thankfully free.
Readings by Jewel Rodgers, Stephanie E. Glass, Robert McEwen and John L. Harmon
HOMEGROWN
A Traveling Series
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th, 2026 @ 6PM
Organized by Nebraska State Poet, Jewel Rodgers, Homegrown is a traveling community arts series where everyone is welcome to listen, connect, or share original work. Enjoy a popcorn-style community reading.
Performances by Jewel and other notable poets, and an open share featuring poetry, stories, music, visual art, and more.
Prefer to just listen? Come as you are. Snacks and light refreshments provided. Free and open to all.
MADE POSSIBLE BY THE ACADEMY OF AMERICAN POETS
CHADRON OPEN ART
223 MAIN STREET, CHADRON NE 69332
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I’ll probably make a damn fool of myself, but if I can do karaoke in Broken Bow, Nebraska, I can read some poetry in Chadron!
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