The Daily Dig: Bloodsucking Pharaohs in Pittsburgh (1991)

Constantly stepping over the line from schlock to spoof, there is no dearth of laughs, gags, or gore for this riotous slasher.

A couple of detectives enlist the daughter of a detective to stop a killer who makes use of workshop tools. Let’s dig into 1991’s BLOODSUCKING PHARAOHS IN PITTSBURGH, directed by Dean Tschetter!

As I See It

Yes, it’s a slasher film. No, there are no mummies or zombies, though that would have been a nice marriage with the Egyptian angle meeting the motherland of zombie filmmaking that is Pittsburgh.

Over the top is the theme throughout the film. Every scene, every line, and every gag is just a step beyond. When they thought they had the joke, they took it a bit further, and someone didn’t beat the horse to death.

It was all enjoyable, and that’s what this genre is supposed to be sometimes. It’s not always deep allegory and ways to process trauma and dark moments. Sometimes it can just be escapism.

The score sounded like a poor version of the Ninja Gaiden music. The blood flowed beautifully and often. All the kills utilized different tools you’d find in any suburban garage: a hedge clipper, a jackhammer, a shop vac, and of course, a chainsaw.

I loved that the detective had such a weak stomach for all the viscera spilled.

If you’re looking to unwind with some eighties cheesy gold (imagine a turd-sized pile of cheez whiz spray painted gold), look no further.

Famous Faces

Credited as Jane Esther Hamilton (Grace), this actor was better known under the name Veronica Hart as an adult performer. She also played the Judge in P.T. Anderson’s Boogie Nights.

Debra Gordon (Mavis) had bit parts in some classic eighties films, including the pop culture phenom Flashdance and my personal favorite from George A. Romero, Day of the Dead, as a featured Zombie.

Of Gratuitous Nature

Every scene was over the top. It’s schlock. It’s supposed to be that way.

Heartthrob

We all know how much of a soft spot I have for the eighties practical gore. There was no time wasted to get it going. The top of the head was sliced clean off, the brain was partially gone, and it was on full display hanging out a car window.

They didn’t let up throughout the whole film and even turned it into a gag — it was so much even the hard-boiled detective couldn’t even stomach it.

Ripe for a Remake

This schlock doesn’t play anymore, in my opinion. Comedy is infested with such an insane amount of talent currently that it wouldn’t be worth dabbling.

Spawns

No progeny to report.

Where to Watch

Back in 2015, 88 Films released a Blu-Ray. You can stream it on The Film Detective or give that video hosting website a shot for free.