Puppetmaster
Trailer
Synopsis
In 1939, puppeteer André Toulon commits suicide to prevent Nazi spies from acquiring the secret of his living puppets. Fifty years later, a group of psychics gathers at the same hotel where Toulon died, summoned by a former colleague. They soon discover that Toulon's puppets are alive and have murderous intentions, stalking them one by one.
Context & Trivia
The film introduces several iconic puppets that would become the face of the Full Moon Features franchise, including Blade, Jester, Pinhead, Tunneler, and Leech Woman. Blade, the leader of the puppets, was modeled after Klaus Kinski and required five puppeteers for his manipulation. Pinhead, with his small head and large hands, was portrayed in some scenes by a dwarf stunt actress, Cindy Sorensen, for close-ups of his fists. Tunneler, meanwhile, was modeled after Benito Mussolini. The film also features a real Burmese marionette named Zagwyi, seen briefly at the beginning.
Originally, Kenneth J. Hall's script featured a group of flamboyant witches and warlocks, but director David Schmoeller rewrote it for a more serious tone. The film was the first production from Full Moon Entertainment and, although initially intended for a theatrical release, it was released direct-to-video, which proved to be a significant success and spawned an extensive franchise.
Puppeteers
Bert Rosario, Michael Laide, Edwin Cook, Tim Dornberg, Linda Cook, Cindy Sorensen
Voices
Bert Rosario, Michael Laide, Edwin Cook, Tim Dornberg, Linda Cook, Sarah Douglas, Charlie Heath
Puppet companies
Full Moon Features
Direction
David Schmoeller
Writing
Charles Band, Kenneth J. Hall, David Schmoeller
Cast
Paul Le Mat, William Hickey, Irene Miracle, Jimmie F. Skaggs, Robin Frates, Matt Roe, Kathryn O'Reilly, Mews Small, Barbara Crampton, David Boyd, Peter Frankland, Andrew Kimbrough, Ed Cook, Linda Cook, Tim Dornberg, Bert Rosario, Michael Laide, Andrea Henry
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