Basket Case 1982

Dr. Julius Liflander, portrayed by Bill Freeman, finds himself in a terrifying situation when he attempts to exit his home/laboratory but is startled by the rustling trees around him. Fearing for his safety, he locks himself in and attempts to call the police, only for a gigantic hand to emerge and fatally attack him in a brutal confrontation.

In a stark contrast, Duane Bradley, played by Kevin Van Hentenryck, arrives in New York City from the small town of Glen Falls, checking into the less-than-appealing Hotel Broslin. The manager, Anthony (Robert Vogel), ridicules him, demanding twenty bucks a night. Despite the mocking, Duane, rich and resolute, pays in cash for his room—room 7. Up on his arrival, Josephine, an older hotel employee, shares some idle gossip about the previous tenant of his room. Within the confines of his new lodging, Duane unveils a large basket in which he feeds a copious amount of hamburgers. He then engrosses himself in a hefty tome of medical records, highlighting his status as a patient.

As night falls, Belial—the grotesque being residing in the basket—makes attempts to communicate, but Duane is too exhausted and just wants to sleep. The audience discovers that Belial, can leave the confines of the basket at will. Soon, Casey informs Duane that Bryan “Mickey” O’Donovan (Joe Clarke) has been spying on him through the keyhole, drawn by the sight of the tempting stack of cash.

Duane’s journey leads him to visit Dr. Harold Needleman MD, represented by Lloyd Pace, with the company of receptionist Sharon (Terri Susan Smith). Their small talk culminates with Duane requesting her phone number, signaling a budding interest. Dr. Needleman inspects the extensive scars adorning Duane’s body, and after a brief consultation, he unsuccessfully tries to contact Lifflander and eventually reaches out to Dr. Judith Kutter (Diana Browne), who cautions him to keep Glen Falls under wraps.

As Duane attempts to unwind at the cinema, his basket goes missing when a thief steals it. When the individual dares to open the basket, he meets a grisly fate at the hands of Belial. Following that harrowing event, Duane indulges Belial with a television set, hoping to maintain a social life with Sharon, which leads to a kiss. However, Belial, feeling their bond, grows agitated and unleashes chaos within their shared space.

Amidst this turmoil, the light-hearted intrigue unfolds as O’Donovan discovers where the money is hidden. While he initially leaves after inspecting the room, he swiftly returns only to face a deadly encounter with Belial in room 8. Unwell from the pandemonium perpetrated by Belial, Duane rushes back to the Broslin Hotel. In a strange turn, a detective questions Duane about a non-existent dog in his room; oblivious to Belial’s concealed presence in the bathroom.

Seeking solace in alcohol at a bar, Duane spills his tragic past to Casey, yet she remains skeptical. He divulges details of their mother’s death during childbirth and recounts a turbulent upbringing under their aunt (Ruth Neuman). Their father (Richard Pierce) harbored animosity towards them, particularly Belial. An attempt by three doctors to separate the twins led to dire consequences, culminating in their father’s horrific demise at the hands of Belial after a failed surgery.

As the story progresses, Casey unknowingly encounters Belial, resulting in a shocking scream that awakens the other hotel guests. The tension escalates when Dr. Kutter, a veterinarian, meets her end in a gruesome encounter with Belial. The horror peaks when Duane and Sharon’s intimate moment is interrupted by Belial, leading to a bloody conclusion where Duane’s rage against Belial spills over, culminating in a fierce battle that sees both tumble from a window to their demise.