Episode 82: David Schmoeller’s Puppet Master (1989)
Rotten Tomato Score: 50%
A white-faced puppet with blade hands, a tiny strongman with oversized fists, and a doll that vomits killer leeches—welcome to the bizarre world of "Puppet Master." This 1989 cult classic might have only scored 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, but somehow spawned an empire of 14 sequels, comic books, and even a video game.
The film draws us into the mysterious Bodega Bay Inn where a group of psychics gather following their colleague's apparent suicide. What they discover is the legacy of Andre Toulon, a puppeteer who unlocked the secret to animation—bringing his creations to murderous life. As the psychics explore the hotel, they're stalked and systematically eliminated by these miniature killers, each with their own signature method of dispatch.
What's fascinating about Puppet Master isn't just its premise but its dedication to practical effects. Each puppet required five puppeteers to operate, with some scenes taking days to film for mere seconds of screen time. The hotel exterior that looks perched on a cliff? Actually a refrigerator-sized miniature filmed with forced perspective. These behind-the-scenes details showcase the creativity that went into this low-budget production.
The film's pacing might test your patience—the first 40 minutes focus heavily on character development with minimal puppet action. But when the killings begin, they deliver the unique brand of horror that made this franchise endure. From Blade's knife hands to Leech Woman's regurgitated killers, these tiny terrors found their way into horror history despite the film's flaws.
Sinister Sips
Puppet Master
From: Cooking Guide
Recipe:
1 oz Jack Daniel’s
1/2 oz Kahlua
Warm Coffee
Pour Jack Daniels and Kahlua into a coffee mug
Fill the mug with warm coffee
Plot Summary:
After being contacted by their mysterious former colleague, four psychics arrive at a secluded hotel where they are stalked by a group of murderous puppets. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scale
Sam and Mike gave the film a 2. Chad gave it a 1. We placed the film at 1.5 on the Watchability Scale.
Links
Puppet Master Trivia (TV Tropes)
Behind the Scenes Footage (YouTube)
Interesting Facts (Screen Rant)
Movie Trivia (Movie Mistakes)