Retro Blood 169: Murder By Phone (1982)

Retro Blood

Kick off the new year with James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood dives into Killer Objects in 1980s Horror Movies: Part 2. First up is the electrifying (literally) hidden gem, Murder by Phone—also known as Bells or The Calling.

The episode begins with the guys sharing their admiration for this underrated horror flick. Then, it’s time for the Retro Blood Weekly History Segment, where we discuss what was happening in the world of pro wrestling and metal music around the movie's release date, October 9, 1982.

For wrestling, the boys mix things up by recapping their live experience at AEW’s Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen on January 1, 2025, held in Asheville, NC. They share thoughts on the live event and delve into Asheville's pro wrestling history. In metal music, the spotlight is on Pagan Altar, a forgotten gem in the annals of metal history, and their unique contribution to the genre.

The discussion then shifts to the history of Murder by Phone. The guys explore the film’s Canadian setting, the work of director Michael Anderson (Logan’s Run, Orca), and the novel Phone Call that inspired the screenplay. They also highlight the eerie and atmospheric score by John Barry and the career of the legendary Richard Chamberlain, who stars as Nat Bridger.

Finally, James and Alison break down the movie itself, diving into its unique blend of environmental science, mystery, and killer technology. They discuss Lt. Meara’s memorable one-liners, Nat Bridger’s confusing side hustle as a painter, and the hilariously over-the-top phone-related deaths (phones that blow people away but don’t actually explode).

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Plug in, tune out, and make sure you answer the call for this thrilling start to 2025 with Retro Blood! 📞⚡ #RetroBlood #80sHorror #MurderByPhone #ProWrestlingHistory #MetalMusic