Cult Classic Corner: Bubba Ho-tep

By Matt Wenner

Synopsis:

Bruce Campbell stars as Elvis Presley and teams up with Ossie Davis as John F. Kennedy in present day, both still alive and residing in an east Texas retirement home, to combat a cowboy hat & boot wearing mummy who has been sucking the souls of other retirement home occupants (Elvis is still alive because prior to his ‘death,’ he had actually switched places with an impersonator because he was tired with his rock and roll lifestyle. JFK survived the assassination, and was dyed black by Lyndon Johnson to keep him out of the way).

Why it’s Great:

First off, it stars Bruce Campbell, and as discussed in a previous installment is a B-movie god. On top of that, just re-read the synopsis. That storyline has cult classic written all over it.

Favorite Scene:

This would be when Elvis had to fight a giant scarab beetle in his room. As with the Evil Dead II favorite scene, it features excellent physical comedy from Bruce Campbell. And he is doing battle with an obviously fake scarab puppet, which adds to the hilarity of the scene.

Trivia:

Only 32 prints of the film were originally made as part of a limited platform release. The Soul of Southern Film Festival, in Memphis , Tennessee , paid for a thirty-third print, so that they wouldn’t have to wait any longer to show the film. Several other festivals and theaters paid advances in order to secure prints. (credit www.imdb.com)

Great Quotes:

Elvis: “Even a big bitch cockroach like you should know: never, but never fuck with the king.” (after killing the giant scarab)

JFK: “Pharaoh gobbles donkey goobers. Cleopatra does the nasty.” (translation of hieroglyphics found in a bathroom stall)

Elvis: “Hey Jack. I just got one last question. Marilyn. Come on, man. Marilyn Monroe? What was she like in the sack?”

JFK: “That is classified information. Top secret! But between you and me