Death Bed: The Bed That Eats
Death Bed: The Bed That Eats is a 1977 American surrealist folk horror film written, produced, and directed by George Barry in his only feature film, and starring Demene Hall, William Russ, Julie Ritter, and Dave Marsh. The plot centers on a demon-possessed bed that is passed on through generations, bringing tragedy upon those who come across it.
Death Bed: The Bed That Eats | |
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Official Cult Epics Blu-ray artwork, 2013 | |
Directed by | George Barry |
Written by | George Barry |
Produced by |
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Starring |
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Cinematography | Robert Fresco |
Edited by | Ron Medico |
Music by |
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Distributed by | Cult Epics (home media) |
Release date |
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Running time | 77 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $30,000 |
Filmed in Detroit in the early 1970s on a budget of $30,000, Death Bed underwent approximately four years' worth of post-production by Barry, and did not receive distribution upon completion. Despite this, the film garnered a minor cult following in Europe after it was made available via bootleged VHS editions, initially through the United Kingdom-based label Portland Films. Barry was unaware of these unofficial releases until 2001 when he came across a review of the film on an online forum.
The film was championed by British film critic, writer, and musician Stephen Thrower, whose musical group, Cyclobe, composed a new musical theme for the film with Barry's approval. Cyclobe's music was integrated into the film before it had its first official theatrical premiere at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival in February 2003. The U.S. home media label Cult Epics released the film on DVD the same year, and a Blu-ray edition followed in 2013.