Offscreen Notes
David Hess: 1942-2011
Horror, grind-house and exploitation fans were dealt a cruel blow with the news of the passing David Hess, respected for his ability to inject true menace into his depiction of screen meanies. I don’t know of too many people who would argue with the assessment of Hess’ Krug Stilo and Alex of The Last House on the Left and The House on the Edge of the Park as two of the most terrifying screen bad guys/villains. As the leader and surrogate father figure of a gang of sociopaths in Wes Craven’s The Last House on the Left Hess brought a touch of humanity and vulnerability to his role that made his character edge in memory. Hess had a second (first in fact, followed by his acting career) as a songwriter, writing songs for such luminaries as Elvis Presley, Andy Williams and Pat Boone. I had the good fortune to meet him when he was in Montreal at The Fantasia International Film Festival with the film Smash Cut, co-starring Sasha Grey and directed by Lee Demarbre, and he was ever the gentleman, courteous, fun and charming. My memory of him was standing with Buddy Giovinazzo and his German partner outside the theatrre after a screening of Smash Cut and overhearing the three of them speaking fluid German. I knew that Buddy had been living in Germany for many years, and imagined that Hess must have some German origins or himself had lived in Germany. Condolences to his children, family and all his fans.
Hess with Sasha Grey introducing Smash Cut
