A veteran character actor, Angus Scrimm (1926-2016) was best known for playing “The Tall Man” in the Phantasm films. Logical Dinosaur’s Michael Mercadante caught up with him for a quick interview way back in 1990.
Editor’s Note: By and large, I consider this the worst interview I’ve ever done. I don’t follow up on any comments he makes, don’t ask the right questions, and much of the information is now dated. But hey, I was barely sixteen when I did this. I include it here more for curiosity’s sake, and because he does have interesting things to say.
LOGICALDINOSAUR: Have you heard any new word on the possibility of doing a Phantasm III?
ANGUS SCRIMM: I know Don Coscarelli has a Phantasm III in mind. He’s working on another film he’s preparing right now, so I imagine we won’t get to that until probably the end of 1991, beginning of 1992. (Editor’s Note: Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead was finally released in 1994, and Phantasm IV: Oblivion followed in 1998.)
LOGICALDINOSAUR: Have you ever considered doing movies outside the horror genre, and would you have trouble doing that?
ANGUS SCRIMM: Yes, I probably would have a little trouble transcending the horror genre. Well, transcending’s not the greatest word in the world. Typically, traditionally, horror actors find it difficult to cross over. Boris Karloff did a few roles, the Indian (“Chief Guyasuta”) in Unconquered (1947), Bela Lugosi actually got to act with Greta Garbo in Ninotchka (1939). But it doesn’t happen very often. I think probably I’ll have a chance one of these days, and in fact Mindwarp (1990) gives me the opportunity to explore some very interesting characterization, the new picture from Fangoria Films.
LOGICALDINOSAUR: What do you think of censorship and the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America)?
ANGUS SCRIMM: Well, the MPAA has cracked down pretty badly on the Phantasm pictures. Censorship obviously is necessary, and I’m all for it. I just don’t like it when they cut my pictures.
LOGICALDINOSAUR: What’s your favorite kind of pet, and why?
ANGUS SCRIMM: My favorite kind of pet. Well, I just lost my little cat, Julia, that was heartbreaking. She was just a sweetheart. I’ve loved dogs all my life too, and I understand pigs are coming in as the next big thing. Wouldn’t mind having a pig around the house. What the heck, that’d make two of us.
