There are a few movies that I included in my Ultimate Witch Movies List that deserve some special rumination. Of course, I already mentioned Cast a Deadly Spell, and Witch Hunt when I announced the list, but I didn’t really say enough.

Both movies are HBO originals from what I remember as the heyday of HBO, when Home Box Office meant movies all the time. The main character in these films, Private Detective Phil Lovecraft isn’t the only reference to science fiction storytellers.

Detective Morris Bradbury plays the essential role of police officer foil to Lovecraft, referencing their long relationship including from when Lovecraft worked for the police as well. This relationship is cliche to so many murder mystery sleuths and yet I find its predictability completely amusing in these movies. Also on police payroll is Detective Otto Grimaldi. Could this be a reference to Hugo Grimaldi, producer of sci-fi moves in the early 60s?

There is obvious Lovecraft influence in the movies (though don’t expect Detective Lovecraft to be anything like the real man). These influences are explored in a thorough play by play of the movie on tor.com along with commentary that draws connections between thematic elements, Lovecraft reality, and the true history of the time the movies are set within.

I wonder if the naming of the three detective characters is indicating primary influences, in which case, I will be checking into the movies produced by Grimaldi and revisiting Bradbury to look for the other connections.