Sugar Hill

Sugar Hill (1974) is an American blaxploitation horror directed by Paul Maslansky. Marki Bey plays Diana “Sugar” Hill, who calls on voodoo priestess Mama Maitresse when her club-owner boyfriend is murdered. Those responsible work for mob boss Morgan, played by the brilliant Robert Quarry. With the help of the Lord of the Dead, Baron Samedi, and his “army of zombies”, Sugar seeks bloody retribution.

The revenge deaths are certainly creative: decapitation, being fed alive to starving pigs and being placed in a coffin of venomous snakes. Don Pedro Colley plays Baron Samedi with a malevolent glint and manic laugh. His performance is just one of the standout aspects of the film.

Investigating detective and Sugar’s ex, Lieutenant Valentine (Richard Lawson), has the funkiest afro and the smoothest lines. Marki Bey looks resplendent in her white jumpsuit and big hair, and Quarry is always great to watch.

The theme song, “Supernatural Voodoo Woman”, is a deep cut of swampy soul written by Nick Zesses and Dino Fekaris and performed by The Originals.

American International Pictures, under Samuel Z. Arkoff, had previously released Count Yorga, Vampire (1970) and The Return of Count Yorga (1971), with Quarry in the title role. AIP had also enjoyed great success with Blacula (1972) and Scream, Blacula, Scream (1973). They knew their market and pitched Sugar Hill perfectly to appeal to the blaxploitation and horror audience.

Sugar Hill is a recommended watch for any fan of either or both genres.