While not perfect, there's enough here to make HOTEL TORGO recommended viewing for the MANOS-MANIACS (like me!) out there. Like others, I was a bit concerned that the Neyman's were not involved, since they were pivotal to the brilliant anti-magnificence of the film. It was great to hear from someone from the production crew, and his stories were priceless! The tour of the original "sets", including the hellish house and those damnable pillars and slab, is a grand slam for seekers of schlock's true north. Best enjoyed immediately after one's viewing of the masterpiece. Somewhere, up above us, Torgo nods and quivers...

Hotel Torgo (2004)** 1/2 (out of 4)Decent documentary about the making of and eventual popularity of MANOS: THE HANDS OF FATE, which is considered by a great many to be the worst movie ever made. MANOS historian Richard Brandt is on hand here talking about the film's production and we get a first-hand account from Bernie Rosenblum who is perhaps the only crew member still living from the film.HOTEL TORGO runs just 28-minutes and for the most part it's entertaining, although there's no question something a bit more polished and detailed would be welcomed. The film does manage to at least give you some basic ideas about the production of the movie as well as what happened to some of the cast members. Rosenblum tells some nice stories about the making of the picture and the highlight of the film comes when we visit the locations where the movie was shot. With such a small running time there's not too many details shared here but for fans of the film it's worth watching.

Manos The Hands Of Fate Is A Classic Amongst Fans Of Truly Terrible Movies, The Movie Despite It Having A Theatrical Release In 1966 Didn't Even See The Light Of Day After A Few Premieres.All I Can Say Is Bernie Rosenblum Has Some Great Stories About This Movie ANd He Shed More Background Information On This Movie Than I Ever Knew. In My Opinion Hotel Torgo Is A Great Documentary And To Be Honest I'd Rather See This Than A Documentary About Any Other Movie Any Day. The Reason Is That I Find It Interesting To Talk About The Holy Grail Of Crappy Movies Than The Best Movies Ever Made Because You Don't Know What To Think At Manos Whereas Something Like Die Hard You Know Its A Good Movie.The Funniest Part Was When Rosenblum Told The Story Of The Premiere Night. I Have Heard So Many Stories About That Because Of People Who Have Claimed It To Be A Comedy And They Loved It. Its Also Interesting To Hear Some Backstories On This Film.Overall If You Are Ever Interested In "The Worst Movie Of All Time" Then I Say Please Get This (I Have It As An Extra On The Manos DVD (With The MST3K Episode!))

Like most people, I found out about Manos when I saw the MST3K episode. It was funny, I had been on a personal hunt for the worst film of all time for quite a while. And when I saw that MST3K episode, I knew my search was over. I own this film both with MST3K and without. I believe that there's a special place in heaven for those who are able to sit through the film without Joel and the Bots cracking wise.So I digress. I first heard of this short documentary a few years back, constantly keeping an eye for it. Finally, the director/s were generous enough to post it for free online just to get some visibility. I was glad I got the opportunity and there was some good stuff in there, but it had it's problems too.First the positive: Bernie Rosenblum tells a damn good story. Playing the guy making out in the car, he (according to him) also helped with nearly every aspect of the film. He even claims to have directed the wives' big brawl. He's very willing to talk about the film and it's creator Hal Warren. The film even finds the filming spots in El Paso and re-visits them with Bernie. Truly a cool moment for lovers of the B Cinema.However, there are two strong problems with the film. First, it's factually inaccurate. It claims that Bernie is the only man involved still living. That's not true, and anyone that knows about Manos could tell you that. Jackey Neyman, just to name one, is still alive and well. I don't know if it was because they just couldn't find them or they refused, but instead they're just counted as dead. Kind of disrespectful if you ask me.Secondly, it leaves you wanting more. I would love to see this on a slightly bigger budget with more interviews, better film quality and just flat out longer. Sadly the audience, while dedicated, is small. So this is probably all we're going to get.And you know what? I was glad to get it.