The Amazing Screw-On Head

Directed by: Chris Prynoski
Written by: Mike Mignola (comic book), Bryan Fuller (teleplay)
Produced by: Susan Norkin, Ken F. Levin, Bryan Fuller, Jason Netter
Released: 20 August 2006
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Horror

Cast:
Paul Giamatti … Screw-On Head
Emperor Zombie … David Hyde Pierce
Mr. Groin … Patton Oswalt
Abraham Lincoln … Corey Burton
Patience … Molly Shannon
Aggie and Geraldine … Mindy Sterling

» Synopsis

In this hilarious send-up of Lovecraftian horror and steampunk adventure, President Abraham Lincoln’s top spy is a bodyless head known only as Screw-On Head (Paul Giamatti). When arch-fiend Emperor Zombie (David Hyde Pierce) steals an artifact that will enable him to threaten all life on Earth, the task of stopping him is assigned to Screw-on Head. Fortunately, Screw-On Head is not alone on this perilous quest. He is aided by his multi-talented manservant, Mr. Groin, and by his talking canine cohort, Mr. Dog. Can this unorthodox trio stop Emperor Zombie in time? Does Screw-On Head have a body awesome enough to stop the horrors that have been unleashed? Where can we get a talking dog? All these questions (O.K., maybe not that last one) are answered by the thrilling tale of The Amazing Screw-On Head! Based on the award-winning comic book by Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy.

» Photos

» Trivia

• The comic book story from which the animation was based finished with four random drawings of three horrible old women (labeled as “werewolf”, “cannibal” and “criminal lunatic”) and a monkey. The monkey and two of these women are featured in the animation as actual characters, the woman left out being the ‘criminal lunatic’.

• The real Homestead Act signed by Lincoln that features at the end of the pilot episode was used as a political maneuver to expand and develop the nation on the western region of the United States.

» Quotes

Screw-On Head: It’s as I always say, all really intelligent people should be cremated for reasons of public safety.

President Abraham Lincoln: The nature of this investigation has become much too personal. We’re dealing with undead perversions of the only woman you ever loved and your most trusted man-servant who vowed to do away with all subsequent man-servants in the cruelest means imaginable.

Emperor Zombie: I’m so excited I just made water in my pantaloons!

Emperor Zombie: I’m merely expressing gratitude!
Screw-On Head: Perhaps you might express in apology?
Emperor Zombie: [laughing] Oh no, he didn’t! Apologize to you? Pardon me if I say poppycock!
Screw-On Head: Then say it!
Emperor Zombie: Poppycock.
Screw-On Head: You let America down…

Emperor Zombie: You let me down. You went on and on about how sweet the candy was, then told me not to put it in my mouth, and got mad at me when I did.
Screw-On Head: If by “candy,” you mean ancient forbidden evil, then yes, I told you not to put it in your mouth.
Patience the Vampire: I think your forbidden evil is fresh as a daisy.
Emperor Zombie: Thank you, darling.