Rasputin: The Mad Monk (1966)

The movie chronicles the events of history's "man of mystery," Rasputin. Although not quite historically accurate and little emphasis is put on the politics of the day, Rasputin's rise to ... See full summary »

Director:

Don Sharp

Writer:

Anthony Hinds

Stars:

Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, Richard Pasco

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Christopher Lee	...	Grigori Rasputin
Barbara Shelley	...	Sonia
Richard Pasco	...	Dr. Zargo
Francis Matthews	...	Ivan
Suzan Farmer	...	Vanessa
Dinsdale Landen	...	Peter
Renée Asherson	...	Tsarina
Derek Francis	...	Innkeeper
Joss Ackland	...	The Bishop
Robert Duncan	...	Tsarvitch
Alan Tilvern	...	Patron
John Welsh	...	The Abbot
John Bailey	...	The Physician
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Michael Ripper	...	Waggoner (voice)

Storyline

The movie chronicles the events of history's "man of mystery," Rasputin. Although not quite historically accurate and little emphasis is put on the politics of the day, Rasputin's rise to power and eventual assassination are depicted in an attempt to explain his extraordinary power and influence.

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Plot Keywords:

rasputin | assassination | hypnotism | physician | drinking | 

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Taglines:

Now the Astounding Truth About ... "Rasputin: The Mad Monk"

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 April 1966 (USA)

Also Known As:

Raspoutine, le moine fou

Filming Locations:

Black Park, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hammer Film Productions, Seven Arts Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.55 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Christopher Lee and Francis Matthews spent several days filming an extended fight sequence for the film's ending. Eventually, much to Matthews's disappointment, most of the scene ended up on the cutting-room floor, leaving his bloody lip in the penultimate shot unexplained.

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Goofs

During the fight in the barn, Rasputin brings the blade down on his opponent's left arm, just below the elbow, and yet it is the right hand, cut off just above the wrist, that ends up on the floor.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Doctor: No point in me staying here any longer. Keep her warm. If she recovers consciousness, give her a little brandy.
Innkeeper: And if she doesn't, doctor?
Doctor: Send for the priest.
Innkeeper: Oh God.
Doctor: Nothing more I can do.

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Connections

References Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966)

User Reviews

It stands up quite well on its own.

Without the benefit of comparison, I found this a very entertaining thriller. Once more we are treated to a superb Christopher Lee performance; this time as he plays the infamous monk who insinuates himself into the Russian Royal court through hypnotic, albeit mystical subterfuge.

I have read reviews of those disappointed with this version and though I can not purport to have seen any of the others, may I suggest that perhaps familiarity with the subject matter thereby gained has bred some contempt for this version which may contain any number of historical inaccuracies. For I am sure that those uninitiated with the Rasputin tale - or who are at least willing to forgo their usual academic prejudice - and who delight in Hammer's 60s catalogue, will instantly warm to this film.