This is one of my favourite horror movies. Here we have an old fashioned English thriller containing the blackest humour you are ever likely to find in cinema. Don't expect to be scared, but do expect a lot of gory detail and, in some places, extremely amusing scenes. Basically, a group of theatre critics are systematically murdered by the very actor they slated. The murders are in the style of Shakespearian death scenes and this creates a central theme that carries on until the end of the film. What is amusing to me is the matter-of-fact way that the murders are committed, particularly during the hairdressing scene. Vincent Price is stupendous as the avengeful Lionheart, and his performance is supported by a huge number of famous British faces, most of whom are sadly departed. Coupled to this is the brilliant location filming in London.
This film is similar in vein to the Hammer/Amicus productions of the same era, except that this film is not only much more precise and humorous, but you also have more time to take in the central characters. The only glaring malady is the fact that the film is very obviously early 1970's chic with lots of short skirts, knee-length boots and men wearing neck-ties and velvet. However, this definitely adds to the very camp "luvee" atmosphere and adds to the enjoyment
This film is similar in vein to the Hammer/Amicus productions of the same era, except that this film is not only much more precise and humorous, but you also have more time to take in the central characters. The only glaring malady is the fact that the film is very obviously early 1970's chic with lots of short skirts, knee-length boots and men wearing neck-ties and velvet. However, this definitely adds to the very camp "luvee" atmosphere and adds to the enjoyment