Undercover photographer Rebecca Stephens finds herself in a Bavarian castle at a "Masque of the Red Death" party hosted by the dying wealthy man Ludwig. As bodies pile up she must survive the night or become another victim of a masked all in red mysterious hooded figure.
The Masque of the Red Death directed by Alan Birkinshaw (is not to be confused with the Roger Corman produced remake of his own 1964 film with the same title released also in 1989 directed by Larry Brand,) with a script by Michael J. Murray this offering is a slasher film being set at a costume party with an Edgar Allen Poe theme and the lead character Rebecca reads his work.
Murray and Birkinshaw string together a series of kills where murder ensues; death by razor; piercing needles; strangulation; acid; stabbings and a razor-edged pendulum clock to name a few. As well as the Pit and the Pendulum (1961) vibe, the second half borrows from the House on Haunted Hill (1959) with a hint of Clue (1985). There's a fresh location feel in the opening, then it goes inside the spacious castle for the rest of the film, the interior is reminiscent of the classic Hammer Horror films. Who knows maybe Birkinshaw's film is a homage to other horror films rather than Poe. Nevertheless, credit to the special effects, make up and art department who deliver some solid craftsmanship. The dancers along with the band music sets the late 80s party tone and Kobi Recht's intrusive synth score is of the time.
Surprisingly it features legendary actors both Brenda Vaccaro as Elaina and Herbert Lom as eccentric Ludwig, who certainly ham it up. Even more surprisingly Frank Stallone appears as Duke, but his humorous screen time is limited and he seems to be there for the pay along (with no stranger to low budget movies) notable Christine Lunde as Colette and memorable death scene fodder Foziah Davidson as Kitra. The rest of the cast are a mix bag and include some good B-Movie faces. However, star of the show is stunning Michelle McBride as Rebecca. The red robed masked killer design and voice along with McBride are one of Birkinshaw's productions few redeeming features. That said, there's a notable opening dream sequence with an impressive bit gore echoing a little Hellraiser (1987) and A Nightmares of Elm Street (1984).
Overall, it's worth watching for lead McBride, if it wasn't for the cheap DTV/TV feel and short falls, in contrast to the bloody violent staged set ups it could have become a cult favourite. C'est la vie, it just wasn't destined to be.
The Masque of the Red Death directed by Alan Birkinshaw (is not to be confused with the Roger Corman produced remake of his own 1964 film with the same title released also in 1989 directed by Larry Brand,) with a script by Michael J. Murray this offering is a slasher film being set at a costume party with an Edgar Allen Poe theme and the lead character Rebecca reads his work.
Murray and Birkinshaw string together a series of kills where murder ensues; death by razor; piercing needles; strangulation; acid; stabbings and a razor-edged pendulum clock to name a few. As well as the Pit and the Pendulum (1961) vibe, the second half borrows from the House on Haunted Hill (1959) with a hint of Clue (1985). There's a fresh location feel in the opening, then it goes inside the spacious castle for the rest of the film, the interior is reminiscent of the classic Hammer Horror films. Who knows maybe Birkinshaw's film is a homage to other horror films rather than Poe. Nevertheless, credit to the special effects, make up and art department who deliver some solid craftsmanship. The dancers along with the band music sets the late 80s party tone and Kobi Recht's intrusive synth score is of the time.
Surprisingly it features legendary actors both Brenda Vaccaro as Elaina and Herbert Lom as eccentric Ludwig, who certainly ham it up. Even more surprisingly Frank Stallone appears as Duke, but his humorous screen time is limited and he seems to be there for the pay along (with no stranger to low budget movies) notable Christine Lunde as Colette and memorable death scene fodder Foziah Davidson as Kitra. The rest of the cast are a mix bag and include some good B-Movie faces. However, star of the show is stunning Michelle McBride as Rebecca. The red robed masked killer design and voice along with McBride are one of Birkinshaw's productions few redeeming features. That said, there's a notable opening dream sequence with an impressive bit gore echoing a little Hellraiser (1987) and A Nightmares of Elm Street (1984).
Overall, it's worth watching for lead McBride, if it wasn't for the cheap DTV/TV feel and short falls, in contrast to the bloody violent staged set ups it could have become a cult favourite. C'est la vie, it just wasn't destined to be.