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IMDbPro

Mr. Sardonicus

  • 19611961
  • ApprovedApproved
  • 1h 29m
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
2.9K
YOUR RATING
Audrey Dalton in Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
Watch ’Mr. Sardonicus’
Play trailer3:37
2 Videos
90 Photos
  • Drama
  • Horror
  • Mystery
A mysterious and cruel Baron, whose face has become frozen in a horrifying grin, demands that a prominent London physician apply experimental treatments on him to restore his face.A mysterious and cruel Baron, whose face has become frozen in a horrifying grin, demands that a prominent London physician apply experimental treatments on him to restore his face.A mysterious and cruel Baron, whose face has become frozen in a horrifying grin, demands that a prominent London physician apply experimental treatments on him to restore his face.
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
2.9K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • William Castle
  • Writer
    • Ray Russell(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Ronald Lewis
    • Audrey Dalton
    • Guy Rolfe
Top credits
  • Director
    • William Castle
  • Writer
    • Ray Russell(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Ronald Lewis
    • Audrey Dalton
    • Guy Rolfe
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 86User reviews
    • 52Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination

    Videos2

    Mr. Sardonicus
    Trailer 3:37
    Mr. Sardonicus
    Mr. Sardonicus
    Trailer 3:36
    Mr. Sardonicus

    Photos90

    Ronald Lewis in Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Audrey Dalton in Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Mr. Sardonicus (1961)
    Mr. Sardonicus (1961)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Ronald Lewis
    Ronald Lewis
    • Sir Robert Cargraveas Sir Robert Cargrave
    Audrey Dalton
    Audrey Dalton
    • Baroness Maude Sardonicusas Baroness Maude Sardonicus
    Guy Rolfe
    Guy Rolfe
    • Baron Sardonicusas Baron Sardonicus…
    Oskar Homolka
    Oskar Homolka
    • Krullas Krull
    • (as Oscar Homolka)
    Vladimir Sokoloff
    Vladimir Sokoloff
    • Henryk Toleslawskias Henryk Toleslawski
    Erika Peters
    Erika Peters
    • Elenka Toleslawskias Elenka Toleslawski
    Lorna Hanson
    • Annaas Anna
    Ilse Burkert
    • Second Girlas Second Girl
    • (uncredited)
    William Castle
    William Castle
    • William Castleas William Castle
    • (uncredited)
    Constance Cavendish
    • Mrs. Higginsas Mrs. Higgins
    • (uncredited)
    Albert D'Arno
    • Gatekeeperas Gatekeeper
    • (uncredited)
    James Forrest
    • Geoffery Wainwrightas Geoffery Wainwright
    • (uncredited)
    David Janti
    • Jankuas Janku
    • (uncredited)
    Annalena Lund
    Annalena Lund
    • First Girlas First Girl
    • (uncredited)
    Mavis Neal Palmer
    • Head Nurseas Head Nurse
    • (uncredited)
    Charles H. Radilak
    • Stationmasteras Stationmaster
    • (uncredited)
    Franz Roehn
    • Gravediggeras Gravedigger
    • (uncredited)
    Tina Woodward
    • The Girlas The Girl
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • William Castle
    • Writer
      • Ray Russell(screenplay) (novella "Sardonicus")
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      William Castle: [gimmick] During its initial theatrical release, attendees were given small white cards with luminous thumbs with which to vote thumbs-up or thumbs-down.
    • Goofs
      As the Doctor arrives in the train depot in Gorslava, the door opens and the camera pulling away is reflected in the door's glass.
    • Quotes

      [repeated line]

      Krull: When my master says, "Krull, do this thing," I do the thing, whatever it may be.

    • Alternate versions
      An alternate version was supplied for drive-ins. For this version, only the footage of 'William Castle (I)' was different. For the drive-in version, instead of the "Punishment Poll" cards, the audience was asked to flash their headlights to vote on the ending. The Columbia exchanges could replace the two William Castle segments to make an existing print suitable for drive-in bookings. As with the theater version, there was only one ending filmed.
    • Connections
      Featured in Creature Features: Mr. Sardonicus (1971)
    • Soundtracks
      Foggy, Foggy Dew
      (English folk song)

      Sung by Ronald Lewis

    User reviews86

    Review
    Top review
    a "ghoulish delight"
    Of the great William Castle's classic gimmick films, this is generally regarded as one of the lesser ones. It should be seen for the amusing period piece that it is, and for the hilarious concept of the "Punishment Poll" with which it was originally exhibited. Upon its original release, viewers were allowed to vote "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" for the fate of the title character. In actuality, there is only one ending, but it's a pretty good one. The actors in this film are all good, with Oscar Homolka being the highlight as the sinister assistant. There is good atmosphere, with plenty of fog and shadows, and the story is intriguing, if not entertaining. The music by Von Dexter, who worked on several other Castle films, is also notable. Definitely a fun film for those who like the old-time horror films which sacrifice gore for suspense, and a must-see for fans of William Castle.
    helpful•18
    0
    • laffinsal
    • Oct 12, 2000

    FAQ1

    • Dubbing?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 18, 1961 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Der unheimliche Mr. Sardonicus
    • Production company
      • William Castle Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 29 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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