The Torture Chamber of Dr. Sadism (1967)

In the Olden Tymes, Count Regula is drawn and quartered for killing twelve virgins in his dungeon torture chamber. Thirty-five years later, he comes back to seek revenge on the daughter of ... See full summary »

Director:

Harald Reinl

Writers:

Manfred R. Köhler (screenplay), Edgar Allan Poe (story "The Pit and the Pendulum")

Stars:

Lex Barker, Karin Dor, Christopher Lee

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Lex Barker	...	Roger Mont Elise / Roger von Marienberg
Karin Dor	...	Baroness Lilian von Brabant
Christopher Lee	...	Count Frederic Regula / Graf von Andomai
Carl Lange	...	Anatol
Christiane Rücker	...	Babette
Vladimir Medar	...	Pater Fabian
Dieter Eppler	...	Coachman

Storyline

In the Olden Tymes, Count Regula is drawn and quartered for killing twelve virgins in his dungeon torture chamber. Thirty-five years later, he comes back to seek revenge on the daughter of his intended thirteenth victim and the son of his prosecutor in order to attain immortal life.

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Plot Keywords:

torture device | tied up | count | drawn and quartered | torture chamber | 

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Taglines:

A mature person's trip through the ultimate in horrific wickedness

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery

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Certificate:

M

Details

Country:

West Germany

Language:

German

Release Date:

21 May 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

Torture Chamber

Filming Locations:

Bavaria Studios, Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Company Credits

Production Co:

Constantin Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The German import DVD has two Super-8 versions (German language only) as special features on the disc.

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Quotes

Count Frederic Regula: The blood is the life.

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Connections

Version of The Pit and the Pendulum (1913)

User Reviews

Interesting Lee vehicle

Castle of The Walking Dead is the video version of the Constantin Film, Die Schlangengrube und das Pendel, and as such is shortened by approximately 15 minutes from the original. This film, released in 1967, is interesting for several reasons although it is certainly no classic. The careers of Lex (`Tarzan') Barker and Christopher Lee crossed briefly here and the presence of the lovely Karin Dor (wife of director Harald Reinl), whom readers may recognize from her role in the Fu Manchu films (which also starred Lee) of the same era, added a bit of grace to an otherwise grim story. Castle of . . . is an interesting mix of excellent atmosphere hampered by odd editing and sometimes laughable storyline. I was impressed by the sets and grim mood the film projected from beginning to end, and the presence of Lee makes this must see viewing for his many followers. However, this was far from his best work and one wonders if he was not overextending himself during this very busy period in his career.

Set in what appears to be 17th or 18th century Germany, Count Regula (Lee) is drawn and quartered for his offenses. 35 years later, his manservant Anatole, (ably portrayed by Carl Lange) initiates a rite to bring him back to life on Good Friday. The good Count requires the blood of 13 virgins for this to be achieved and, you guessed it, Dor as Baroness Lillian Von Brabandt is to be number 13. So the countess, and Barker as Roger Montelise, son of the judge who condemned the count many years before, are duped into visiting Regula's castle. One of the few scenes in the film which combines outstanding atmosphere with sold story line comes when Montelis and his party are being coached to the castle. A very frightening and disturbing ride it was through a forest of hanging bodies and detached limbs, giving some much needed credibility to a mostly mediocre offering. At the castle, the flow of the story breaks down. Several scripting mistakes are painfully obvious. Two examples: In one scene, Anatole is shot in the chest by Roger's man and we see a small amount of dark red blood before the bullet hole supernaturally closes. A few minutes later, Anatole cuts his wrist and green blood drips to Regula's coffin. In another, it is established that the `undead', Anatole and Regula, cannot bear the presence of a Christian cross in the same room with them. Yet instead of throwing it in his face and escaping, Dor meekly obeys Anatole's harsh command to remove it from his sight! But, in the end, the good guys win, vanquishing the risen to life Regula and the evil Anatole. They are taken away by the same coach they came in on and we are led to believe they lived happily ever after. Castle of . . . will be of interest to fans of European and/or obscure horror and the previously mentioned Lee cultists. Years ago I viewed the longer version, released under the American title, The Torture Chamber of Dr. Sadism and the added 15 minutes enhances the story greatly, so find that copy if you can. Castle of . . . was another release from InterGlobal Home Video, whom collectors like me owe a huge debt to.