Horror Express (1972)

In 1906, in China, a British anthropologist discovers a frozen prehistoric creature and must transport it to Europe by train.

Director:

Eugenio Martín (as Gene Martin)

Writers:

Arnaud d'Usseau (screenplay), Julian Zimet (screenplay)

Stars:

Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Alberto de Mendoza

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christopher Lee	...	Prof. Sir Alexander Saxton
Peter Cushing	...	Dr. Wells
Alberto de Mendoza	...	Father Pujardov
Silvia Tortosa	...	Countess Irina Petrovska
Julio Peña	...	Inspector Mirov
Ángel del Pozo	...	Yevtushenko (as Angel del Pozo)
Helga Liné	...	Natasha (as Helga Line)
George Rigaud	...	Count Maryan Petrovski (as Jorge Rigaud)
Alice Reinheart	...	Miss Jones
José Jaspe	...	Konev - Conductor (as Jose Jaspe)
Víctor Israel	...	Baggage Man (as Victor Israel)
Juan Olaguivel	...	Creature (as Juan Olaguibel)
Vicente Roca	...	Station Master
Barta Barri	...	First Telegraphist
José Marco	...	Vorkin (as Jose Marco)

Storyline

An English anthropologist has discovered a frozen monster in the frozen wastes of Manchuria which he believes may be the Missing Link. He brings the creature back to Europe aboard a trans-Siberian express, but during the trip the monster thaws out and starts to butcher the passengers one by one.

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Plot Keywords:

journey | train | china | monster | anthropologist | 

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Taglines:

Your Non Stop Ride to Hell Boards at 8 P.M.

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed in December 1971, the first Christmas for Peter Cushing since the February 14 death of his beloved wife Helen. Sir Christopher Lee's family made it as warm an affair as possible for Cushing, who would grieve for his lost wife for the remainder of his life, often playing roles that mirrored his own sadness. Despite the freezing working conditions and "abominable" food, this movie provided one of the few co-starring roles where the two actors got to work in unison, rather than opposing one another, with Cushing getting the most amusing lines.

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Goofs

After the guards check the room with two sleeping children, we see a door open in the compartment and in the background we can see the quivering eyes of the kids pretending to sleep.

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Quotes

Father Pujardov: There's a stink of hell on this train. Even the dog knows it!

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Crazy Credits

In the opening credits of the English-language VHS version, Christopher Lee's name is misspelled as "Cristopher".

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Alternate Versions

In the isolated music and effects track on the Image Entertainment DVD, the piano piece played by the Countess (which the creature whistles back to her) is completely different from what is played in the final mixed track. Oddly, while the piano piece is changed, the whistling is the same.

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Connections

Featured in Nightmare Theatre's Late Night Chill-o-Rama Horror Show Vol. 1 (1996)

User Reviews

Compact, eerie and intriguing low budget thriller

An intriguing idea of a "spirit" of pure evil with the ability to jump from body to body aboard a trans-siberian train. Well done considering budget constraints, and claustrophobic. Lee and Cushing are fine, but it's Telly Savales who chews the scenery to good effect. He is an unexpected treat as a bullying cossack officer and good counterpoint to Lee and Cushing as civilized gentlemen. Don't expect a slick Hollywood production and you won't be disappointed. I watched this on late night TV spookfests everytime it was on during the late 70s and saw something new each time. It's something like a cross between Hammer and Argento, and a little bit of Corman, too.

Details

Country:

UK Spain

Language:

Spanish English

Release Date:

December 1973 (USA)

Also Known As:

Horror Express

Filming Locations:

Estación de Delicias, Madrid, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

$300,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Granada Films, Benmar Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min 91 min (Blu-ray)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1