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:

Can it be stopped?

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Frequent airings on television throughout the 1970s and 1980s helped to gain this movie a devoted cult following amongst horror fans.

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Goofs

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

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Quotes

[Mirov has opened the crate and found the body of the missing baggage man inside it]
Dr. Wells: Are you telling me that an ape that lived two million years ago got out of that crate, killed the baggage man and put him in there, then locked everything up neat and tidy, and got away?
Professor Saxton: Yes, I am! It's alive, it must be!

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Alternate Versions

DVD by Image Entertainment is 88 minutes long, the original theatrical version. DVD by Simitar Video is 85 minutes long, the television version.

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Connections

Featured in Movie Macabre: Horror Express (1982)

User Reviews

There's a stink of hell on this train!

Horror Express is a great little horror film. It combines four things I enjoy: trains, snowy backdrops, the dynamic duo of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, and the theory of the missing link. It's an original and atmospheric film that is probably the best of any of the Spanish horror films of the 70's that I have seen. The special effects are pretty good and the direction is very nice for the genre and time.

But really it's the cast that sells Horror Express so well. Obviously, any film with Cushing and Lee in it is automatically worth seeing. Lee plays the crusty Brit stereotype to perfection while Cushing plays a more laid-back character than normal, which is pleasant to watch. He even cracks jokes! Most of the non-English actors do surprisingly good with a minimal amount of overacting. Alberto de Mendoza as Father Pujardov is the worst offender but it actually works well for his character, who seems a sweaty high-strung mess the entire time. Telly Savalas, billed as co-star with Lee and Cushing, doesn't show up until about an hour in and has a limited but memorable role. He hams it up in every scene but it's a real treat to watch.

Horror Express is a great movie to watch late at night. If you're a fan of the terrific actors involved or of movies that take place on trains, please give it a shot. It's worth it.

Details

Country:

UK Spain

Language:

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 (Blu-ray)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1