One of those films where the sole reason for success is in the awesome casting, this is perhaps the "last gasp" of old-fashioned horror (British and otherwise) and fittingly reunites four of the biggest actors in the genre, who for four decades between them made the horror genre their very own. Without such a cast one can only ponder on the fate of this film, but when the script is written (originally from a play) with such actors in mind you can't separate the two. Although the plot is weak and far too much screen time is given over to the uninteresting Desi Arnaz Jr. in the leading role – sadly for Arnaz he is given a rather smug and arrogant character, making him the result of much hatred in horror circles – there are still a fair few reasons to watch, with of course the four "long shadows" taking precedence over any others.
The murder-mystery plot screams Agatha Christie and the clichés come thick and fast. Late in the film, events take a step towards being a slasher film, complete with shocking scares, mouldy corpses, and some mild gore (faces washed with acid, etc). Despite the ridiculous twist ending and the horrible acting from female interest Julie Peasgood (now a regular soap star), the setting of the dark and brooding mansion in the middle of a storm is a good one and the secret passages and mysterious locked rooms help add to the atmosphere no end. The script is fairly witty and boasts some minor but impressive supporting turns from the likes of Sheila Keith as a sinister housekeeper and Richard Todd as a friend who knows more than he lets on.
But what of the four old men around whom the film is based? It has to be said that some come across better than others. John Carradine, on his last legs bless him, has little to do with the proceedings other than lie around and look ill, but he still gets a few choice lines and his presence is a fairly amusing one. Peter Cushing, unfortunately, is saddled with the role of a whimpering coward, but he does get to act drunk for one of the few instances in his career which is a bit of a change. Vincent Price hams it up as only he can, and his line-readings are as impressive as ever; in fact he steals the show whenever he's on screen. However Christopher Lee has the most developed character of the group, and while he plays very much the type of stern, arrogant, and short-tempered character that he is always known for, he makes a good effort of it and I would consider the performance as one of his best. Hardly a great film, and probably much better than it has any right to be, but the cast alone makes this worthwhile. Interesting note – the director is none other than Pete Walker, the man who helped create the X-rated genre of '70s British horror, here handing in a very genteel, polished and not very scary film compared to the ones he used to make.
The murder-mystery plot screams Agatha Christie and the clichés come thick and fast. Late in the film, events take a step towards being a slasher film, complete with shocking scares, mouldy corpses, and some mild gore (faces washed with acid, etc). Despite the ridiculous twist ending and the horrible acting from female interest Julie Peasgood (now a regular soap star), the setting of the dark and brooding mansion in the middle of a storm is a good one and the secret passages and mysterious locked rooms help add to the atmosphere no end. The script is fairly witty and boasts some minor but impressive supporting turns from the likes of Sheila Keith as a sinister housekeeper and Richard Todd as a friend who knows more than he lets on.
But what of the four old men around whom the film is based? It has to be said that some come across better than others. John Carradine, on his last legs bless him, has little to do with the proceedings other than lie around and look ill, but he still gets a few choice lines and his presence is a fairly amusing one. Peter Cushing, unfortunately, is saddled with the role of a whimpering coward, but he does get to act drunk for one of the few instances in his career which is a bit of a change. Vincent Price hams it up as only he can, and his line-readings are as impressive as ever; in fact he steals the show whenever he's on screen. However Christopher Lee has the most developed character of the group, and while he plays very much the type of stern, arrogant, and short-tempered character that he is always known for, he makes a good effort of it and I would consider the performance as one of his best. Hardly a great film, and probably much better than it has any right to be, but the cast alone makes this worthwhile. Interesting note – the director is none other than Pete Walker, the man who helped create the X-rated genre of '70s British horror, here handing in a very genteel, polished and not very scary film compared to the ones he used to make.