From Beyond the Grave, a review by Danae Cassandra
From Beyond the GraveYear of Release: 1973
Directed By: Kevin Connor
Starring: Peter Cushing, Ian Bannen, Ian Carmichael, Donald Pleasence, David Warner
Rated: PG
Overview:Bolt the door, lower the lights and settle in for a stylish five-episode supernatural shocker possessed of a shivery all-star cast and drenched in evil. Welcome to Temptations Ltd., a decrepit antique shop whose unwary customers get more than they bargain for from the wily proprietor (Peter Cushing). Much more.
Go to the head of the horror class if you can predict who'll join the ranks of the doomed from among this role call of distinguished British actors: Ian Bannen, Ian Carmichael, Diana Dors, Lesley-Anne Down, Margaret Leighton, Donald Pleasence, Nyree Dawn Porter, David Warner and more. A mirror. A medal. A snuff box. An ornate door. All unleash novelty surprises for the characters – and you – in these wickedly horrific tales
From Beyond the Grave.
My Thoughts:This is a fun and entertaining anthology film from Amicus, starring the great Peter Cushing. He's one of my favorite actors, so I wanted to get at least one of his films in this month. It's got a nicely creepy atmosphere, especially the blue room in the fourth story, and some pretty good acting (especially Cushing, but Donald and Angela Pleasence are also quite good in their roles). The opening sequence, as the camera moves through an overgrown graveyard, is also very well done and sets an appropriately eerie stage for the film. There isn't a lot of gore - while there's plenty of death, the camera cuts away from the act of killing. I personally kind of like this, because it forces the film to rely on telling a scary story. Recommended for fans of Amicus, Hammer, or classic horror in general.
Bechdel Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
(From Danae's 2012 Horror on October 13th, 2012)
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May 17, 2024, 11:28:30 PM
