I rented this because of Barbara Steele, who is fast becoming my all time favorite actress of the macabre! In this interesting, dark and very atmospheric black and white Gothic Italian chiller, the haunting and lovely Barb again displays her versatility by playing a dual role similar to what she played in "Black Sunday." Her first role is that of a manipulative, wealthy and unfaithful woman named Muriel. Muriel's frequent taunts directed at her scientist husband Stephen (played by Paul Muller) don't go unnoticed. And neither does her affair with the hunky castle gardener! When Stephen finds out what's afoot, he murders both Muriel and the gardener and seals them in a downstairs crypt. Too bad for him Muriel left all her funds and her large estate to her fragile and very naive sister Jenny (Steele's second role, in a blonde wig). Stephen decides to court and marry Jenny and then plots to drive her crazy for the inheritance with help from a bizarre female accomplice (Helga Line in a very interesting role as an elderly maid whose youth and beauty is restored by blood transplants administered by Stephen). And did I mention the vengeful ghosts? Well, it's probably better I don't get into that!
Well I honestly loved this movie! The plot is typical of the genre but very entertaining nonetheless, the sets are nicely detailed, the score by Ennio Morricone is gorgeous and the cast is very enjoyable. Muller is excellent and oozes evil as the murderous husband. Steele and Line (the latter's sleek nose and regal demeanor perfectly contrasting the more exotic look of Steele) not only prove just how gorgeous women used to be before plastic surgery but also deliver nicely shaded acting performances as well. There are also several good looking guys in the cast, especially Laurence Clift as a compassionate doctor who takes a liking to Jenny.
So make sure to check this one out if you enjoy Gothic horror as much as I do. I think you'll really enjoy it!
Well I honestly loved this movie! The plot is typical of the genre but very entertaining nonetheless, the sets are nicely detailed, the score by Ennio Morricone is gorgeous and the cast is very enjoyable. Muller is excellent and oozes evil as the murderous husband. Steele and Line (the latter's sleek nose and regal demeanor perfectly contrasting the more exotic look of Steele) not only prove just how gorgeous women used to be before plastic surgery but also deliver nicely shaded acting performances as well. There are also several good looking guys in the cast, especially Laurence Clift as a compassionate doctor who takes a liking to Jenny.
So make sure to check this one out if you enjoy Gothic horror as much as I do. I think you'll really enjoy it!
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