DVD Review: Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965)
Generally referred to as a 'portmanteau film', Dr. Terror's House of Horrors was the first such movie from British production company Amicus. But is it actually the best? That's debatable, but there's no denying, it's a quality horror flick, very much of its era.
Here's the set-up: Five men are in a train carriage bound for Bradley. Just before departure, a sixth passenger joins them, Doctor Schreck (Peter Cushing). As the train leaves the station, the good Doctor opens a pack of tarot cards and, one by one, reveals what lies ahead for each of the men.
Those five tales are certainly a mixed bunch. First up, architect Jim Dawson (Neil McCallum) travels to a Scottish island to later the house of Mrs. Biddulph (Ursula Howells). It's the same house that was once in the Dawson family. Whilst researching the house, he discovers a false wall and the Count Valdemar - who had previously sworn a curse on the Dawson family. Will the werewolf get his revenge on the most recent descendent?
Second up, Bill Rogers (played by 'not 'alf' DJ Alan Freeman) has a fast-growing vine in his garden. Any attempts to cut it down are met with a violent reaction. Even with the help of MoD experts, the plant isn't for going. Indeed, it has developed intelligence, not to mention a desire to kill anyone that gets in its path.
The third tale is a real gem of the age, with Biff Bailey (Roy Castle) heading to Jamaica for a jazz gig, catching a voodoo tune and 'stealing' it for his own jazz combo (which happens to be the Tubby Hayes Quintet jazz fans). But things take a nasty turn when he premieres the tune back in London. Great tune too, recently reissued as a limited edition 45.
Fourth in the sequence sees cutting art critic Franklyn Marsh (Christopher Lee) getting a taste of his own medicine from artist Eric Landor (Michael Gough). Angry at the humiliation, Marsh runs over Landor, with the artist losing a hand, then taking his own life. But the hand returns to take its own revenge.
Finally, Donald Sutherland stars as Dr. Bob Carroll in the final tale, taking his new french bride to the US. But there's a vampire on the loose - and evidence points to his wife. Is she the vampire and will Carroll be able to stop her?
Got to be honest and say it's a mixed overall, but the pluses certainly outweigh the minuses. For my money, the third and fourth tales are the outstanding ones, the first and fifth a little too 'telegraphed' and the triffid-like tale a little too silly to take seriously. But all are decent entertainment in their own right, with Cushing doing a neat job in sewing it all together. Nice twist too, but I'm guessing you'll have second guessed it well ahead of the closing scenes.
Picture quality is excellent for this widescreen reissue, but Odeon once against sells itself short with a lack of extras. A trailer yes, other trailers too, but no add-ons or the movie obsessive. And we like our extras.
But even allowing for that, we can't really criticise too much. This has long been a favourite and really should be in every Brit horror fan's collection. Now...where's that Tubby Hayes 45?
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