This 1961 film is the adaptation of Ray Russell's short story, "Sardonicus," also published in 1961. William Castle must have jumped on this one fast.
Guy Rolfe plays the title role, who lives in seclusion and always wears a mask. He would have fit right in with the pandemic times!!!!!!!!!!! His wife is played by Audrey Dalton, and her former fiancé, Sir Robert Cargrave is portraayed by Robert Lewis. Oscar Homolka is in this one too, as Sardonicus' servant, Krull. The action involves Baroness Sardonicus asking him to come visit her at the castle, where he learns she is being horribly abused by her husband who has issues of his own. Wait till you see what pops up, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As with all William Castle films, there is a gimmick, and here it is the "Punishment Poll." The audience is asked to vote for what punishment should be doled out to Mr. Sardonicus.
Campy? Sure. But it is also chilling and disturbing. Not nearly in the league with Polanski's "Repulsion," but, in its own way, this film gets under the skin, too. So, make sure you do not miss it, darlings. Baby Gojira can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Join us at 8 for this tale of supernatural and psychological horror.
Don't cover your mouths, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 comments:
I Love Audrey Dalton!!
She always reminded me of Vivian Leigh.
She is still alive, I’m pretty sure!!!
Victoria,
I was struck by Audrey's beauty too. But I
thought of Maureen O' Sullivan. Who was a classmate of
Vivien's!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh yeah, Maureen I love her too!!!
Victoria,
Maureen was the front runner for Melanie before Olivia showed up.
And she is brilliant and heartbreaking as Dora in the 1935 "David Copperfield."
Post a Comment