Mr. Sardonicus [DVD]

.....but that's a good thing! I love all of the William Castle films, but had never seen this one---heard lots about it, and that it used to scare my friends when they were little and it was on T.V.. Well, I'm 50 now, and thought I should check this one out, seeing as I have all of Mr. Castle's other films. I was really pleasantly surprised---it's somewhat of a period piece, taking place in London in the 1880's, and the look of the film is very atmospheric. I don't think today's kids would be scared of it at all, nor do I think they'd actually stick with it and watch it all the way through------it's quite talky compared to the other Castle films, but I actually enjoyed that about this film---great character development, fantastic story---this is one of those movies to watch on a rainy day, all hunkered up on the couch. Really glad I bought this!

a doctor receives a letter from a woman who he knew years ago. she is married to a man who wears a mask to hide his disfigured face and needs the doctor's help for her husband. the husband's face becomes disfigured because of guilt after digging up his father's coffin to retrieve his father's winning lottery ticket. the doctor, realizing the husband feels guilty, goes through a bunch of medical experiments to play a mind game on the husband. the husband's face goes back to normal and has his marriage to his wife annulled. the husband, who is a cruel, abusive, and sadistic man, gets his extremely well-deserved cuppupance (from one of his male servants) in the end after the doctor and the now ex-wife leave. you have to see it to find out what the servant's revenge is.

I had seen this movie as a young girl and that's in the 50's and this was well done, for those days. It wasn't gory as today's movies, but it did hold your interest and a unique ending. You ( the audience ) was to take part in it in your own home. It was very interesting how they made it and why this could stick in your mind as something you may want for your collection. I would say don't pass it up and it's more affective in black and white. I'm happy I found it for my collection. Leave the light on when you watch it and let your imagination go free with this DVD. Ooops! What was that? It chills me just thinking of the movie. It's different in a fun way!!! (JV).

I've said before that these great old horror thrillers take me back to fond memories of chill filled Saturday nights from days long past. Mr. Sardonicus is no different. Once again, we're set in 19th century Bavaria, with a cursed Baron, tortured maidens, decaying corpses, and there's of course the moonlit garden of dead trees twisted in menacing atrophy, and for some reason only wolfbane and deadly nightshade will grow... That's brilliant!!!These old horror flicks are so great--we we're very fortunate as kids to have these to watch every week--FOR FREE!! I'm not that old- when I was watching these, they had already been around for 10 or 12 years.Anyway, I would tell all you fanatics out there, discover these old classics, they certainly don't make 'em like this anymore!!!

I remember watching this movie when I was a kid although probably not the best idea. It really frightened me. However as an adult I remembered only parts of the movie and wanted to see if it was still as scary. Although it frightened me as a child, I liked it. Today I have viewed the movie in it's entirety and found it to be a very good movie, not at all as scary as I remembered it as a child, but more age appropriate (realizing real and unreal). I really like old movies, how they were made in this particular era. Although I really like this movie, I did not neccessarily like the ending, tragic and no mercy.One of William Castle's greatest films.

My poor wife, who has to put up with watching my collection of B-horror movies from the mid 50s to mid 60s from time to time should really be the judge on this one. SHE LOVED IT!!! She kept awake thru it all and commented: "That was really good!" Now, that's a first. Destined to be shown at our neighborhood "Driveway Drive-In" this summer. Enjoy!

If you are are a William Castle fan (as am I) or know some of his films - be aware this one is NOT a typical Castle film! (HOMICIDAL/TINGLER/STRAITJACKET it ain't!!) . That's not to say it isn't good, because it is. It really is rather wonderful "homage" to the Universal "horrors" of the 40's and Tourneur/Lewton (I don't know if that was Castle's intention, but that's my opinion!). Plenty of fog, sinister "Igor" character (an excellent Oscar Hololka), lonely Mid European mansions, frightened locals, damsels in distress - you get the picture. Stolid Ronald Lewis plays (unconvincingly) a world famous surgeon in 1880 who gets summoned by an old g/f to said middle Europe to treat her mysteriously ill husband - Baron Sardonicus. The film is never boring with plenty of twists and turns, including torture (and by leeches). The heroine is a rather languid Audrey Dalton, and Baron S is the wonderful, elegant Guy Rolfe. A silly "yes/No" gimmick is not necessary but it is a Castle film and must have a gimmick, A powerful ending make this a worthwhile (if not cheap) film, and it is pretty rare. INDICATOR/POWEROUSE have done a splenid job on the presentaion, 16.9 ration, excellent B/W photography, and good Subtitles. There are loads of extras for those interested. Highly recomended for those who want an ususual, rare horror film (and may want to be a Castle completist!)

Impressed with on screen image quality