Rasputin The Mad Monk [DVD] [1966]

Bought this because it has subtitles and my DVD from years ago doesn't. I watched the BLURAY and found the quality to be very good but not exactly mind blowing. This just may be because the sets are just a bit drab and the best coloured costume is Lee's shirt!! I thought my memory told me I really liked this film, and some of it I do. Lee is born to play Rasputin and he grabs the opportunity with enthusiasm. Shelley has probably one of her best roles and looks fantastic (when did she not?). However, I felt the rest of the cast a bit underwhelming and bland, except for Richard Pascoe who has a decent part and, like Lee, enjoys himself. The sets looked cheap and I never got the feeling we were in tzarist russia and it's court. Forget historical accuracy. This is just a "Hammer" romp, no Michael Ripper but still full of the usual suspects. Well worth a look, just not one of Hammer's best, though certainly one of Lee's.. There are two different ratio versions on the BLURAY, and to this untrained eye....I couldn't tell the difference. Just thought I would mention! Good subtitles and extras not seen by me.

Great effort by Hammer films to make a historical film. Made back to back with DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS, using the same sets and acting talents of the primary actors ( Christopher Lee, Suzan Farmer, Barbara Shelley and Francis Matthews). The commanding presense of Lee who plays Rasputin captures the animal-like qualities (lustful and savagely cunning )of the mad mystic.Barbara Shelley is the tragic figure in the thrall of the Svengali-like Rasputin. Using her ruthlessly as a means of gaining control over the Tsar's family. It's not a great film but it is hugely watchable

Often disregarded because it isn't completely factual and was rush released and shot back to back, but Rasputin The Mad Monk is highly entertaining and has Hammers gothic theme running with genuine bravo throughout it. Characters here and there pop up which was staple with these films.The real winner of course is the supreme Christopher Lee, who argubly plays one of his best roles as the scary demented Rasputin. He is much more evil here than he was as Count Dracula, though his performance in SCARS OF DRACULA would run him close. A really nice gem from Hammer, purists seem to disagree though.

Great performance by LeeGreat picture quality

Really enjoyed this movie

Although the DVD arrived in good time and in good shape It is no good to me as it is totally in a foreign language which I think could be Portuguese. Unlike some films it did not have the capacity to be changed into English and I would like to return it and have it replaced..

i love it

Whilst this isn't a classic a Hammer film by any means, it does make for strangely compelling viewing. The film was obviously made on a very small budget, and I suspect it was filmed soon after Dracula: Prince of Darkness as the cast is very similiar and some of the same sets look the same.Rasputin is a drinker and womaniser who has healing powers. Using these he becomes the trusted Doctor to the Zsars wife. However his motives are suspect.. Christopher Lee plays the title role (based on a real historical person and in part true) and is the best and worst thing about the film. Without Lee's screen presence this simply wouldn't have worked. However in places I found his performance a little over the top (dare I say even a little hammy).This is available as part of "The Hammer Collection" boxed set of 21 films. If you're a fan of Hammer films it would make sense to buy it in that set if you can get it at the right price. Having seen the film once or twice before I bougght the DVD I knew what to expect from this. Overall it is an entertaining film but I don't think it will hold up to repeated viewings.