Review of Crucible of Terror (1972) by Karsh D — 03 Dec 2008
Crossing House of Wax with an onryo ghost story probably isn't the most obvious concept for a horror film. And apparently it should remain that way, because Crucible of Terror proves (as if you needed proof) that this oddball idea is best left untapped.
The mess of a story spends all of its time either bouncing madly between concepts (the HoW-style serial killer, some underdeveloped Japanese cult, the onryo) or wandering about aimlessly, wasting time as its characters chase each other through a lot of caves and pose for bad paintings.
Sadly, if Crucible of Terror had simply chosen to go one way or the other - that is to focus all of its energy on either the sculptor/killer OR the vengeful Japanese banshee/random unexplained cult - it might have been decent.
The cinematography is great, with the English moors setting a deliciously gloomy atmosphere, and our, uh, non-ghostly villain, the reclusive, obsessive artist Victor Clare, is a decent enough to carry a movie by himself, sans Japanese folklore.
Either way, Crucible of Terror just isn't worth the effort. Pass on this one.
This review of Crucible of Terror (1972) was written by Karsh D on 03 Dec 2008.
Crucible of Terror has generally received negative reviews.
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