Review of From Beyond the Grave (1974) by Phil H — 05 Aug 2013

From Amicus Productions and directed by Kevin Connor (The Land That Time Forgot (1975), At the Earth's Core (1976) and The People That Time Forgot (1977)), this was based on a series of short stories by Ronald Chetwynd-Hayes, (whose works were adapted by Amicus again for The Monster Club (1980)), this is a great Horror film, and portmanteau films like this were very entertaining back then, and they should be revived for today's audiences.

Temptations Limited is an antiques shop owned by a mysterious Yorkshire Proprietor (Peter Cushing) whose productions aren't always what they seem. Edward Charlton (David Warner) buys a mirror for a knockdown price, but gets more than he bargained for when he performs a seance in front of it, unleashing a spirit, and turning him evil.

Christopher Lowe (Ian Bannen) finds solace in old soldier Jim Underwood (Donald Pleasence), and steals a medal from the Proprietor to impress him, with dire consequences. Reggie Warren (Ian Carmichael) buys a snuff box, and he ends up with an evil spirit possessing his body and William Seaton (Ian Ogilvy) buys an antique door which opens up to an old castle owned by a murdered knight who wants revenge.

This is a very entertaining film, and it has some good moments in it, and the odd belly laugh thrown in for good measure, but it's a sad shame that horror like this died out by the mid-1970's, as they were successful back then, and Amicus used to have fun making these films.