Review of Horror Express (1972) by Peter H — 05 Nov 2012

Mill Creek's 50 Movie Pack: Chilling Classics Reviews.

PANIC IN THE TRANS-SIBERIAN TRAIN/ (ORIGINAL SPANISH LANGUE TITLE) PANICO EN EL TRANSIBERIANO / (TRANSLATION) HORROR EXPRESS [1972]: A truly great Cult Classic 1970's horror gem from 1972; PANICO EN EL TRANSIBERIANO or HORROR EXPRESS is one film that deserves its Cult following. Pairing iconic horror film legends Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee in rare roles which saw the pair working together than against each other in films; HORROR EXPRESS was a box office failure in Spain where the film was made. However with late night TV screenings during the late 1970's & throughout the 1980's gave this fun, claustrophobic Period, Sic-Fi, Horror film its cult following amongst Horror movie fans.

PLOT: Opening in the year of 1906 in Manchuria, China, an English archaeologist called Professor Saxton (Lee) and his expedition discover the frozen remains of a Prehistoric ape. Boarding the Trans- Siberian Express in Northern China, Southern Russia Professor Saxton comes across an old rival of his Dr Wells (Cushing) and his assistant. However on the platform near the crate containing the specimen, a notorious criminal and safe cracker is found dead. What makes the whole situation all the more mysterious is the fact the victims eyes are completely white and bleeding.

Despite the bizarre incident, Professor Saxton, Dr Wells (Cushing), his assistant and the frozen specimen board the train. Upon departing more unexplained deaths start to occur after the baggage man is found with the same white eyes & the specimen has disappeared. After performing an autopsy Dr Wells uncovers that the victims' brain has been drained of all knowledge. As a result a hunt for the Creature soon ensues, however after the police inspector finds the creature and kills it; despite being dead the bizarre killings still take place.

THOUGHTS: Despite the vague plot summary I've just given, it would be unfair to think that the plot summary makes it sound like a stupid B- Horror film. With that been said the premise would have fallen into that trap if it weren't for the fact it was such a fun viewing experience. HORROR EXPRESS takes place in an almost seldom seen time period and setting, being set on the Trans- Siberian Express in 1906. Combined with a subtle sense of humour, the use of a claustrophobic environment (a speeding train), the eerie visuals of white eyes bleeding and a sense of mystery which slowly unravels as the film progresses all work well in this films favour.

Seeing Lee & Cushing playing to rivals turned allies was quite a rear thing to have happen. Considering back in the UK Cushing & Lee where still playing against each other in their respected, but ailing iconic roles of Dracula and Professor Van Helsing in the then latest Hammer Dracula films (DRACULA AD 1972 & THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA) makes this paring all the more special. As they did so well playing against each other, Cushing and Lee are fantastic as allied scientists in this film. As for the rest of the cast, all give solid performances. However a real stand out for me was Telly Savalas in the role of the Cossack Captain Kazan. All though in the film for less than 10 minutes, he was bloody enjoyable as the likable but thuggish Captain.

So to sum everything up HORROR EXPRESS may never rise above the status of a cult classic. But that isn't necessarily such a bad thing; considering that the plot (like most horror films) requires a suspension of disbelief and not to take anything too seriously. HORROR EXPRESS excels as a brilliant Period, Adventure, Sic-Fi, Horror film. As for its entertainment value is just fantastic as an underrated escapist film. So this is one film worthy of an 80% rating from me.