Review of Horror Express (1972) by Unca C — 22 May 2010

Well, UC here again after recovering from a hangover and "Driller Killer" (that movie drove me to drink!) ready for a new round.

This time we have "Horror Express". On the plus side, it's got Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing in it, so it can't be THAT bad, right?

Actually, it's [i]quite[/i] good.

Lee plays an archeologist who discovers a frozen 'man' in China and puts him in a box. He meets up with Cushing (a bacteriologist) in Shanghai as both are moving thru China (for different reasons). A Chinese dude for some reason decides to take a look at what's in the box; he suddenly winds up dead with "Little Orphan Annie" eyes.

Suddenly, "Rasputin" makes an appearance and babbles a little bit about God and evil - the box, of course, falls into the later category. The spectral groans don't help.

Finally on the way out of Shanghai on The TransSiberian; Lee, Cushing, "Rasputin", a contigent of British soldiers, and various passengers all settle in for nice trip into horror.

Inevitably, the monster comes to life; turns out to be a good lockpicker and begins sucking out the lifeforce out of people and all the bodies are going "Little Orphan Annie".

In a first (for me, anyway) - I don't really want to tell you anymore about the story - it's really that good.

Actually, the story plays out quite well. Lee and Cushing are their usual excellent selves - neither really hamming it up. The mystery of the thing from the box deepens as the movie progress. A couple of actresses keep the allure going and of course, nobody is what they appear to be at times. A tight script and above average acting make this appear to be a 'lost' Hammer film. Also, don't miss a 'surprise' appearance about halfway through the film.

[b][i][u]Fun rating[/u][/i][/b]: [b]10[/b] (pop the corn and get the soda, we have a winner!) One of the better movies I've seen in a while. To me, it's quite fascinating that I have never seen nor heard of this movie before. Of course with a rather corny title, I guess that's possible.

[b][i][u]Interest rating:[/u][/i][/b] [b]10[/b] (Must-have library material for Lee, Cushing, Hammer, and general horror fans alike) General film fans and even the casual viewer will enjoy this flick. Oddly, enough it appears it can be had for about $1 at some Walmarts and dollar stores.

[b][i][u]Total rating:[/u][/i][/b] [b]10[/b].

[b]Earns the first "Unca Chaoz Seal of Cool Flicks"!:D [/b].