Review of Mr. Sardonicus (1961) by Val M — 13 Nov 2009

I hope your nightmares are nice ones.

Sir Robert Cargrave is a physician based in London who specializes in helping people overcome forms of paralysis. A former love interest sends him a letter asking him to travel to an old castle to save her. Cargrave immediately packs his bags and heads to the castle. He discovers his old flame is married to an eccentric man who wears a mask and is named Sardonicus. Sardonicus suffers from a vicious form of lockjaw. Cargrave is informed by Sardonicus that if he doesn?t cure him of his disease, he will slay his old flame. Can Cargrave invent a new cure?

?A ghoul is a disgusting creature who opens graves and feeds on corpses.?

William Castle, director of the Tingler, House on Haunted Hill (1959), 13 Ghosts (1960), The Nightwalker, Undertow, and Klondike Kate, delivers Mr. Sardonicus. The storyline for this picture is interesting and well delivered. Castle did a wonderful job of depicting the characters and developing the subplots. The settings and display of history were compelling and the acting was marvelous. The cast included Oskar Homolka (The Executioner), Ronald Lewis (Taste of Fear), Audrey Dalton (Thundering Jets), and Guy Rolfe (Fools Rush In).

?Not the leaches again.?

Mr. Sardonicus is a horror picture that recently aired on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) during this past holiday season. William Castle is a marvelous director who focused on delivering more than just a horror film; he worked hard to deliver an original and unique premise in his movies. He also displayed fantastic character development and entertaining settings. If you have a chance to see some of Castle?s classic films, I strongly recommend them.

?Cowards imply. I command.?

Grade: B.