Review of The Gorgon (1964) by Tony P — 26 Sep 2015

Mid sixties Hammer 'horror' film take on Greek mythology. I actually began the film feeling I was watching Dracula again what with similar lighting, music score and painted studio background of an abandoned castle overlooking the German countryside.

It is the early twentieth century and a series of dead bodies are turning up as stone. The town authorities, the police and Dr. Namaroff (Peter Cushing) seem to be covering the deaths up. Each having occurred over the previous few years on full moon nights.

It is only the arrival of Professor Meister (Christopher Lee) from Leipzig University who begins to piece together the mystery of the deaths.

Apparently they are due to an ancient character called Magaera. When someone stares at Magaera they die a death turning to stone.

Magaeras is a character with a head of snakes. Quite a challenge for 1964 filmmakers limited by technology and budget.

The effect is obtained using a snake filled wig worked by wires.

The Magaera (Gorgon monster) have lived on in a character in the film and she is only released from it by having her head decapitated. Quell more awful yet laughable special effects.

The film ends abruptly.

Lee has few lines but still has a towering (quite literally!) presence in the film.

Cushing reprises his brain obsessed Dr. character from other Hammer films.

For such a low budget film that could have been filmed in your living room it is quite a good Hammer film and I would recommend visiting it.