Review of The Reptile (1966) by Sally A — 23 Apr 2012
From Hammer Films, written by Hammer veteran Anthony Hinds (writing under the alias of John Elder), and directed by John Gilling (The Plague of the Zombies (1966) and The Mummy's Shroud (1967)), this is a creepy gothic horror which is effective with some dated effects, but it'll do for an hour and a half.
Set around the turn of the century, it begins when Charles Edward Spalding (David Baron) is murdered by an unseen creature that infects his skin, something which the locals the 'Black Death'. Charles' brother Harry Spalding (Ray Barrett) inherits his late brother's cottage, which he decides to move into with his new bride Valerie (Jennifer Daniel).
The local villagers stay away from Harry and Valerie, but the local innkeeper Tom Bailey (Michael Ripper) is the only one willing to help them. Harry and Valerie find their cottage trashed and their neighbour Dr.
Franklyn (Noel Willman), is cold and cruel, and he treats his daughter Anna (Jacqueline Pearce) badly as well, and he has a sinister manservant called Malay (Marne Maitland). But, the deaths start all over again, beginning with drunk Mad Peter (John Laurie).
It's a dark horror film, (it shares the same sets as The Plague of the Zombies, as well as much of the same crew.) Even if the make-up, when it comes eventually, looks a bit corny and laughable, it manages to stay interesting for it's duration.
Just what you'd expect from Hammer then.
This review of The Reptile (1966) was written by Sally A on 23 Apr 2012.
The Reptile has generally received mixed reviews.
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