Review of Torture Garden (1967) by Christopher S — 31 Oct 2008

Uneven Amicus horror anthology is pretty good if you can tolerate the leisurely pace. Robert Bloch's stories are hit or miss this time around: the first is an enjoyable, if conventional, story of witchcraft and mind control; the second - and probably the best - stars Beverly Adams as an aspiring actress who discovers a disturbing secret about her favorite star; the third story is a forgettable bit about a haunted piano; and Jack Palance shines in an uncharacteristically twitchy performance as a collector obsessed with Edgar Allen Poe, and he's matched by Peter Cushing at his best.

Director Freddie Francis creates some nice spooky atmosphere, and Burgess Meredith hams it up as a sinister carnival barker. Great score by James Bernard.