Curse Of The Crimson Altar

The movie Curse Of The Crimson Altar, released in 1968, is a horror film that stars the legendary Boris Karloff, Christopher Lee, and Mark Eden in lead roles. It follows the story of Robert Manning, a young antiques dealer, as he tries to uncover the mystery surrounding his missing brother.

Robert travels to a remote English village called Greymarsh, where he finds the village locals to be quite hostile towards him. In his search for his brother, Robert meets the enigmatic historian, Professor John Marsh, played by Karloff, who invites Robert to his eerie mansion on the outskirts of the village. There, Robert finds himself surrounded by a group of strange and sinister characters, including the professor's niece, Eve (played by Virginia Wetherell), and the local baron, Morley (played by Christopher Lee).

As Robert delves deeper into his investigation, he discovers a dark secret that lies at the heart of Professor Marsh's mansion. He learns about the ancient cult of the followers of the Black Mass, who worshipped a bloodthirsty deity known as The Crimson Altar. The cult seems to have some connection with Robert's missing brother, and he soon realizes that he is in grave danger.

The movie builds up the suspense beautifully, and the eerie mansion and its eerie surroundings add to the overall gloom and sense of foreboding. The film is shot in typical 60s horror style, with strong emphasis on atmosphere and sound design. The film's director, Vernon Sewell, does an excellent job of setting the mood for the audience, creating a sense of unease and discomfort from the very first scene.

Boris Karloff, as always, gives a commanding performance as the enigmatic Professor John Marsh. Karloff's screen presence and command of the material are almost palpable, and his portrayal of the twisted historian leaves an indelible impression on the viewers. Christopher Lee, too, is brilliant as the menacing baron, Morley. Lee's towering frame and deep, ominous voice add an extra layer of menace to the character, and his on-screen chemistry with Karloff is a joy to watch. Mark Eden may not be as well-known as his co-stars, but he holds his own as the film's protagonist, Robert Manning. Eden delivers a solid performance, and his character's transformation from an innocent bystander to a courageous hero is gradual and believable.

The movie's special effects are limited but effective. The Crimson Altar itself is a sight to behold, with its sinister and foreboding appearance. The film's climax is suitably thrilling and ties up all the loose ends nicely.

Overall, Curse Of The Crimson Altar is a must-watch for horror fans who enjoy classic horror movies. The movie's stark, atmospheric setting and the powerhouse performances of its lead actors make it a standout film of the 60s horror genre. The sense of creeping dread that suffuses the movie is palpable, and the film's final moments are sure to leave you feeling shaken to the core.