Nightmare in Wax

In the 1969 film "Nightmare in Wax," director Bud Townsend takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the dark and twisted world of a wax museum run by a maniacal murderer.

The film opens with a scene of a gruesome murder in which a young woman is killed with a hammer. It's immediately evident that the killer is obsessed with wax figures, as he leaves a trail of wax droplets in his wake. The story then shifts to the owner of a struggling wax museum, played by Cameron Mitchell, who is desperate to increase business. His salvation comes in the form of a wealthy investor, played by Scott Brady, who provides the funds needed to renovate the museum and create new and exciting exhibits. However, as the museum gains in popularity, a series of new murders begins to occur, leaving the police baffled.

As the body count rises, suspicion falls on Mitchell and his assistant, played by Anne Helm, as they begin exhibiting increasingly bizarre and erratic behavior. The film takes its time in unraveling the mystery, allowing tension to build as a slow burn. The tension is accentuated by the dark and atmospheric sets, as well as the haunting musical score by Les Baxter.

Overall, "Nightmare in Wax" is an effective thriller that makes good use of its exploitation elements, including scenes of violence and nudity, while keeping the focus firmly on the story. Mitchell is particularly effective as the unstable museum owner, and the film succeeds in keeping the audience guessing until the very end. Although it was produced on a low budget and has some rough edges, the film manages to be creepy and unsettling while remaining entertaining throughout.

One of the notable aspects of "Nightmare in Wax" is its use of wax figures to inject an eerie atmosphere into the film. From a display featuring famous murderers to a recreation of Jack the Ripper's crime scene, the figures in the museum provide a morbid backdrop for the story. In addition to this, the wax figures also play a significant role in the plot, as the killer uses them to cover his tracks and create confusion for the police.

The film offers a fascinating look at the wax museums of the era, which were popular attractions despite their unsettling nature. These museums often featured gruesome scenes, such as torture chambers or crime scenes, and were sometimes used as teaching tools for law enforcement. In the film, the museum owner explains that he hopes to provide visitors with a more sophisticated viewing experience, although it's clear that he also has a twisted fascination with death and violence.

In terms of its performances, "Nightmare in Wax" benefits from a strong cast that includes several notable character actors. Mitchell, in particular, delivers a memorable performance as a man grappling with the dual pressures of financial ruin and insanity. He creates a character that is both pitiable and menacing, and his performance helps elevate the film beyond its B-movie trappings. Helm, meanwhile, brings a certain vulnerability to her role as the assistant caught up in events beyond her control. Brady provides a solid grounding presence as the investor who unwittingly becomes involved in the murder spree.

Overall, "Nightmare in Wax" is a solid thriller that utilizes its setting and cast to good effect. While it may not be a classic of the genre, it's an enjoyable and engaging film that should provide entertainment for fans of horror and exploitation cinema. If you're looking for a creepy and atmospheric film to watch on a dark and stormy night, then look no further than "Nightmare in Wax."