Pyro: The Thing Without a Face

Pyro: The Thing Without a Face is a 1964 American horror film directed by Julio Coll, starring Barry Sullivan, Martha Hyer, and Sherry Moreland. The film delves into the grotesque world of a madman named Dr. Alfred Morris (Barry Sullivan), who is driven by a fanatical obsession to create a new breed of human life.

The film opens with a mysterious explosion that destroys a laboratory, killing the scientists who were working there. Soon after the incident, the local police learn that the explosion was not an accident and that Dr. Morris was the only survivor. The police suspect Morris of causing the explosion and begin to investigate him.

As the investigation unfolds, a series of gruesome murders take place in the small town, and the police are left baffled as to who is behind them. Morris is quick to deny any involvement when questioned, claiming that he is innocent of all charges.

However, as the investigation intensifies, it becomes increasingly clear that Morris is hiding something. Despite his protests, the police uncover a dark secret in Morris' laboratory. There, they find a grotesque creature, born out of Morris' twisted experiments to create life.

The creature, dubbed Pyro, has no face and no identity, and is at the mercy of Morris' vile experiments. With Pyro out in the open, Morris' madness reaches new heights, and he becomes increasingly desperate to keep his secret safe.

The film is characterized by its eerie atmosphere, moody lighting, and suspenseful music. The acting performances are convincing, with Barry Sullivan especially standing out as the deranged doctor. Martha Hyer and Sherry Moreland provide able supporting performances, although they are given little to do beyond playing the typical horror film roles of love interest and potential victim.

The creature design is one of the film's most memorable aspects, with Pyro's blank face and monstrous form creating a terrifying presence on screen. It is a tribute to the special effects team's efforts that Pyro remains an iconic horror movie creature to this day.

Despite its low budget, Pyro: The Thing Without a Face manages to create a tense and unsettling atmosphere that will leave horror fans satisfied. The film is a classic of the genre, due in large part to its expert handling of tension and terror.

Overall, Pyro: The Thing Without a Face is a thrilling and chilling horror film that deserves recognition among its fellow classics of the genre. It features memorable performances, a compelling narrative, and an unforgettable monster design that still sends shivers down the spine. For those brave enough to delve into the twisted mind of Dr. Morris and the monster he has created, Pyro is a must-see.