Horrors of the Black Museum (1959) US 1/2 Sheet

Harry Cohen's magnum opus, and American International’s first release to be shot in both colour and Cinemascope. Director Arthur Crabtree, an old industry hand since the early 30’s, had just come off the extraordinary Fiend Without a Face (1958). Cohen – a hands-on interferer, wanted a malleable director, and ‘the old guy needed a job’. It’s a toss up whether it was Cohen or the critical backlash that made this Crabtree’s last film.

Michael Gough plays a demented, arrogant writer who hypnotises his assistant to go out and murder in creative ways, in order to write about the crimes. The infamous binoculars with spikes is a horror high, but acid baths, guillotines and ice tongs are all put to good use. It makes not a whit of sense, but that’s part of it’s undoubted charm. The gimmick – Hypnovista – made more sense in the US, as there was a short introduction on hypnotic suggestion added at the start. Europe quietly dispensed with it.

Condition: VERY GOOD / FINE - crayon marks in bottom border, general paper fade, Heavy paper stock

Cast: June Cunningham,Shirley Anne Field, Graham Curnow, Geoffrey Keen and perennial character actress Marianne Stone with her single line as usual.