THE MAN WHO CHEATED DEATH

THE MAN WHO CHEATED DEATH

Any horror fan worth his salt perks up at the name of Hammer Studios. Small wonder, for this company and its small group of talented craftsmen and actors created some of the most beautifully photographed and emotionally penetrative horrors of its time. Injecting blood, gruesome special effects, and heightened sexuality into gothic and science fiction classics, Hammer didn't stop at reinventing the preconceived legends of the vampire or Frankenstein's monster. They were quick to fill their resume with such creatures as the Mummy, Mr. Hyde, the Gorgon, and many more, managing to merge suggestive atmosphere with bold (and for the time scandalous) shocks. Many of these films were written by Jimmy Sangster and directed by Terence Fisher, one of the true unsung horror heroes. Fisher injected even his more routine scripts with moral intensity, emotional tension, and provocative dramatic flow. With The Man Who Could Cheat Death, Fisher evokes psychological tension within stale events, exploring the nature of Faustian desire and virtue with a classic tragedian's eye and the visual flair of a showman. If not nearly as exciting as Curse of Frankenstein or Horror of Dracula, this retranslation of an age old theme still engages.

Dr. Georges Bonnet (Anton Diffring) murders women in Paris in 1890, using them in a potion which gives him immortal life when he isn't indulging his artist's itch by sculpting. Using their glands he has kept himself alive for 104 years, and resembles a thirty year old. Just another anti-hero in a long line of 'seekers for forbidden knowledge,' Bonnet is part Prometheus, part Faust, and part Satan. When he requires an operation and his old friend professor Ludwig Weiss refuses, suspecting his true nature, Bonnet blackmails doctor Pierre Gerard to do the procedure. It doesn't help matters that both men are sweet on Janine Dubois (played by the late Hazel Court), or that the naive woman seems to prefer Bonnet. Will Bonnet's descent into unholy science break not only the laws of nature but ruin the lives of all he loves?

Part moral warning, part penny shilling shocker, THWWD is the Hammer equivalent of a Victorian melodrama or shilling shocker sold in instalments on the street corner. Stakes are high and characters are boldly etched, resonating with a moody air of high drama and unconquerable passions. The emotions are kept in check somewhat by Fisher's sense of pacing and subtle characterization. Unfortunately, we're left wishing that a bit more danger and emotional turbulence had bled through, as Fisher's direction is almost too calm and subtle. This production was obviously well made yet lacks the basic excitement that makes a truly memorable horror film. The story is intelligent, the acting superb, yet not enough action takes place on screen, overshadowed by exposition and dialogue that, while convincing, isn't exactly thrilling. Lee shines in his role, as does a pre Circus of Horrors Anton Differing. A British take on an ancient myth, the raw power of such archetypes as immortal life and the Outsider are somewhat dulled in the telling. Thankfully a suitably morose atmosphere injects unease even when the dialogue fails to do the same. And Fisher paints dark wonder into some of the more chilling scenes, such as when effects guru Roy Ashton's makeup is featured. If not a home run horror hit, this retelling of Barre Lyndon's play "The Man in Half Moon Street" is convincing, focusing on believable performances and a paranormal situation that is close enough to the fringes of reality to cool the blood.

Legend Films presents Hammer's The Man Who Could Cheat Death on DVD in an anamorphic 1.66:1 transfer that is clean and distinct in its imagery. Colors are bold and convincing. The Audio track, featured in Mono, suffers from some crackling but isn't unduly distracting. Alas, as with other Legend Films releases, there are no extras.

Review by William Simmons


 
Released by Legend Films
Region 1 - NTSC
Not Rated
Extras :
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