Craze

I hardly recognized Freddie Francis in this movie, not in terms of directing, with exciting camera angles and moves, but because of a so lousy script where poor Jack Palance does his best to save the whole. Freddie Francis gave us worst, with the awful - or funny, that depends of your taste and opinion - TROG, where it was Joan Crawford instead of Jack Palance as the lead. But I am sure that many viewers will appreciate this film, that looks like a TV movie for me. Freddie Francis was more inspired during the sixties, let's admit it. Remember his first part of career, but maybe was it because of a budget matter, not talent.

Jack Palance plays an antique dealer Neal Mottram,who worships creepy looking statue of African God Chuku.Chuku is supposed to bring wealth and good fortune,but it also demands human sacrifices.Neal starts killing sexy British ladies to satisfy Chuku."Craze" by Freddie Francis features an over-the-top performance of the great and sadly missed Jack Palance.There are some comedic moments as well as plenty of suspense.Sexy Suzy Kendall of "Torso" and "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage" shines as a hooker/dominatrix."Craze" is based on Henry Seymour's book,but I found that Chuku was a creator deity of the Ibo people of Nigeria.Diana Dors is superb in a supporting role here and also in "Nothing But the Night",a horror film which was the only movie ever made by Christopher Lee's own production company.7 out of 10.

working from memory here so forgive the hazy details..... jack palance chews the scenery as an antique dealer who becomes convinced that by sacrificing women to an african idol in his cellar he will have good fortune bestowed upon him. cue lots of crazy 70's fashions,music,drugs references etc etc. the film follows jacks downward spiral as he tries to keep the idol satisfied. cleverly the film never makes it clear whether jacks good luck is coincidence or whether it really does bring good luck. this film is well worth picking up for entertainment value.

Edith Evans was one of the greatest actresses of the last century.So why did she demean herself by appearing in this rubbish.It is a huge cringe worthy minute when she is scared by Jack Palance with a silly mask on.He really didn't need the mask.His face was enough to frighten anyone.His features were as mobile as Chuku.Probably the low point of everybody's career.

Unassuming antiques dealer, Neal Mottram (Jack Palance) acquires an African idol called Tuku. We were already shown in the opening scene that Mottram has a dark, homicidal side.

When a woman is inadvertently impaled, Mottram quickly discovers a cash windfall. Putting two and two together, he starts trolling for female sacrifice candidates. While the bodies pile up, so does the money. Mottram's lifestyle gets a serious upgrade!

With the police closing in, Mottram fears nothing due to his megalomaniacal madness.

CRAZE is a twisted tale of insane greed and karmic retribution. Palance is incredible in his despicably devilish role. He's really good at playing these unhinged characters!

Watch and be amazed!...