Castle Sinister

None of the other reviewers have mentioned the scary still from this movie that first made me aware of it's existence on page 203 of Denis Gifford's 'A Pictorial History of Horror Movies' in 1973.

Yes, it's a mess, but full of arresting images (which the soundtrack seems constantly to be competing with), none more arresting than the formidably named Mara Russell-Tavernan as the even more formidably named Gabrielle, Marshioness of Glennye, who looks like Rafaella Ottiano from 'The Devil Doll' in a clingy thirties cocktail gown.

The final breathless explanation of what has hitherto unfolded at a snail's pace is worthy of the scene with the psychiatrist that concludes 'Psycho'.

Little known (well to me at least) short British drama/horror movie, adapted from the play "Mark of Judas" (I have never heard of that either). Set during World War Two a British agent is sent to a castle in the wilds of Scotland to investigate a mysterious murder. In fact there are several murders, carried out by "The Phantom". Phantom wears a black hooded monk's robe and a skull mask, as a horror fan the killer is quite impressive, perhaps an inspiration for Wes Craven's Ghostface from "Scream"? Well probably not but it's a cool thought. Some of the acting is quite bad, some of the "Scottish" accents are very dubious, and some of the night scenes were filmed in broad daylight. The plot is mainly a wartime drama, not a particularly good one, but the Phantom and old castle make it a worthwhile watch for horror fans.

So if you want a laugh then this is perfect. The intense conversations are also a hoot.

Yes, this was an amateurish item, but perhaps the plot could be copied and used to better effect. The awful acting totally destroyed this film for me. I got the impression it was a Scottish production and there was probably no film industry in that country at the time. As another reviewer pointed out, the Talking Pictures channel should be praised for bringing these old films to us.

This is probably the worst movie I've ever seen. Having said that I recommend anyone interested in making films to watch it. The acting is really amateurish, the pace of it is excruciatingly slow, the direction is weak.