THE BLACK TORMENT (1964) Review by Steve Kirkham

THE BLACK TORMENT (1964)
3 stars
88 Films. Blu ray/DVD. 23rd June

THE BLACK TORMENT is a colourfully shot sub Hammer-cum-Amicus costume gothic horror, also known as ‘Estate of Insanity’, which may give you some clue as to where this is heading.

The film starts with a panting woman – Lucy Judd (Edina Ronay) – struggling through the wooded undergrowth, running from a pursuer. Someone in black leather boots grabs her round the throat. Cues the titles…

Sir Richard Fordyke (John Turner) is returning to his country pile, with his new wife Elizabeth (Heather Sears) to meet her father in law. However, Sir Richard isn’t exactly greeted with open arms by the locals including the local blacksmith (Francis De Wolff). It seems that young Lucy was screaming Sir Richard’s name before she died. Which might explain their less than friendly attitude.

His father, Sir Giles (Joseph Tomelty) is paralysed, confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak – using sign language which is interpreted by Diane (Ann Lynn), sister of Sir Richard’s first wife Anne, who killed herself. So not awkward at all.

Seymour (Peter Arne), who runs the household, explains about the ‘wild talk’ in the village about the rape and murder that has occurred, at a time when Sir Richard would have been miles away in London. There is talk of witchcraft and the Devil… but what is the truth?

A gothic melodrama, this plays more like a mystery than an out and out horror, though it is not much of a mystery to be fair. The high production values on show, with the setting and costumes help to keep the interest. Shame it is all a bit stiff and ultimately rather dull. The vivid cinematography by Peter Newbrook is nicely delivered on this disc presentation. Filmed at The Vyne in Basingstoke, which is now under the umbrella of The National Trust. John Turner spends much of the film over acting to the hilt and shouting a lot!

Steve Kirkham

EXTRAS
Two audio commentaries: with Troy Howarth/Kim Newman and Stephen Jones

Interviews with Annette Crutchley and Roger Croucher (31 mins) and 2nd assistant editor Peter Dansier (7 mins)

Image Gallery

Reversible sleeve featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore & original poster