Strange goings-on in a Cornish village of 1860, where people are dying of an unknown disease, and the dead rest not quietly in their graves. Is the mysteriously wealthy squire and his gang of 19th century teddy boys responsible? Of course!
Excellent horror film that manages to touch on themes of colonialism and exploitation, while still maintaining a healthy sense of dread. Morell's waspish doctor, Carson's sinister squire and Ripper's helpful police sergeant are highlights, as is James Bernard's menacing, drum-heavy score, one of his best. The nightmare sequence of Brook Williams being beset by zombies in the churchyard is one of the high points of 1960s horror. The zombies themselves form an interesting link between the 'classic' zombies of voodoo folklore and the shambling, brain-eating menaces we know today. Certainly the iconic Italian zombie films of the Seventies seem to have taken their cue from this film rather than Romero.
Note: Diane Clare is dubbed, but the actress remains unidentified. The credits say 'Tompson,' but Alice's coffin-plate reads 'Thompson.' Finally, the coach driver who brings the Forbes to the village is played by no less than three actors: Jolyon Booth, who has words with the Bloods; George Mossman (the coach's actual owner), who drives them into the village proper; and a third, older actor, who actually unloads the bags on the Tompson's doorstep. Talk about division of labour!
Thanks to Gerald Lovell for helping greatly improve this entry!
-Dave W.
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