THEATRE OF DEATH is a 1967 British thriller from producer E.M. (THE DEVIL INSIDE) Smedley Aston and first time director Samuel Gallu. The film is about the real-life Theatre of Death in Paris which put on controversial stage productions in the Grand Guignol tradition. Producer Smedley Aston gathered quite a cast, headlined by the one-and-only Christopher Lee. He is joined by Julian Glover whom classic horror enthusiasts will recognize from QUATERMASS AND THE PIT (1967). Veteran actress Lelia Goldoni joins the cast—genre fans know her from HYSTERIA (1965), INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1978), and THE UNSEEN (1981). Newcomer Jenny Till (from A CHALLENGE FOR ROBIN HOOD) also has a key role in THEATRE OF DEATH. Anchor Bay (together with European film merchants Studio Canal), present this rare thriller uncut on DVD and in widescreen for the first time on home video. THEATRE OF DEATH is nothing like it's counterparts from Hammer and Amicus, but fans of those two studios would certainly appreciate it’s charms.

The film begins at the opening night at the Theatre of Death in Paris, as a sadistic director of dark dramatics named Darvas (Christopher Lee) manipulates his cast and crew to deliver his distorted vision. The lead actress Dani (Lelia Goldoni) receives rave reviews. After the successful opening night, Darvis invites the cast back to his gothic manor to celebrate their success. Dani’s fiance, Charles (Julian Glover), an ex-surgeon, accompanies her to the party, where he meets the rest of the cast. Finally the eccentric Darvas appears, and insists the cast perform his newest sketch, concerning the historic burning of the Salem witches. Darvis hypnotizes Dani’s roommate and aspiring actress Nicole (Jenny Till), who nearly stabs Dani with a hot poker during the sketch. This public display of hypnosis triggers a series of Jack the Ripper-like serial killings, in which the victims are drained of blood. Darvas notices Nicole’s sexuality and acting talent and takes her on as an apprentice, promising her the lead in his new play. Charles got into an accident, and is no longer capable of wielding a scalpel for surgery, so he acts as a medical consultant for the local police. They surmise that the unidentified killer may be a modern day vampire. All evidence of the atrocities seem to point to the mysterious Darvis, until he too, becomes a victim of the elusive murderer. When Nicole discovers her lover’s demise she goes into catatonic shock. Charles speculates that Darvis staged his own death and still influences Nicole through hypnotism. Charles and Dani work together with the police to track down the blood-drinking killer, as the body count quickly rises…

THEATRE OF DEATH is a unique in that it is a blueprint for the giallo genre, which would blossom in the years that followed. The movie throws one red herring after another at the audience, in an attempt to cast suspicions on every character, even the protagonists. The script hints that Charles has suffered through some accident that claimed the use of his hands, which ruins his career as a surgeon, and possibly his sanity. It is revealed that Dani spent two years in a mental institution. Nicole is never the same after Darvas hypnotizes her. And Darvas himself is painted as the scapegoat for all the killings. Nothing in THEATRE OF DEATH is obvious. Director Samuel Gallu doesn’t quite know how to execute the stalk and kill scenes. The horrific elements of the movie are played down to let the actors do their thing. Christopher Lee is not truly the star of the film, but he sure commands every scene he’s in. Julian Glover is fine too, in a snobbish kind of way. Lelia Goldoni holds her own with Glover, though Jenny Till is sort of a disappointment. But considering her character is in a state of hypnosis for most of the film, this may explain her non-performance. THEATRE OF DEATH has plenty moments of exploitation though, including simulated beheadings, impalements, body parts, street walking prostitutes, and a risqué voodoo dance performed by a half-naked vixen.

Anchor Bay presents THEATRE OF DEATH in 16x9 enhanced widescreen (2.35.1). Studio Canal has come up with an outstanding print that is sure to please the movie’s fans. There are barely any scratches or blemishes in sight, although some street scenes showing the killer in action are grainy. Colors are particularly vivid, showcasing the wondrous set designs within the Theatre of Death. The black levels are perfectly calibrated much like most Anchor Bay discs. There is only minor gore in THEATRE OF DEATH, but the crimson hues are brilliant. The sound is Dolby Digital Mono 2.0, and it sounds close to stereo. The English dialog is perfectly rendered, and Elizabeth Lutyen’s score is fantastic, and really adds to the atmosphere of the film. The disc features some great extras, including an eleven minute new interview with Christopher Lee (who’s really looking old now). Lee comments on the production of THEATRE OF DEATH, while widescreen clips are shown. The Special Features menu includes a theatrical trailer (1.85.1, Mono, 2:30), several radio spots, a 38 shot picture gallery, and a Christopher Lee biography .

Even though Christopher Lee is not the focal point, THEATRE OF DEATH, is sure to appease his fans, or fans of British horror, period. The rest of the talent is commendable, but it is Lee’s performance which elevates this one to the next level (acting-wise that is). It’s no WICKER MAN, that’s for sure, but acting and story-wise, THEATRE OF DEATH is above average. Anchor Bay does a ‘bloody good’ job in the audio and video departments. The extras are similar to their Hammer series, and Christopher Lee’s enlightening interview makes up for the lack of a commentary track.

THEATER OF DEATH is available from DVDEmpire.com

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