Devil Doll (1964)
A British chiller seemingly influenced by the classic anthology Dead of Night. Here cult director Lindsay Shonteff expands on the ventriloquist section of that film and elongates on the mysticism aspect especially soul transference.
The script has a starkness that is matched by it's excellent photography and absorbing performances from Bryant Halliday, as the ventriloquist, William Sylvester, and the lovely Yvonne Romain adds glamour.
Hugo, the films wooden devil doll is an eerily chilling creation and is delightfully nasty. Fully uncut the continental version is a sleazier proposition than it's UK imprint with added nudity. Both versions are on the US dvd from Image.
A compelling little film and well worth seeking out.
The main problem with the film really has nothing to do with it at all. It just leaves you wanting more. Director Lindsay Shonteff is the problem and the sad fact that his estate refuses to allow anyone the rights to the bulk of his work at a price worth taking a gamble on. I fear we will never see the likes of Big Zapper and Licensed to Love and Kill on disc at all, and that is a crying shame.
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