[Demdike@Cult Labs]

The Black Torment (1964)

In 1780 Sir Richard Fordyke returns to his castle and finds himself under suspicion of rape, murder and witchcraft.

The film is a darkly lit piece, together with the constant talk of ghostly goings on and the atmospheric sound effects, which although mono perform well on a 5:1 surround system, which when thrown in the mix create a spooky, edgy, creepy masterpiece that gives the viewer a complete feeling of unease. As with so many great films of the time, the terror is mainly applied by suggestion - a banging window, ghostly silhouettes in the moonlight for example.

The films lack of recognised horror stars from the time adds to the authenticity of the piece. As an example you know Peter Cushing will always prevail no matter what the odds are stacked against him. With The Black Torment the viewer has no such securities, and any of the cast could come to a grisly end, again this adds to the feeling of unease throughout.

The film is closer in style to the Italian gothics of the time rather than the stylishly colourful output from Hammer.