Set back in 1947 a crazed plastic surgeon Dr. Rossiter (Anton Diffring) botches a job in a very nice intro to the film. So along with his two sibling assistants Angela (Jane Hylton) and Martin (Kenneth Griffith), a new name in Dr. Schuler and a newly reconstructed face he is on the run. Until they come across a circus, which they find will be a perfect hiding spot. The circus is handed over to Dr. Schuler after the circus owner (horror icon Donald Pleasance) dies in an extremely unrealistic bear fight. Looks like he is dancing with an obviously dead stuffed bear. Fast forward 10 years and now Dr. Schuler wants to show the world his ability in plastic surgery while keeping those fellow circus performers at bay who may know a thing or two about the doctor's past.
Well directed by Sidney Hayers and based on a screenplay by George Baxt. Also has a nice look thanks to cinematographer Douglas Slocombe. I think the film is nicely paced and full of life. I actually found the sibling characters to be very interesting characters. Angela has a burning heart for the doctor while Martin assists the doctor in committing murders. In addition I enjoy the circus as being a setting in horror films. Of course they also have to be scripted well. This classic does that and keeps the viewer interested to carry on through out the film. If you enjoy classic British horror films that do not deal with the supernatural give this one a shot.
Well directed by Sidney Hayers and based on a screenplay by George Baxt. Also has a nice look thanks to cinematographer Douglas Slocombe. I think the film is nicely paced and full of life. I actually found the sibling characters to be very interesting characters. Angela has a burning heart for the doctor while Martin assists the doctor in committing murders. In addition I enjoy the circus as being a setting in horror films. Of course they also have to be scripted well. This classic does that and keeps the viewer interested to carry on through out the film. If you enjoy classic British horror films that do not deal with the supernatural give this one a shot.