It's obvious that the moment you see Roddy McDowall walk into his home and start talking to his mother in a rocking chair, that his brain is rocking towards insanity. He's the assistant to the curator at a Nature Museum, and when it catches on fire, he discovers that one of the pieces survived without any damage and is indeed the Golem of legend that cannot be destroyed regardless of what is done to it. Pretty soon, his supervisor is Dad, and he is up for the job of the Creator. There are more deaths, all mysterious, and a bridge is destroyed. But as he gains all of this power, he wants to get rid of it, the only way out would be to destroy the Golem which of course cannot be done.
I'm wondering if there were any threats of a lawsuit from the writers of 'Psycho" in the situation concerning McDowell's mother, presented with a glamorous necklace by her son as she sits quietly in her chair. It's a very funny scene, and the film, while not a comedy, has its tongue firmly planted in advance as McDowell continues to get away with crime after crime, even though suspicion towards him from the local police is growing. Jill Haworth is McDowall's girlfriend who becomes suspicious of his behavior as it gets more wacky.
The terrific performance by McDowell is one of his very best, and while the film certainly could have sunk into camp, it never does that. The Golem itself is very frightening to look at, and indeed, it is a true legend that has been filled several times although this is the first time I've seen it on screen. A great cast of British supporting players helps make this a superior horror-thriller, quite different than many others that I've seen. This is truly one of the great horse sleepers of the 1960's, not really scary but still thrilling and absolutely still with gorgeous sets and a pacing that never lets up.
I'm wondering if there were any threats of a lawsuit from the writers of 'Psycho" in the situation concerning McDowell's mother, presented with a glamorous necklace by her son as she sits quietly in her chair. It's a very funny scene, and the film, while not a comedy, has its tongue firmly planted in advance as McDowell continues to get away with crime after crime, even though suspicion towards him from the local police is growing. Jill Haworth is McDowall's girlfriend who becomes suspicious of his behavior as it gets more wacky.
The terrific performance by McDowell is one of his very best, and while the film certainly could have sunk into camp, it never does that. The Golem itself is very frightening to look at, and indeed, it is a true legend that has been filled several times although this is the first time I've seen it on screen. A great cast of British supporting players helps make this a superior horror-thriller, quite different than many others that I've seen. This is truly one of the great horse sleepers of the 1960's, not really scary but still thrilling and absolutely still with gorgeous sets and a pacing that never lets up.