Reviewed By-Steve Genier
Directed BY-Gary Sherman
Cast-Donald Pleasence, Norman Rossington, David Ladd, Sharon Gurney, Hugh Armstrong and Christopher Lee.
Source-Japanese VHS
Runtime-90mins

People mysteriously disappearing in London famous Underground. Inspector Calhoun and Detective Sergeant Rogers investigate this missing bodies. With the help from a young couple Alex and Patricia, who may of witnessed the last of one of the victims. Not satisfied with the progress the police are making, Alex and Patricia take it upon themselves to do a little investigating themselves. Wrong move, as Patricia becomes the next missing victim. Alex reports it to Inspector Calhoun, who again seems to be taking his time. Alex worried for Patricia life goes on the hunt to find her himself. Through the cold and dark tunnels of the Underground, there he finds the secret behind the missing persons and the fate of Patricia.

Ok, I finally got around to seeing this highly sought after British film. The main attraction was also the fact that Donald Pleasence and Christopher Lee together in a film. The after watching that, I felt jipped when Lee's appearance was only a spec. Still, even though there was that much of a letdown, the film itself is very interesting and mainly due to the great job Pleasence did. Right from the get go, when the opening credits started and the score kicked in, I know I was in for a treat. A horror film where the main stage at hand was the massively endless tunnels of the famed London Underground. The dark, dirty, rat infested playground was reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, waiting for the beautiful Linda Hamilton to step out of the shadows....not so. DEATH LINE is cut and dry horror film, cannibalistic frenzies on the loose. Atmospherically it echoes with screams of victims of long ago, piling up amidst a mountain of rotting flesh. The home of the mysterious cannibal dweller, and his collection of killing weapons. Perfectly played by Hugh Armstrong and simply dubbed "THE MAN", his portrayal of a lost soul who has resorted to savagery to survive and hell bent on revenge for the lost of his companion, who I might add is also simply referred to as "THE WOMEN". Stalking the dimly lit Underground concourse for his next meal, moaning for his loss. Although Armstrong seems to be at a loss for words, lines only calling for him to blurt out something even Ebonics experts would have troubles with.

Onto Inspector Calhoun played perfectly to a tee by Donald Pleasence. His quick whip, no nonsense approach is not even rivaled by even the might of Christopher Lee. Not to forget his humor as well, especially during one scene in particular. After living the office with his co-hort in action Detective Sergeant Rogers (Norman Rossington), they both decide to hit the pub to relax and have a few pints. Well with the wonder of film expressing the passage of time so quickly, we learn that cops are able to indulge a little too much as well. Drowning in the after effects of alcohol, Pleasence's acting abilities shine in such mockery. The rest of the main cast is rounded out by David Ladd and Sharon Gurney, who play the young couple Alex and Patricia. Both play out this couple out very professional. I was more impressed by the beauty of Sharon Gurney and her incredible range as an actress. Especially during her forced confinement via "THE MAN" and her bout with the huge rat. The only other film I recall her from is that of Viktors Ritelis' THE CORPSE aka Crucible of Horror where she played the part of Jane.

This film must be watched in it's uncut version, although not going overboard on gore, DEATH LINE is still very effective. Everything from it unorthodox score provided by John Hotchkis to it's stunningly lush visuals. Director Gary Sherman unleashes a wave of terror, one that is hidden in each of our own psyches. Similar to those who are frightened by fire or enclosed areas, DEATH LINE explores the possibilities of getting lost in an endless maze. The whole time wondering if there is going to be a positive or negative ending. I prefer the US title for this, RAW MEAT, brings the point across better to those who might be interested in taking a nice little horror trip down the rails of the London Underground!