(1967)
Reviewed By: Eric King
Directed By: Michael Reeves
Starring: Boris Karloff, Catherine Lacey, Ian Ogilvy, Elizabeth Ercy, Victor Henry
Released Through: Metrodome Distribution Country: UK
Region: 0 PAL
Mostly known for his Vincent Price classic, Witchfinder General, director
Michael Reeves had dabbled in the horror scene before with three lesser known
films. Castle of the Living Dead (with Christopher Lee, which the director was
left Uncredited), The She-Beast (with the beautiful Barbara Steele) and The
Sorcerers. Starring late icon Boris Karloff, this low budget British oldie comes
to us from the 1960s acid trippin', pot smokin' and club hoppin' happy days of
brain cell depleting goodness.
Karloff plays Professor Montserrat, a seemingly kind and somewhat timid
hypnotist that has invented a machine to control the minds of his subjects, as well
as allowing him to feel their sensations. He and his wife, Estelle (Catherine
Lacey) become more and more eager by the second to make a giant leap over the boundaries of science into realms never even thought of. Now that the machine is ready to go, all they need is their test subject. A youngster. One that's
willing to take the chance of feeling and experiencing something that others
have never dreamt of.
During a night of hip dancing and having some drinks, Mike (Ian Ogilvy) takes
off from his girlfriend, Nicole (Elizabeth Ercy) and buddy, Alan (Victor
Henry) for a walk and a bite to eat. He assures Alan he will meet them back at the
club directly. While grabbing some grub at a nearby diner, he is approached
by Professor Montserrat, with a most peculiar offer. Not being given full
details creates some reluctance, but the promises of an incomparable nirvana tempt Mike enough to humor the old man for a while, and follow him back to his home.
Immediately after Mike is overwhelmed by the machine's kaleidoscopic giving
experience, the Professor and Estelle begin learning how to live vicariously
through his body by testing out how far they can take their experiment
(controlling him to pick up things, go run their errands, and so on). But the more time they work with Mike's body, Estelle becomes obsessed, and eventually lets
thoughts of committing evil deeds bewilder her. Before the Professor knows it,
she becomes better at harnessing their alternative body than he can. And while
Mike loses control of himself, he also loses memory or just simply has no
answer of why it's happening. These lapses in time are merely blackouts to him, or so he claims. But as mysteries begin to unveil, Nicole and Alan begin to
notice that something is definitely out of the ordinary.
This may be something that hard-core Karloff fans will enjoy more than just a
casual viewer. It's nowhere around being one of his best movies, nor does it
contain one of his best performances, but it definitely has some interesting
moments. It could've been more rewarding had the characters of Professor
Monseraat and his wife were one, showing a dilapidation of character as the film
progressed, other than having the husband/wife element; because Karloff would've been able to do so much more with the opportunity. But, Catherine Lacey has some enjoying moments, so it's not a total let down.
There's definitely nothing wrong with the movie's appearance and style of
directing, which is why it's obvious that Michael Reeves went on to direct such a
well regarded classic as Witchfinder General is. The best sequence in The
Sorcerers is Mike's journey into the psychedelic hypnosis enhanced by multiple
spinning lights assorted of many colors coming from the Professor's machine.
Sadly, this genuine moment becomes overkill after several high pitched tones
possess your TV speakers to a degree of annoyance. Many other scenes are shot quite nicely, especially inside the nightclubs and the sequences that unfold once Mike is not in control of his mind.
While not overachieving here, Boris gives his character what he needs to
succeed as the originative inventor and scientist. A main gripe would be that he
spends the last half of the movie in and out of unconsciousness on a floor in
his house, after an argument with his wife. That's right, Estelle wears the
pants in the Monseraat family! Catherine Lacey does a commendable job of evolving her character of a loving wife slowly into a woman on the brink of insanity
and obsession. She's given a lot more to do than Karloff is here, and takes
advantage of it with glee.
Mike Roscoe is the most enjoyable character, thanks to Ian Ogilvy taking the
torch and running with it. His scenes of true affection towards his girlfriend
and his sorrow for hurting her emotionally are perfect; and enough can't be
said about his performance of going in and out of reality while his mind is
being taken over. Nothing more could be asked for from Ogilvy. He does all he
needs.
I wouldn't call Elizabeth Ercy and Victor Henry's characters of Nicole and
Alan filler for slow gaps in The Sorcerers, but they are definitely the vaguest
of the bunch. Though, the performances aren't the fault, as they seem just
underdeveloped. Other than his love for Nicole and bewilderment of why she loves Mike, not much else is known about Alan. Nicole loves her boyfriend and wants
to help him through the confusion, but she slowly becomes terrified and
unsure of his behavior. There are also small little hints of her having likewise
infatuation towards Alan, but it goes no further than facial expressions.
So, I do suggest the fans of Karloff that want to see all of his films to
check this out, as well as fans of British horror. Not one of the most stellar
moments in classic horror history, but some will find enjoyment to be had.
Audio: 3 Bitch Slaps
Video: 3.5 Bitch Slaps
Film: 3 Bitch Slaps
Overall: 3 Bitch SlapsDiscuss this film or DVD in our forum.
