Mr. Sardonicus

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Andy F Feb 2 Lifted above the mire as it's scripted by the novella's author Ray Russell. A hammy William Castle film that just about delivers. See more Julian S @akajulianscott Jan 30 A classic William Castle film that revels in its gimmickry and remains disturbingly effective, if a touch dull in the middle. See more Matt R 04/05/2024 "A man of evil… with a face that could stop a heart!" MR SARDONICUS (1961) was made by a real showman who had a twinkle in his eye and a cigar in the corner of his smiling grin. Producer and director William Castle, sometimes referred to the "poor man's Alfred Hitchock", utilized some creative gimmicks to entice crowds to come see his movies. With Mr Sardonicus, he gave the audience the "punishment poll" to decide the fate of the villain or at least the sense that they would. I wish some theaters would do a William Castle revival with all the gimmicks included. I'd buy a ticket to that. MR SARDONICUS is a thrilling and twisted story of a mysterious and sadistically manipulative baron who wants the aid of a British doctor to fix his affliction. It's a period piece a bit reminiscent of Dracula with some psychological provocation to heighten the suspense. William Castle was a unique American showman who deserves more credit. There is a good documentary about him too called SPINE TINGLER! THE WILLIAM CASTLE STORY (2007). It is a fun and engaging look at Mr. Castle from his early days of breaking into the entertainment industry through his push to be considered a serious filmmaker. Spine Tingler also gives you a look at his personality and drive. See more Edward K 01/10/2024 It's was actually decent and watchable. Good plot. The special effects and makeup were silly. I could have done without the intro and epilogue by the director. The leading lady was attractive. See more Michael C @Michael71 09/25/2023 If there is one word to describe "Mr. Sardonicus", it is "mediocre". The movie was well made, and the cast for the most part do a good job of acting in their respective roles, especially the late Ronald Lewis (Sir Robert Cargrave) and the late Oskar Homolka (Krull), but overall the movie felt too long and just plain dull. I liked the premise of the movie and the story was pretty decent. The movie's script takes The Curse of the Lottery to a whole new level! Still, I felt myself more bored than anything. The segment of the movie where the backstory of how Marek Toleslawski became Sardonicus seemed way too drawn out for some reason. Once I was done watching "Mr. Sardonicus" I did not think I wasted my time, but I did not think the movie was particularly memorable. See more CodyZamboni 09/17/2023 For most of the way, this movie is compelling, with a creepy vibe, some brutal torture violence, and a memorable, menacingly scary villian. All punctuated by some effectively unerving makeup fx, But all that is cast aside by a lackluster climax, and a bonus William Castle audience gimmick that undercuts the movie's intensity. See more Read all reviews

Mr. Sardonicus

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