Ross H
In the quite good "The Vampire Lovers", Ingrid Pitt excelled as the protagonist vampire and Peter Cushing was at his usual stellar best. Except for Pitt being an obvious decade too old for the part, the Karnstein Trilogy was off to a fine start. In the rush to make a sequel, "Lust for a Vampire", everything that could go wrong, did. Except for Mircalla Karnstein version two, Yutte Stensgaard, looking far younger and more appropriate for the part, part two of the trilogy was a train wreck. When Hammer produced part three, "Twins of Evil", I went to the Boston premier in 1971 (yes, I am that old) dreading how much worse it could be than its predecessor. In one of the most pleasant surprises since "The Curse of Frankenstein", "Twins of Evil" was Hammer at its late period best. Peter Cushing was in top form, the Collinson twins were WAY better than expected (even if they were dubbed) and the supporting cast left at least some of the scenery un-chewed. With the changing censor codes of the time, the Hammer era of Boobs and Blood had arrived but unlike the shamelessly inept sexploitation of "Lust for a Vampire", "Twins of Evil" offered a compelling reminder that as much fun as Kensington Gore and Playboy boobs are, if the film actually has an excellent story, you can have a quality film that stands on its own. A Hammer classic!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
12/08/24
Full Review
Rick A
I had written a longer review but Rotten Tomatoes hiccupped and it was lost. Short version is it is good but not great. Most men will find the Collinson sisters the highlight of the movie.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
09/19/24
Full Review
Azizkhuja T
Concluding my review of the trilogy based on Sheridan Le Fanu's novella "Carmilla," it's time to delve into "Twins of Evil" (1971), perhaps the most memorable film in the series. Unlike its predecessors, "Twins of Evil" diverges from a direct adaptation of the novella, introducing elements of witch-hunting to the vampire narrative and centering on two twins with contrasting natures.
The main characters, Maria and Frieda, played by real-life identical twins and former Playboy Playmates Mary and Madeleine Collinson, embody the conflict between good and evil, innocence and corruption. This installment of the trilogy brings the interplay between these forces to a climax, as each sister chooses her path, with the audience witnessing their fateful decisions.
In "Twins of Evil," Peter Cushing returns to the trilogy, this time portraying Gustav Weil, a stern Puritan and leader of the fanatical witch-hunting 'Brotherhood.' His character introduces an additional layer of moral and ethical conflict, highlighting the theme that true evil can take many forms, including fanaticism and intolerance.
Directed by John Hough, the film maintains the gothic atmosphere and style characteristic of Hammer productions while adding a level of dynamism and tension. Interestingly, Hammer initially planned to make a film titled "Vampire Virgins," but after producer Harry Fine saw a Playboy spread featuring the Collinson twins, the focus shifted to their story.
"Twins of Evil" distinguishes itself from the earlier films in the trilogy by offering not only a classic horror story but also reflections on the nature of evil and morality. The film intrigues not just with the contrast between the protagonists but also through its meticulously crafted atmosphere and strong cast.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film's contribution to the genre and cinematic history is undeniable. "Twins of Evil" remains a prime example of how to effectively blend elements of horror, drama, and mystery, offering audiences not only entertainment but also food for thought.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/21/24
Full Review
Audience Member
Certainly a film that does not meet the quality of the first film in the "Karnstein Trilogy", "The Vampire Lovers. It does succeed when it comes to comparing it to its predecessor "Lust For A Vampire". Help immensely by the fantastic acting of Peter Cushing who returns from the first film.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/11/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Though it starts with a witch burning, Twins of Evil turns out to be a well made vampire movie. The witch hunt aspects, carried out by Peter Cushing's cold yet conflicted Puritan, as well as real twins in the title roles set this film apart in the vampire genre. Yet it still has many of the familiar elements such as a sprawling castle on a hill, an exuberantly over the top count in Karnstein, played by Damien Thomas, and free flowing bright scarlet blood. The sets are appropriately Gothic and the forest locations add some realistic natural settings to balance out the garish crypts and caves. The twins manage to distinguish themselves from one another, Madeleine Collinson as the unashamedly evil one and Mary as the pure and innocent, although they frequently use their likeness to switch places. The final set piece is thrilling even if the gore effects aren't setting any standards, and the pink end credits, matching the beginning titles of the same color, fit with this film being a unique addition to the Hammer horror series.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/06/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Way above average Hammer gothic horror. Peter Cushing was suitably evil but not just a cardboard cutout.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/08/23
Full Review
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