I was reunited with a lost friend last night.
About 45 years ago I was given a book at Christmas about horror films. I've blogged about the book before, as it became a milestone in my 'monstrous' childhood, the Ian Allen Film Book 2: Horror.
The lost friend I'm on about is a film listed in the book. The black and white still in the book made a huge impression, with John Carradine as a mad old man and Tor Johnson as a moaning zombie. The title fired my imagination too. What did it mean? The Black Sleep.
For some reason in my 59 years watching films I've just never seen this movie. Until now!
I caught the Black Sleep online this week. It was a sweet reunion and everyone was there; Basil, John, Lon, Tor, Bela and me!
From 1956, the film is a castle-bound gothic tale of madness, surgery, obsession, a cellar full of victims and a rather nasty drug called Nind Andhera, which induces the dreaded Black Sleep.
I thoroughly enjoyed my reunion and slept soundly. And I woke up! Just in time for Beltane!
Have you had a black sleep?
The Black Sleep is a terrific Gothic, even with some narrative flaws, very spooky, and a cast to die for.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it too Zigg. A kindred! I was so pleased to get to see it after gawping at the still of the movie in my kid's horror book 50 years ago!
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