Asylum (1972)

After spending the day with my beautiful and talented daughter Genesis in Morgantown today, I decided to kick back and find something interesting to watch. Incredibly, while searching Shudder, I accidentally stumbled upon a movie that has eluded me for decades (I could only remember the scenes with the tailor). That movie is the 1972 Amicus anthology Asylum.

Plot/ In order to secure a job at a mental institution, a young psychiatrist must interview four patients inside the asylum.

I love the horror anthologies put out by Amicus during the 1970s, and this one is falls in line with those. While this one may not be the best of its kind, it holds a special place in my heart, as it is the film that made me a fan of horror back decades ago. Yes, it is nowhere near as scary as I remember it as a child; this one has stuck with me (especially the story of the tailor). In fact, I have searched many years and watched many horror films trying to rediscover this one. The cast is outstanding, the performances solid, and the framing story does a great job at setting the atmosphere inside the dark and dismal asylum. Plus, with the stories coming from Robert Block, it is hard to imagine it not leaving an impression. Sure, some of the effects did not age well, and the material does seem a little tame in comparison to some of the other films of the era, but those flaws are easily overlooked. In the end, if you love the vintage anthologies from one of the best periods of horror cinema, give it a shot. It may not be the best, but it is entertaining and a fun watch.

Torture Garden (1967)

Sitting here in my recliner, it will be nice to start watching some more horror flicks. Luckily, I have had some time now to catch-up on some of the flicks that I enjoyed here lately. Next up for review, the 1967 Amicus entry Torture Garden.

Plot/ A special sideshow torture exhibit has the power, according to the showman Dr. Diablo, to warn people of evil in their futures. The skeptical customers are shown the greed and violence they're hiding.

This Amicus entry is an interesting anthology, and actually decently entertaining. Based on the works of horror icon Robert Bloch, the stories vary from dark to humorous, with a very sound atmosphere throughout, the cast is solid and all have some very good performances (especially Jack Palance and Peter Cushing in The Man Who Collected Poe) and it carries a decent feel throughout. In the end, this is no masterpiece, Hell, it may not be the best Amicus Anthology, but it has enough moments and twists to keep it interesting (not to mention the eerie carnival music). While far from perfect, it is a must see for horror fans.