SORCERERS, THE (1967, UK, 86m, 15) ***½
Horror, Sci-Fi
dist. Tigon Film Distributors (UK), Allied Artists Pictures (USA); pr co. Tony Tenser Films / Curtwel Productions / Global / Tigon British Film Productions; d. Michael Reeves; w. Michael Reeves, Tom Baker (based on an idea by John Burke); pr. Tony Tenser; ph. Stanley A. Long (Colour | 1.85:1); m. Paul Ferris; ed. Susan Michie, David Woodward; ad. Tony Curtis.
cast: Boris Karloff (Professor Marcus Monserrat), Catherine Lacey (Estelle Monserrat), Ian Ogilvy (Mike Roscoe), Elizabeth Ercy (Nicole), Victor Henry (Alan), Sally Sheridan (Laura Ladd (as Dani Sheridan)), Alf Joint (Mechanic Ron), Meier Tzelniker (The Jewish Baker), Gerald Campion (Customer in China Shop), Susan George (Audrey Woods), Ivor Dean (Inspector Matalon), Peter Fraser (Detective George), Martin Terry (Tobacconist), Bill Barnsley (Constable in Fur Store), Maureen Booth (Dancer).
A mostly effective and often sadistic chiller that sees ageing hypnotist Karloff and his wife Lacey controlling the mind of young bachelor Ogilvy. Events turn menacing as Lacey sets him increasingly daring and murderous tasks as she searches for lost thrills. Lacey gives a memorable performance and is well supported by the ever-reliable Karloff. Reeves manages to turn the nonsense scenario into something more memorable by serving up some shocking scenes. The hip Swinging Sixties vibe is the only thing working against the story.
