Theatre of Death

Mystery and terror surround a horror-oriented theatre in Paris

Investigators in Paris (e.g. Julian Glover) focus on the domineering director of a Grand Guignol theatre (Christopher Lee) when a string of murders break out. Jenny Till plays the bully’s new muse and Lelia Goldoni one of the performers.

“Theatre of Death” (1967) plays like Hammer meets Dario Argento with shades of “Phantom of the Opera” and “Dorian Gray.” It’s a colorful mixture of Hammer’s "The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll" (1960) with the basic setting of the future “StageFright” (1987). DON’T expect the black comedy or hammy approach of Price’s "The Abominable Dr. Phibes" (1971) or "Theater of Blood" (1973).

While this is a curiously obscure flick, the exacting and bossy Philippe Darvas is easily one of Christopher Lee’s most entertaining roles. You can’t beat the Gothic ambiance (even though it’s set in the modern day, aka 1966 when the movie was filmed). The last act holds a surprise as well.

It runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, which is just north of London.

GRADE: B