(Review originally written at 31 August 2007)
The movie had a notable low budget but in this case that really works in its advantage. It helps to keep the movie focused on what matters the most and there are no distracting chases, monsters, make-up or other horror elements present. It gives the movie plenty of room to let its atmosphere become the most haunting and effective aspect of the movie. The low budget gives the movie a certain sense of realism, which helps to make this movie feel as an uneasy one. So its really not a scary movie but more of an uneasy one to watch, mainly due to the atmosphere and simplistic story of the movie.
The movie relies on just one simple concept and uses this throughout the entire movie. 'The great hypnotist Professor Montserrat has developed a technique for controlling the minds, and sharing the sensations, of his subjects. He and his wife Estelle test the technique on Mike Roscoe, and enjoy 'being' the younger man. But Estelle soon grows to love the power of controlling Roscoe, and the vicarious pleasures that provides. How far will she go, and can the Professor restrain her in time?'. This rather simplistic sort of story and concept works out well in the movie and makes this one of the better 'typicaly' low budget British horror movies from the '60's.
It's basically a big plus that Boris Karloff is in this movie. It doesn't make it any better, more professional or uplifts it but its just a welcome addition to the movie, that also helps to of course make this movie a bit more special. Also remember that he already was 80 years old at the time of this movie. You have got to respect that. The large majority of people of course only know him for his "Frankenstein" role but those who've seen him in other horror movies also know that Boris Karloff actually was a pretty good actor for his time. He could very well play demanding roles, with obviously also more lines to it. He once more shows in this movie he was a capable actor, though the script is a bit too dodgy in parts to really allow him to shine to his best capabilities. He played in a lot of movies like this in the '60's, at the end of his career, before his death in 1969, 2 years after this movie.
Catherine Lacey doesn't really begin good in the movie but as the movie starts to progress and her character develops she gets really good in her role, that also becomes a big part in the movie its uneasy and realistic atmosphere. I've also liked Ian Ogilvy. He has got the right 'arrogant' kind of look and also knew how to act. Too bad he never really broke through in Hollywood and he now mostly just makes small appearances in well known TV-series. Oh well, at least there is still this- and other movies to enjoy him in.
It's the sort of late '60's movie made in pre-'70's style. So some of the camera-work and compositions is quite experimental at times. Unfortunately the editing is not much good and it forms one of the weaker aspects of the movie. It feels sloppy at times and even kills the movie its flow at certain points.
A movie well worth searching out.
7/10
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