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Reptile,
The (1966)
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The Reptile is one of Hammer's lesser-known films, but along with its 'twin' production The Plague of the Zombies, it is a hidden gem. The film is based on Bram Stokers novel 'The Lair of the White Worm' and revolves around the sinister Dr. Franklyn. We find out during the course of the movie that years ago during an expedition to the exotic East, Franklyn managed to antagonise a cult of snake worshippers. While the doctor escaped, the cult retaliated by placing a terrible curse of the doctor's daughter. What follows is a series of horrifying murders as the remote community in Cornwall falls prey to the mysterious 'killer' in their midst. The Reptile has a surprisingly uneasy creepiness to it. Some of the deaths involving foaming at the mouth and skins turning black are quite 'nasty'. It also has some genuinely scary 'attack' scenes. Special mention must be made of Hammer's make up expert, Roy Ashton, who did a marvellous job of creating the 'Reptile'. Despite its age, the 'Reptile' make up holds up surprisingly well, never looking tacky and fake - as it did in Hammer's later venture, the Gorgon. The 'Reptile' creature is one of Hammer's scarier creatures. Brooding and eerie with a good does of suspense the film is tightly directed and well acted all round. Jacqueline Pearce is alluring both as daughter Anna and her alter ego! Another quality product from Hammer, this is certainly one of the best 'snake genre' films that I have come across.
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