In 19th Century India, a vicious cult dubbed the Thuggees is terrorizing their own countrymen, robbing and killing with impunity. Harry Lewis (Guy Rolfe), a captain with the East India Company, knows that there's a problem. He's noted the mass disappearances of citizens over time, but his superior officer (Andrew Cruickshank) doesn't take him seriously. Harry gets personally involved when his faithful servant, Ram Das (Tutte Lemkow), goes missing while in search of his brother.
Hammer stalwart Terence Fisher directs with his customary efficiency. Fisher keeps the entertaining story moving along nicely, taking advantage of the exotic setting and creating some truly wonderful atmosphere. Many of the popular Hammer talents strut their stuff, including the cinematographer, Arthur Grant, who shoots "The Stranglers of Bombay" in beautiful widescreen black & white. Bernard Robinson also works wonders with the production design. Written by David Zelag Goodman ("Straw Dogs", "Logan's Run", "Eyes of Laura Mars"), this is a reasonably absorbing adventure. Some viewers might take offence at the portrayal of the Thuggee cult (just as people did when "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" came along 25 years later). But the suspense is undeniable at times and it's cute to see a mongoose play a part in the action when Lewis's life is threatened by a cobra. It's a truly chilling moment when Ram Das is murdered in cold blood by someone close to him.
Excellent performances are a real plus. Rolfe is a highly engaging hero, and among the other Hammer repertory players here, George Pastell shines. Pastell has one of his most substantial roles as the villainous High Priest of Kali. Allan Cuthbertson is amusing as the arrogant, ineffective Captain Connaught-Smith. Marne Maitland, Paul Stassino, Roger Delgado, John Harvey, Warren Mitchell, Michael Nightingale, Ewen Solon, and David Spenser all do fine jobs in their respective roles.
Some viewers may also be put off by the rather vivid violence, but this film still sizes up as an agreeable diversion for Hammer fans.
Seven out of 10.
Hammer stalwart Terence Fisher directs with his customary efficiency. Fisher keeps the entertaining story moving along nicely, taking advantage of the exotic setting and creating some truly wonderful atmosphere. Many of the popular Hammer talents strut their stuff, including the cinematographer, Arthur Grant, who shoots "The Stranglers of Bombay" in beautiful widescreen black & white. Bernard Robinson also works wonders with the production design. Written by David Zelag Goodman ("Straw Dogs", "Logan's Run", "Eyes of Laura Mars"), this is a reasonably absorbing adventure. Some viewers might take offence at the portrayal of the Thuggee cult (just as people did when "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" came along 25 years later). But the suspense is undeniable at times and it's cute to see a mongoose play a part in the action when Lewis's life is threatened by a cobra. It's a truly chilling moment when Ram Das is murdered in cold blood by someone close to him.
Excellent performances are a real plus. Rolfe is a highly engaging hero, and among the other Hammer repertory players here, George Pastell shines. Pastell has one of his most substantial roles as the villainous High Priest of Kali. Allan Cuthbertson is amusing as the arrogant, ineffective Captain Connaught-Smith. Marne Maitland, Paul Stassino, Roger Delgado, John Harvey, Warren Mitchell, Michael Nightingale, Ewen Solon, and David Spenser all do fine jobs in their respective roles.
Some viewers may also be put off by the rather vivid violence, but this film still sizes up as an agreeable diversion for Hammer fans.
Seven out of 10.