Review of Mr. Sardonicus

It is 1880 and a distinguished British surgeon is tricked into treating a central European Baron of his hideously fixed smile (which was caused by a spot of grave robbing). Director and producer William Castle introduces the Edgar Alan Poe style story from a foggy London, and being the king of movie gimmicks just before the end he announces a "Mr Sardonicus Punnishment Poll", no prize for guessing which way it goes! Set in the fictional location of Gorslava the movie oozes Gothic Horror, a European castle, some grave robbing, a Medieval torture chamber and a fog machine on overdrive makes this very easy on the eye. The acting is very good, with the exception of a few minor characters who spout phoney sounding "English" accents. The cruel and heartless Baron Sardonicus spends most of his screen time wearing a mask, making him look very creepy, but unmasked his fixed hideous smile is truly shocking, the make-up is superb and very memorable. Despite being a horror movie fan for over 40 years this was my first viewing of Mr Sardonicus and I really enjoyed, it's no classic but it certainly is fun.