The Opening Statement From the masters of '60s horror, Hammer Studios, comes a film loaded with atmosphere, chills and witty performances. A strange disease is wiping out a small Cornish village, in desperation the local doctor calls on his mentor to help investigate. This film, which is similar in tone to the classic Bela Lugosi film White Zombie , is one of the most effective examples of '60s horror film making. There are certain images in the film that will remind astute horror watchers of George Romero's Night of the Living Dead .
Zombies is certainly another influence.
The film is strongly enhanced by the performance of Hammer semi-regular Andre Morell as the wise and wry Sir James Forbes. He is a marvelous actor who gives the film its center. Every scene with him is a joy. He is joined by Diane Clare as his young and busty daughter, who of course turns the head of the stern and demanding village lord, played by John Carson. It seems people having been falling ill to strange illness and dying quickly.