Tales from the Crypt (1972)

The Elephant Man (1980)

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man who is mistreated while scraping a living as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous facade, there is revealed a person of intelligence and sensitivity.

Extremely moving and tasteful rendition of a tragic story; masterfully created in all departments (performances, b/w cinematography, period detail) it exemplifies what commercial cinema is capable of, when it's made with an artistic vision.

Halliwell***: "A curious story which happens to be true; the film sets its scene superbly, has splendid performances and a fascinating make-up. Yet it fails to move quite as it should, perhaps because the central figure is treated as a horrific come-on, like the hunchback of Notre Dame."

Maltin***1/2: "Moving dramatization...Fine performances by all; rich Victorian atmosphere created by Lynch and veteran cameraman Freddie Francis - in beautiful black and white."

The Evil of Frankenstein (1964)

The Brain (1962)

A millionaire businessman's brain is kept alive after a fatal accident, and communicates clues to a doctor on the trail of the killer.

Above-average sci-fi drama with a good cast and some excellent cinematography; the plot is silly, of course, but is treated more like a crime mystery.

Halliwell (no star): "Twisty remake of Donovan's Brain, not too badly done."

Maltin***: "Good remake of DONOVAN'S BRAIN..."

The Day of the Triffids (1963)

The Day of the Triffids (1962)

After an unusual meteor shower leaves most of the human population blind, a merchant navy officer must find a way to conquer tall, aggressive plants which are feeding on people and animals.

This isn't really a good movie - the plot itself is hilariously silly - but it has an (unintended) dreamlike,  surreal quality to ist scenes and situations, so I'll have to admit it's one of my guilty pleasures since my childhood.

Halliwell*: "Rough and ready adaptation of a famous sci-fi novel, sometimes blunderingly effective and with moments of good trick work."

Maltin**1/2: "Variable special effects."

The Psychopath (1966)

The Psychopath (1966)

Four men who were involved in the investigation of a German millionaire at the end of WW II are found murdered with tiny dolls left next to their corpses.