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And Now the Screaming Starts

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The 70's were hard for horror fans; the only worthwhile films were produced on low bugets by a trio of studios (AIP, Hammer and Amicus). During much of the 70's Hammer's horror output became very uneven in quality. Amicus rose to the occasion putting out a series of worthwhile horror films that continue to work well because of the strong casting and interesting scripts/direction on the films.

"And Now the Screaming Starts!" has a loaded title which fits the film well. Charles and Catherine Fengriffen (Ian Ogilvy and Stephanie Beacham) have just moved into Charles' ancestral home. On their wedding night Catherine is raped by an an evil ghost or spirit haunting the house. After her attack she has a series of strange visions and dreams that disturb her. Charles fears for her sanity and calls on Dr. Whittle (Patrick Magee a part of the Amicus stable who also appeared in "Asylum" and "A Clockwork Orange") who, in turn, calls in Dr. Pope (Peter Cushing naturally)a doctor who uses science to cure mental disease. Pope believes that Stephanie has become unhinged but ultimately ends up in a supernatrual battle that even he doesn't expect.

This re-release from Dark Sky Films features a new high definition anamorphic transfer done from the original 35mm negative. Also included are yummy extras including commentary by director Roy Ward Baker and Stephanie Beacham and a second commentary track by actor Ian Ogilvy. Biographies for all the main cast/production team are included as well as a still gallery and trailers for other Dark Sky Films releases in the Amicus series. There are liner notes as well.

If you're a fan of this gothic thriller you can stop screaming about having to pay $50.00 for an out-of-print DVD and start screaming again now that it is on DVD at a reasonable price.

"And Now The Screaming Starts!" has the feel of a Hammer Studios horror picture, however, was made by it's rival studio Amicus. The English castle, the haunting story of the ill-fated couple who were so dreadfully wronged by an English nobleman, whose family now carries their curse, and the great atmosphere of the creepy house and it's weird goings-on, make this a fun ride for British horror fans. I video taped this movie from one of cable TVs movie channels, and immediately it became one of my favorites of the genre.

The time is 1795, in England, a young woman Catherine (Stephanie Beacham) moves to the house of her fiancé Charles Fengriffen (Ian Ogilvy) in the country to get married to him. When she arrives, she feels interest in the portraits of the Fengriffen family, particularly in the one of Charle's grandfather Henry Fengriffen (Herbert Lom), which seems to have a sort of evil entity possessing it. While admiring Henry's face, a severed hand attacks Catherine through the picture on the wall. Later, she gets married to Charles, beginning her journey of mystery, eerie apparitions, secrets and deaths. Her days are filled with fear and the nights with horrors in a family that has been cursed.

"And Now The Screaming Starts!" is part of "The Amicus Collection," along with "The Beast Must Die!" (1974) and "Asylum" (1972). I've yet to see the later two titles, but have ordered them from Amazon and should be receiving them shortly. The reviews I've read about them, especially "Asylum," are very good and I can't wait to see them! Here are some other great British horror classics that need to be on dvd, but who knows when that will happen.

The Gorgon (1964)
Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965)
The Skull (1965)
Island of the Burning Doomed (1967)
Tales from the Crypt (1972)
Vault of Horror (1973)
From Beyond the Grave (1973)

So, if you see these titles playing on a cable TV movie channel, do yourself a favor and tape it!

**UPDATE!** "Tales From The Crypt" and "Vault of Horror" is now available in a great "Midnite Movies" double feature DVD! With each movie on it's own disc, complete with awesome picture art on the discs! 20th Century Fox is now releasing the wildly popular "Midnite Movies" DVD Double Features of classic Sci-Fi and Horror films, which were previously being released by MGM. You'll also find Hammer favorites, "The Gorgon," "The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb," "The Two Faces of Dr Jekyll," and my personal fav "Scream of Fear" all in "Hammer Films- 4 Creepy Classic" DVD set, which is part of SONY PICTURE's "Icons of Horror Collection." And the long awaited, "From Beyond The Grave" is now available on DVD, which you may buy individually or as part of Warner Bros' "Twisted Terror Collection."

Classic Horror and Sci-Fi fans, KEEP requesting MORE of these great films from Hammer Studios, Amicus, and others for these DVD releases prove that the Studios ARE listening!!

Fans of gothic horror should be very pleased with this offering. Peter Cushing is his usual fantastic self, only this time he is one of the few sane ones. A curse placed upon a sadist and his airs makes for a fast paced thriller born of the competition between Amicus and Hammer studios. While some compare this movie with The Hound Of The Baskervilles, the only similarities i see are that there is a curse, and Cushing is in both movies. The picture quality is very good and while the sound is in mono it too is good. Worth a look.

I remember seeing this film when it first came out back in 1973 (on a double-bill with 'Terror in the Wax Museum'), and have not seen it since. However, after getting hold of the DVD yesterday, I was struck by how many of the film's images had stuck with me those many years. A rare non-omnibus film from Amicus, the film tells the story of a young bride brought to her husband's ancestral home (the house used in the film is the same one used as Frank-N-Furter's castle in 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'!) only to find that she is the victim of a curse that no one will tell her about. Stephanie Beacham and Ian Ogilvy are the newlyweds, and are quite good in their roles. Veteran performers Rosalie Crutchley ('Blood From the Mummy's Tomb'), Patrick Magee ('Asylum', 'Clockwork Orange'), Herbert Lom ('Asylum', 'Murders in the Rue Morgue') and Guy Rolfe ('Mr. Sardonicus') pop up and entertain before the arrival (nearly halfway through the film) of the fabulous Peter Cushing, as the doctor called in to help figure out why Stephanie is doing so much hallucinating and -- well, screaming. The best thing about this little gem of a film is the look of it. Horror vet Roy Ward Baker keeps things interesting by alternating moments of idyllic beauty with images of dark horror. He makes terrific use of the English countryside and the interiors. The music, by Douglas Gamely, utilizes a lovely, simple orchestral theme (which, when paired with the beautiful images is nearly breathtaking at times), but seems to 'borrow' heavily in the tense scenes from his previous score for 'Asylum.'

All in all, this is a film for all fans of British horror. As it's been so long since it was widely released on video (the Canadian Prism release actually cut out EVERY moment of horror, including the dramatic climax in the graveyard!), it's time to rediscover this fine, solid, well-cast film. The DVD is nicely produced (in widescreen, contrary to what the Amazon.com description says), with commentary by Ian Ogilvy.

Often compared unfavourably with the classic story "The Hound of the Baskervilles", that it resembles in some ways, I find this wonderful production of "And Now The Screaming Starts", most definately stands firmly on it's own considerable merits. It is a fine example of 1970's horror filmmaking from England's prolific Amicus Productions which during this period were the main rivals to Hammer in the field of horror. Blessed with stunning period settings, a first rate British cast of both both young and veteran performers, and many special effects that for the time pack quite a punch it makes for most enjoyable horror viewing. Any vehicle starring the great Peter Cushing, no matter what its artistic merits, is well worth seeing and in this effort depite only coming into the story about half way through he has the perfect vehicle and setting for his finely tooled talents for these type of gothic horror efforts.

While every family may have `skeletons in the closet', for most it's only a metaphor, alluding to some dark secret meant to be kept hidden from the general public, but that's not necessarily the case with the House of Fengriffen, as illustrated in the Amicus feature And Now the Screaming Starts (1973). Directed by Roy Ward Baker (Quatermass and the Pit, The Vampire Lovers), the film stars Stephanie Beacham (House of Mortal Sin, Inseminoid), Ian Ogilvy (From Beyond the Grave, Death Becomes Her), and Peter Cushing (At the Earth's Core, Star Wars). Also appearing is Geoffrey Whitehead (Kidnapped), Guy Rolfe (Ivanhoe, Mr. Sardonicus), Herbert Lom (Asylum, The Return of the Pink Panther), and Patrick Magee (A Clockwork Orange, Demons of the Mind).

The story, set in England in the year 1795, begins with the arrival of Catherine (Beecham), strained bodice and all, to the House of Fengriffen, a large and expansive estate in the countryside. Seems Catherine is set to marry Charles Fengriffen (Ogilvy), the last of his line, which she does, despite some peculiarities of the ethereal kind inherent within the house (i.e. a severed hand roaming the halls, windows that open on their own, etc.), all of which only Catherine can see (for now). On the couple's wedding night, while Catherine's preparing for the consummation the nuptials, she's attacked by a mysterious figure sans a hand (I think I saw it slinking about in the hallway), one who vanishes once Charles manages to break through the locked door. Well, turns out the House of Fengriffen has a terrible secret in its past, one involving Charles' grandfather Henry Fengriffen (Lom) and Silas (Whitehead), the creepy woodsman who lives on the estate, one that Charles, along with everyone else `in the know', are reluctant to share with Catherine, despite her repeated inquires (those who do seem interested in helping Catherine find themselves in a world of supernatural hurt as Stumpy the Ghost and his detached flipper run interference). As the local doctor, played by Magee, is unable to help Catherine with her `problem', a specialist is called in, one Dr. Pope (Cushing), a practitioner of a new science involving the mind (the thought being Catherine might be going mental, which she is, but only because of bizarre happenings in and about the house). Pope, being an intelligent and practical man, quickly realizes Catherine's condition is somehow related to past events and soon pressures Charles to spill the beans, which he does in a lengthy flashback (the events Charles relates occurred prior to his birth, so he believes it all more or less a legend). After the revelation things really get interesting as events come to a head as a prophecy made long ago comes to fruition...

While I enjoyed this film a lot, I did have a few issues, the main one being I thought Peter Cushing, sporting quite the interesting coif, should have had a bigger role in the story (few at the time seemed as much at home in these period features as Cushing, except for Christopher Lee and Vincent Price, in my humble opinion). His character doesn't make the scene until about forty-five minutes in, and even then he's more or less just a catalyst to draw out the Fengriffen's dirty laundry (it's positively filthy). His character's overall involvement is relatively minimal, as he can do nothing but witness the events that unfold after his arrival. Also, both Lom and Magee have relatively minor parts, the main bulk of the production on Ms. Beecham's lovely shoulders, who did very well, but could have used a bit more help. As far as Charles, played by Ian Ogilvy, I thought he was a curiously detached character, not overly concerned that his wife's worsening condition might be tied to the family secret he was so reluctant to let her in on, at least initially. Perhaps he was so eager to believe it was all so much superstitious nonsense that neglected to see the forest for the trees, but I'd think once the various deaths started to occur, he might have acted sooner than he did...not that he could have done anything to prevent the ultimate outcome, but still...the story isn't laid out for those who like things to be presented in order, but more like someone putting together a puzzle, working from their way in from the border. As a result, the first three quarters of the film may frustrate some less patient viewers as not only is there a good deal of confusion (at least until Charles comes clean), but also the going is somewhat slow. As for myself, I kind of liked being left in the dark, trying to discern the gist of things from what little was offered, up until the revelation. Once the secret is revealed, things quickly become apparent, especially in terms of where the story is going (I guessed most of the twist ending well before it occurred). There were a couple of specific aspects I found downright annoying, the first being a dog howling sound effect would be played about every fifteen minutes like clockwork. Maybe the intent was to re-enforce the gothic nature of the story, but it was unnecessary. The second aspect involved the windows in the Fengriffen estate...these damn things would open constantly, apparently due to supernatural elements gaining entry into the home, but then, if it was a ghost (it was), why the hell would it need to open a window to get inside? The only real reason for this was to let the audience in on the fact something spooky was about to happen, and not because it was actually necessary for the story. I thought the script was written well, and the production values very strong...the period pieces and costumes worked wonderfully in creating a sense of the time the story was meant to take place. As far as the violence and blood, there's not really a lot of either, except for within the flashback sequence (someone's grubby mitt gets lopped off). Overall the film isn't particularly scary, but it kept me engaged and entertained throughout.

This DVD release from Dark Sky Films includes an exceptionally sharp and good-looking anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) print, along with a strong and clean audio track presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 mono. Extras include two audio commentary tracks, one with director Roy Ward Baker and actress Stephanie Beacham, and a second with actor Ian Ogilvy. Also included are liner notes by Christopher Gullo, biographies, a still gallery, English subtitles, and a theatrical trailer for this film along with one for The Beast Must Die (1974) and Asylum (1972), all three originally released by Amicus Productions and all three recently re-released onto DVD by Dark Sky Films (they were originally released onto DVD by Image Entertainment).

Cookieman108

The 70's were hard for horror fans; the only worthwhile films were produced on low bugets by a trio of studios (AIP, Hammer and Amicus). During much of the 70's Hammer's horror output became very uneven in quality. Amicus rose to the occasion putting out a series of worthwhile horror films that continue to work well because of the strong casting and interesting scripts/direction on the films.

"And Now the Screaming Starts!" has a loaded title which fits the film well. Charles and Catherine Fengriffen (Ian Ogilvy and Stephanie Beacham) have just moved into Charles' ancestral home. On their wedding night Catherine is raped by an an evil ghost or spirit haunting the house. After her attack she has a series of strange visions and dreams that disturb her. Charles fears for her sanity and calls on Dr. Whittle (Patrick Magee a part of the Amicus stable who also appeared in "Asylum" and "A Clockwork Orange") who, in turn, calls in Dr. Pope (Peter Cushing naturally)a doctor who uses science to cure mental disease. Pope believes that Stephanie has become unhinged but ultimately ends up in a supernatrual battle that even he doesn't expect.

This re-release from Dark Sky Films (a division of MPI)hasn't been released yet (it releases at the same time as "Asylum" in July 2006)but will feature a new high definition anamorphic transfer done from the original 35mm negative. Also we'll be getting yummy extras including commentary by director Roy Ward Baker and Stephanie Beacham and a second commentary track by actor Ian Ogilvy. Biographies for all the main cast/production team will be included as well as a still gallery and trailers for other Dark Sky Films releases in the Amicus series. There will also be liner notes.

If you're a Amicus fan you may want to pre-order this classic. Don't pay $50.00 for the earlier edition just be patient and you can start screaming all over again.

Beacham (Tam Lin) comes to Fengriffen to marry Ogilvy(The Sorcerers with Karloff, Witchfinder General with Price, Return of the Saint as Simon Templar) in Regency period England. Immediately, we are made aware of the menacing presence of Ogilvy's dead grandfather who died before Ogilvy was born. As she is starting at Henry's portrait on the wall, a hand push through it and tries to grab her. Beacham soon is aware that something is off at the ancestral home, when she is rape by an ghostly presence, a man with a stump instead of a hand, Ogilvy treats it as if she imagined it. No one will reveal the big secret of the Fengriffen curse - and anyone who tries is suddenly found dead. Is it the ghost of the man wronged by Ogilvy's grandfather or is it the son of that man, the woodsman living on the estate with the sole purpose of seeing the curse of Fengriffen fulfilled?

Enters the beloved veteran horror actor, Peter Cushing, as the doctor sent for to heal Beachman's troubled mind. But is it her mind or the ghost that troubles her? After she overhears Ogilvy telling Cushing of the curse, she tries to take matters in her own hands, only to discover there is no escaping.

Amicus, Hammer's chief rival on the 1970's horror market, delivers a tale of the Sins of the Father (in this case Grandfather) visited upon the generations following. Based on the book "Fengriffen" by David Case, Amicus presents us with a beautiful, almost poetically, filmed horror tale. Gorgeous eye to historical detail,rich in location work and meticulous period costuming, and well acted by the leads Ian Ogilvy and Stephanie Beacham, this is beautiful to enjoy - though some areas are often a little dark in the film ( aka English style of filming night scenes). Peter Cushing adds that refined elegance that he does in every performance, always the perfect gentleman ( an much beloved gentle actor).

(The one low point of the movie is the poorly done crawling hand - OH PLEASE, the movie could have well done without that!!!!). A stunning tale from beginning to end and a delight for Hammer, Amicus and Cushing fans. (Ignore the crawling hand!!!)

Beacham is gorgeous to watch, well matched with Ogivly, eyecandy for the Ladies.

On The DVD versions, you get the added track with Ogily discussing the film in voice over. Very interesting in details.

Another note: The House used as Fengriffin, it also the house used for the cult classy Rocky Horror Films.

I also have the twice on Video, the DVD is very superior in quality.

In 1795, Catherine [Stephanie Beacham] marries into the Fengriffin family, and comes to live at Fengriffin Hall with her husband Charles [Ian Ogilvy]. Immediately upon her arrival, Catherine is tormented by visions of a bloody, eyeless ghost with a stump where his hand once was; his disembodied hand roams the castle, killing anyone who might take Catherine away from Fengriffin Hall, or help her to learn its secrets. When Catherine learns she is pregnant, she fears for the life of her child and becomes obsessed with discovering the grim truths that the Fengriffin family has hidden so deeply. With the help of a psychiatrist, Dr. Pope [Peter Cushing], she moves closer and closer to the truth; but will she learn the family secret in time, and will knowing it send her over the edge?

Screaming is an excellent example of the period films that were so popular during the 1970's, and loads of good creepy fun. The special effects are amazingly good for the time, and the moody atmosphere is so well done you can feel the cold creep into your bones. Stephanie Beacham does an excellent job of portraying the woman trapped by an unknown curse; you can feel her sorrow and desperation. And the story neatly ties together all the loose strings at the end.

A must-see for Amicus and Hammer lovers!

At first glance, Catherine's arrival at the Fengriffin estate to be wed by its current heir Charles seems like a storybook ending. Yet, it is only the beginning of quite the opposite. I mean, how many such tales include an evil spirit that takes a bride's virginity on their wedding night? Try none. It's only the tip of the iceberg in horrors lurking around: a disembodied hand crawling about here, an eyeless and handless spectre peeping from outside the window there. Not to mention there's apparently an axe murderer on the loose. What kind of law and order, or lack thereof, is available on this side of England, anyway? Can visiting doctor Peter Cushing get to the bottom of all this strangeness? Can anyone fully reveal the Fengriffin family secret without total demise? And how much of it concerns Peter's grandfather (Herbert Lom; though scarcely on-screen, his character effectively protrudes throughout)? One fact is certain; Amicus, the production king of horror anthologies, made very good single story feature films, as well. 7.25/10