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Rasputin: Mad Monk

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3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

No one could accuse Hammer Studios of an excessive concern with history in this, or any other of their period films. Ostensibly the story of Rasputin, who climbed to unimaginable heights of power because of his influence over the Tzarina Alexandra of Russia, this film is really more about the ability of the studio to make an epic on the cheap. It boasts the usual Hammer virtues--imaginative production and costume design, moody photography, and an energetic story-telling style seemingly constructed out of exclamation points. Christopher Lee's central performance is predictably rivetting. Barbara Shelley has probably never been better than as Sonia, lady-in-waiting to the Tsarina, who quickly is ensnared in Rasputin's power.

Still, shorn of its historical context (there is no mention of the Tsarevich Alexis's hemophilia, for example, so that Rasputin's power over the Tsarina makes little sense, and Tsar Nicholas doesn't even appear as a character), the story seems a little thin. While a couple of characters pronounce solemnly that "Rasputin will destroy us if he isn't stopped," there isn't a hint of either the First World War or the Russian Revolution and the disastrous influence Rasputin had on Russia's participation in those events. Indeed, aside from the occasional torn bodice or broken bit of crystal, there doesn't really seem to be all that much at stake in this movie.

While it might seem silly to burden an exploitation film like Rasputin the Mad Monk with questions of historical veracity, it's worth pointing out that its lack in this case ultimately works against the film. For the *real* madness of this period was a social situation that allowed someone like Rasputin to attain such influence and power. Depicting that larger canvas might be beyond the scope these filmmakers can provide, but that only proves that some topics may exceed the skills of even the most inventive low-budget filmmaking.

The screenplay for "Rasputin: The Mad Monk" had to be initialed on every page by Prince Yusopov, one of the five conspirators who assassinated Grigori Rasputin. Yes, this is a Hammer "horror" version of the rise and fall of Rasputin--and there are huge gaps left out of the story--but the interference of Yusopov (who won $3 million in a suit against MGM in 1933 ["Rasputin and the Empress"]) and the usual Hammer low budget accounted for this. Christopher Lee researched the role obsessively, actually met two of the conspirators as a child, and gives one of the finest performances of his career in this particular depiction of the monk, whom--he will tell you-- was not "mad." I edited Mr. Lee's autobiography and am very familiar with his extensive knowledge of the facts. This DVD includes some excellent commentary by Lee, Francis Matthews, Barbara Shelley and Suzan Farmer. Aside from "Horror of Dracula" (1958), this may be Lee's best Hammer film.

Christopher Lee as Rasputin.The film opens in a small russian village Inn.The Inn keeper's wife is near death,and the local Doctor can do nothing to save her.Suddenly,the door at the entrance to the Inn burst's open,and in storms Rasputin,demanding a drink,immediately."There's sickness in the house" cries a local resident."I can see that" shouts Rasputin,"nothing a couple of litres of wine won't put right". Inevitably,Rasputin takes the fever from the Inn-keeper's wife,into his own hands,and asks for only wine as his reward.But eventually the drink goes to Rasputin's head,and with it a desire for more than wine,so taking the Inn-keeper's daughter into a nearby barn,Rasputin commits rape.Having disgraced his cloth and the Holy Order,Rasputin is banished from his Church.Penniless,he sets out on the road,to central russia,a place where Rasputin can fulful his desires;wealth,power,and to seduce beautiful women.Eventually he gets greedy,and has visions of a link between himself,and the sophisticated royal classes,and ultimately to have all of Russia as his own,and meet his fabled destiny.Christopher Lee's performance adds a great deal to an otherwise mediocre Hammer production.Adding a new level of excitement is this transfer from Anchor Bay.A sharp,clear,and clean picture throughout.My only complaint about this transfer,is a minor one;Rasputin-The Mad Monk was filmed in Hammerscope (a Cinemascope variant),it's original aspect ratio being 2.35:1.However,Anchor Bay have presented this film at a ratio of 2.10:1,so a little information is still missing on either side.4/5 for this transfer.The sound quality on this DVD is presented in Dolby Digital.2.0 Channel,it is crystal clear throughout.The only minor fault being slight distortion on very high tones,i.e:church bells,some parts of the orchestrated score,but on the whole,a good overall effort.3.5/5.Having finally seen this film in a widescreen ratio,and so clearly,it adds,on it's initial viewing,a new level of excitement,especially to Hammer-Horror fans,like myself.Some memorable scenes include Rasputin dancing,and every time Rasputin talks down and belittles a member of the royal court.Some interesting extras on this DVD include an Audio Commentary with Actors Christopher Lee and Francis Matthews,and Actress's Barbara Shelley and Susan Farmer.Also a "World of Hammer" episode entitled "Christopher Lee".So,overall this DVD is great for any Christopher Lee/Hammer Horror fan's collection.

If this film is to be trusted Grigory Rasputin was a rather charmless individual whose success with the opposite sex is put down entirely to hypnosis and a rather impressive beard. Lee displays none of the monk's wicked charisma or subtlety, and the result is a rather workmanlike narrative which portrays the central character as nothing more than a brutal charlatan. History, and the influence he achieved within the house of Romanov, seem to suggest there was more to Rasputin's character than this. A missed opportunity by Hammer.

This movie is about the last days of the russian monk and mystic who was killed in 1916 right before the russian revolution: Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin (played by Christopher Lee). He gained access to the Tsar-family because of his ability to "heal" the "Tsarevich": Alexei (son of Tsar Nicholas II). Rasputin was a big man so I can see why Christopher Lee is playing him. I personally enjoy cult-movies, and this movie has "Cult" written all over it. This movie is from 1966, but it is in color. It really has that 50s/60s-atmosphere to it. The intro even makes me think of "Ben Hur" or "The Ten Commandments". Barbara Shelley, Richard Pasco, Francis Matthews, Suzan Farmer, Dinsdale Landen, Renée Asherson, Derek Francis and Joss Ackland are among the cast. I wouldn't call this a horror-movie, even though many file this under "horror". It is more of a "drama". It even has some humour in it.

This movie is very well put together, with many facts and so forth...yet the one negative is the assassination scene. It is NOTHING like the REAL assassination poor ole' Grigory Rasputin had to face...in this movie...he's just poisened and thrown out a window...THE END. In real life, much more had to take place to take down the "Saint Who Sinned".

An attractive film by Hammer and a wonderfully powerful performance by Christopher Lee. Lee, an actor who always appears to put his "all" into his characters, doubly delights fans in this version of the Rasputin story. Rasputin is portrayed as an evil, manipulative, slick opportunist who delights in an over abundance of booze (just call him old pickle head!), sex (he can't have just one), and generally irresponsible behavior. He is deliciously amoral and "pig-like." It is a bit odd that everyone in this part of the world sports a British dialect, but no matter -- it's fun!

I do believe this demonstrates the great range of Christopher Lee -- an actor who has never been given ample credit for his tremendous acting talent and distinguished demeanor. A must see for all fans of Christopher Lee and the Hammer films.

I rented this movie because I have recently become a big fan of British horror film actor Christopher Lee. Lee is the saving grace of this film.

The brutal and hypnotic monk Rasputin(Christopher Lee) is expelled from his monastery and temporarily gains great power by manipulating his way into the royal family of Russia.

This movie is a disappointment. "Rasputin and the Empress" could have been a thrilling period piece about Grigori Rasputin and his impact on Russian history. Unfortunately, this film pays little attention to history and doesn't become much more than a mediocre Hammer horror film masquerading as a historical period piece. Christopher Lee saves this movie. "Rasputin and the Empress" offered Lee one of his better roles. He is forceful and frightening as this ruthless historical figure. Richard Pasco and particularly Barbara Shelley give fine supporting performances.

Lee's peformance makes "Rasputin and the Empress" a must-see for all horror fans.

Hammer Studios rarely ventured outside their great work in the horror genre so when they occasionally did diversify the results often proved quite interesting. While "Rasputin: The Mad Monk", could never be viewed as an accurate historical account of the rise to power of Rasputin at the Rusian Court, it still makes enjoyable viewing as a piece of fiction based on historical details. Christopher Lee, still best known for his brilliant work as Count Dracula was born to play Rasputin and his performance is the thing that really inpresses in this film effort. With his height, deep commanding voice and amazingly similiar appearance to the real Rasputin , Christopher Lee is the ideal casting choice. It is just a pity he was not matched with a screenplay that told the real facts of Rasputin and his ultimately tragic influence on the Russian Royal family. The best way to view "Rasputin: The Mad Monk", is as a piece of enjoyable historical fiction centred around Lee's strong central performance.

The lack of historical fact in "Rasputin: The Mad Monk", really of course can't be placed solely at the feet of Hammer productions as when this film was produced in 1966 the real assassin of Rasputin, Prince Felix Yusupov was still alive. Having already won a number of famous law suits against film Production over portraying the events leading up to Rasputin's murder Hammer productions had to tread carefully about how they depicted them. Made almost back to back with Hammer's earlier effort "Dracula, Prince of Darkness", this film utilised many of the same cast members and sets such as Dracula's Castle from the earlier film which here became the mansion where Rasputin is eventually assassinated. The story begins with one of Rasputin's reputed miracle cures, whereby his hypnotic powers cure the sick wife of a village tavern owner. Rasputin however is overly fond of both the bottle and women and before long after a nasty run in with some of the village locals seeking revenge over a young girl he has seduced in a hayloft Rasputin is expelled from his Monastery. He travels to St. Petersburg and soon has many of the women of the capital seeking out his questionable charms. One in particular who finds a deep attraction to Rasputin is Sonia (Barbara Shelley), who happens to be the lady in waiting to the Tsarina Alexandra (Renee Asherson). Made aware of his great healing powers the frantic Tsarina asks Sonia to get Rasputin to come to the palace to heal her sick son the Tsarevitch Alexis (Robert Duncan) who has suffered a fall. Through the drawing out of the illness via his touch the Tsarevitch is cured which earns Rasputin the total devotion of the Tsarina. Rasputin's ruthless and opportunistic streak comes out and before long he is enjoying the rich bounty of his power over the Tsarina getting himself set up in a large mansion with servants. He begins interfering in government appointments and ruthlessly discards those that are no longer of any use to him. Sonia eventually falls into that category and when Rasputin rejects her he ruthlessly drives her into killing herself. An uproar against Rasputin's malignant influence now breaks out and a group of nobles centered around Sonia's brother Peter (Dinsdale Landen), decide to take action to rid Russia of Rasputin's influence forever. Enlisting the aid of Rasputin's former assistant but now avowed enemy Dr. Zargo (Richard Pasco), they lure Rasputin to Peter's home with the promise that he will have the chance to meet up with Vanessa (Suzan Farmer), another pretty lady in waiting. The men poison both the wine and sweets however all does not go well and the poison is slow to work. It is only after Rasputin in a murderous rage comes after the men that a fight takes place and Rasputin is pushed out an upstairs window to his death on the frozen ice below.

Adhering to historical fact as stated of course is not this films strong point. However within the confines of this largely fictional story there are a number of excellent performances. Christopher Lee of course makes perfect casting as Rasputin and frequent costar Barbara Shelley gives a great performance in the role of the love struck and ultimately tragic Sonia who in real Russian history is undoubtedly a combination of a few individuals. While the film makes no reference to the rumblings of the Russian Revolution and Rasputin's mysterious ability to stop the attacks of hemophilia suffered by the Tsarevitch the story does manage to sustain the interest. Director Don Sharp who guided Christopher Lee through the best of the Fu Manchu series of films keeps the action moving along at a fast rate. Good scenes are those of Rasputin's early times as a drunken trouble maker in the village and in his interactions with the Tsarina where he proves he can make or break ministers and other servants of the Russian State through his influence. Rasputin's complex real life character which veered from extreme piety through to total debauchery is well explored in the script and Christopher Lee makes full use of these contradictions in his playing. Visually "Rasputin: The Mad Monk", has the solid look of a Hammer production of this time. Perhaps the early scenes in the village do show a more well scrubbed population than would have been found in a Siberian village at the turn of the 19th Century. The court scenes are suitably lavish if not really Russian looking, however the essential "English", atmosphere so inherent in most Hammer productions is most appropriate here given the real Tsarina's "English", influence at the last Romanov court.

Rasputin of course in real life was neither totally mad or indeed even a monk. He makes however a fascinating subject for a film biography and he was played superbly again by Tom Baker in the classic "Nicholas and Alexandra", in 1971. Christopher Lee however more than holds his own in the Rasputin acting stakes here. Historically accurate? Not at all, but a capable portrayal of the man who became one of the most intriguing individuals in modern Russian history it at times most certainly is. For the great Christopher Lee's performance alone this film is well worth viewing.

RASPUTIN THE MAD MONK (Hammer, 1966), a/k/a RASPUTIN: MAD MONK is a bit slow and saggy for my taste. It seemed cool back in the day, but today it's at best a film fan's collector item.

Most of this is Christopher Lee in a spirited role that was later copied by Tom Baker when he took the Rasputin reins. Lee's voice booms madly and cheerfully, even as he is slowly exposed as the Most Evil Man Ever. The beginning of this is rather laughable, but it was Lee who took the helm and made it work on a kind of jazzy level.

This was meant to be very factual, but after two surviving members of the Imperial Family sued filmmakers - once in the 1930s and once just a few years before this film - Hammer decided to go for the pure horror/drama. They loused up history almost entirely, but the basic outline of Rasputin and his experience is miraculously intact.

The man who killed Rasputin - Prince Yussupov (and his wife) - were the ones who scared the living heck out of the studios. Even when NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA came out (vid. my review), with Baker in Rasputin's boots, Rasputin's full role was watered down deeply.

Get this if you must - I know I won't. It was fun seeing it again after all these years. I had forgot that Lee played Rasputin and that Tom Baker had basically copied the performance when his turn came.

Must add: it isn't classic Hammer fun either, because Hammer was really on its way out when this was made. So, FOUR STARS for Hammer rising to the occasion as best they could, and one of the stars purely for Christopher Lee!