Crucible of Terror | |
---|---|
Directed by | Ted Hooker |
Produced by | Tom Parkinson executive Peter Newbrook |
Written by | Ted Hooker Tom Parkinson |
Starring |
Mike Raven Mary Maude James Bolam Ronald Lacey |
Music by | Paris Rutherford |
Cinematography | Peter Newbrook |
Edited by | Maxine Julius |
Distributed by | Scotia-Barber |
Release date
|
1971 |
Running time
|
91 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Crucible of Terror is a 1971 British horror film directed by Ted Hooker and starring Mike Raven, Mary Maude and James Bolam. Its plot involves a mad sculptor killing women to use as models for his statues.
Jack Davies, an art dealer from London, does a deal with a friend of his Michael Clare, the son of a gifted artist Victor Clare. Michael smuggles out some of his father's works and Davies sells them for a large sum at his gallery, splitting the profit between them. Davies and Michael Clare are both in need of more money and realising that Victor Clare's works are worth a fortune they decide to acquire some more. Unfortunately, Victor Clare is a recluse, who lives in isolation above an abandoned tin mine in Cornwall. As it would be impossible to smuggle out any more of the paintings without being noticed, Davies decides to offer the artist a deal for hard cash.
They travel to Cornwall with their wives, and they find it an odd and disconcerting experience. Victor Clare's wife has regressed into a second childhood, while he spends his time having affairs with his models. The only sense of normality is apparently provided by Bill, Victor's only friend, who cooks dinner for them.