Curse Of The Crimson Altar (1968)

When his brother (Denys Peek) disappears, an antiques dealer (Mark Eden) visits the remote country house where the brother was last heard from. While the mansion's owner (Christopher Lee) is welcoming, the dealer senses something very wrong in the household. Loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft's DREAMS IN THE WITCH HOUSE, this is a rather predictable and sluggish horror effort. This was also one of the last films of horror legend Boris Karloff, who retains his dignity and powerful screen presence throughout. But despite their top billing, Christopher Lee, Boris Karloff and Barbara Steele (horror icons all) have supporting roles which leaves the dull Eden to carry the picture. The film was cut by about 6 minutes for its U.S. release but I watched the European cut which restores the gratuitous nudity, sex scenes and some of the kinkier S&M atmosphere. For fans of the genre only and even then, don't expect anything special. Directed by Vernon Sewell. With Michael Gough and Virginia Wetherell.