Torture Garden

"A special sideshow torture exhibit has the power, according to the showman Dr Diablo (Meredith), to warn people of the evil in their futures. But with this faustian pact comes terrible consequences..."

As with most anthology movies there is a linking tale, this one concerns a fairground sideshow called Torture Garden. Dr. Diablo (Burgess Meredith) shows a group of customers round the macabre waxwork exhibits that make up the show, adding his own theatricals to make it more interesting. At the end of the show the audience seem indifferent, some wander off, while five stick around wondering is that all there is? Definitely not the greatest show on earth that's for sure. It is then that Dr. Diablo offers something a little bit special out the back for a fee of five pounds. The five remaining patrons take him up on his offer expecting something really ghoulish for the relatively large sum of money, but instead find just another waxwork. Dr. Diablo explains this is a figure of Atropos, goddess of destiny and by looking at the abhorred shears of fate which she is holding, she will reveal the evil that resides in their hearts and foretell their future. Therefore with some prompting they take their turns, one by one.

• Enoch (Balthazar) - Colin Williams unearths a coffin in the cellar of his very recently deceased uncle's old house. When the coffin lid is forced open a cat jumps out, perfectly alive and well. The cat telepathically tells Colin that his name is Balthazar and in return for riches wants Colin to feed him with freshly murdered corpses.

• Terror Over Hollywood - Carla Hayes is an ambitious woman who wants to be a Hollywood actress. She is introduced to film star Bruce Benton and is spellbound - but how does he keep so young? Maybe his creepy surgeon, Dr. Heim has the answer.

• Mr Steinway - Journalist Dorothy Endicott and concert pianist Leo, fall for each other during an interview. As the pair are getting along so well Leo introduces Dorothy to his beloved grand piano, Utopie - who becomes jealous of Dorothy.

• The Man Who Collected Poe - Two collectors of Edgar Allen Poe rarities come to blows after one of them suspects the other of forging unpublished manuscripts and hiding something of vital importance in his basement room.

• ? - You will have to watch the movie to find out why there are only four stories when there are five customers.

Torture Garden is a very average affair at best, it would not be until the 70s that Amicus Productions finally got into their stride with this format. The four short stories written by Robert (Psycho) Bloch have potential if they are presented in the right manner, but unfortunately it does not happen here.

The first tale seems to be a reworking of Robert Bloch's short story, Enoch and is much like 'The Gatecrasher' (From Beyond the Grave) with David Warner, it is a reasonable effort but nothing to write home about. The second tale I found was slow and lacklustre and the third could have done with some more tongue in cheek humour rather than playing it straight. The best story of the four 'The Man Who Collected Poe' is not as good as it could have been either, Peter Cushing is excellent as usual but the tale is spoilt by Jack Palance's annoying performance. It is a shame they did not give Cushing some more time in this production because even the worst movie is brightened with his presence.

Torture Garden generated a little interest but overall I found it a mediocre experience, very much like Dr. Diablo's fairground attraction without the special exhibit out the back.

Reviewed: 01/06/07

• Movies

The Uncanny (1977)
From Beyond the Grave (1973)

• Literature

Enoch, Robert Bloch (Short Story)
Terror Over Hollywood, Robert Bloch (Short Story)
Mr Steinway, Robert Bloch (Short Story)
The Man Who Collected Poe, Robert Bloch (Short Story)