THE CREEPING FLESH (1973)
Starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee
In the 1970s, as Hammer Studios began winding down its long career of producing some of the best horror films of all time, Hammer stars Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee performed in some Hammer-like fear flicks produced outside the studio. The very best of these was easily "Horror Express," which featured both actors in two of their most enjoyable roles.
One of the lesser is this forgotten movie, which remains out of print on video with little chance of it ever coming back. Still, "The Creeping Flesh" is a must see for anyone who loves Lee and Cushing. Director Freddie Francis is also known for directing some of the best British horror films of the '70s, including the masterpiece "Tales From the Crypt."
While "Horror Express", most Hammer films and "Tales From the Crypt" are basically timeless horror gems, this film's pace is way too slow to satisfy even the most horror hungry modern audience. But it's a nice atmospheric movie and it's always a pleasure to see Cushing and Lee together in a film.
Cushing plays an insecure scientist circa the 1800s or so. His wife went insane years ago and he's obsessed with finding a cure for evil. He thinks he's discovered it in the form of the fossilized remains of ancient man (same concept used in "Horror Express"). He further discovers that water applied to the fossil grows flesh on it.
His brother and nemesis, played by Lee, wants the fossil. When Cushing accidentally drives his daughter insane by experimenting with his loony new "anti-evil" potion, she goes out and starts killing men who make passes at her. Meanwhile, Lee steals the fossil and lets the rain turn it into the ultimate evil monstrosity.
Somewhat fun, but too low in the suspense department, "The Creeping Flesh" is out of print and hard to find. But you may want to rent it (or buy it used) from your local video store, if they have a copy laying about.