Asylum (Roy Ward Baker, 1972)

[faginsgirl]

I really like this film, its quite cleverly written.



It stars Robert Powell, Peter Cushing, Herbert Lom and that man off Catweasel



xx

[Wicked Lady]

I think you approach it in the right humour, it's a bit of a hoot. If you're expecting chills and terror, you're going to be disappointed. If you're expecting naff (with some great actors) you're in.



I don't know if I'd call it cleverly written. It was trying hard for twists and turns but achieved more of a clunky, awkward effect. The idea was good, but maybe another director was needed. I wouldn't have changed the cast!



The DVD is notable for having one of the most boring commentary tracks ever.

[bhowells]

I really like this film, its quite cleverly written.

It stars Robert Powell, Peter Cushing, Herbert Lom and that man off Catweasel



xx

Yes, screenplay by Robert Bloch based on his short stories, I am sure I read the book at one time.

[Wicked Lady]

Yes, screenplay by Robert Bloch based on his short stories, I am sure I read the book at one time.

Yes, indeedy.



I thought Psycho was clunky and awkward (with great actors) too!

[pod1969]

I've been trying to remember the name of a film I saw in my teens. I barely recall any details, but it's the mood that stayed with me. I have a feeling it might be Asylum, as it's psychiatric/horror themes ring bells. If any fans of the film could jog my memory with further details I'd be very grateful.

[DB7]

Asylum is a portmanteau horror set in a mental hospital, with a different story as Robert Powell is introduced to the patients. One of the weaker Amicus anthologies.

[pod1969]

Yes, it has to be that. I suspect I didn't see it all the way through at the time, but I'm pretty sure it was Robert Powell (in his late 20s?). Thanks. I shall get hold of it sharpish.



By the way, are people here familiar with 'Steven Hill's Movie Title Screens Page'? Very handy:



http://www.shillpages.com/movies/dd.shtml

[DB7]

I seem to recall one of the sillier stories involves body parts wrapped in brown paper attacking Richard Todd in a cellar!



The Peter Cushing suit-of-skin story is fairly creepy.

[pod1969]

There's this synopsis by a poster at imdb:



"Guided by a genuine musical score, a young doctor is driving towards an asylum for the `incurably insane'…This is the fourth horror omnibus by the specialist production company Amicus. `Asylum' is determined and effective horror, done without too much humor or decoration elements. Fairly new and definitely creative about this anthology is the narrative. The so-called wraparound story involves a young applicant-psychiatrist put to a test by the director of the asylum. Through listening to the stories of 4 patients, he has to make out which one of them is the previous director gone mad! This little extra, interactive elements gives more tension to the film and, as a viewer, you're automatically searching along. The stories themselves vary from simple to ingenious, climaxing in a cheerfully gruesome finale. The first story isn't exactly original and covers the well-known matter of adultery and revenge. Some nice over-the-top scenery in this tale, as well as some pretty good acting. The second tale is a lot better already and features Peter Cushing! Cushing often shows up in these Amicus productions and this time, he plays a mysteriously occult man who approaches a tailor with a strange request. This chapter is very atmospheric, stressing the poverty and the desperate need for money by the tailor (Barry Morse). The premise is silly and not well worked out, but the tension and chills triumph. I didn't care at all for the third story as it's just a lame variant on the `schizophrenic'-theme. It's obvious from the beginning and I wonder why they even bothered to show it as a mystery. The only aspect that made this chapter even bearable was the presence of England's fines female beauties! Charlotte Rampling was rather gorgeous around the time Asylum was shot and the absolute siren in this film is the ravishing Britt Ekland. If you're not familiar with her, run out to the nearest videostore and get yourself a copy of `The Wicker Man' now!! The fourth and final story is close to brilliant and actually takes place IN the wraparound story, which is pretty unique. Veteran actor Herbert Lom stars in this tale that enlightens a whole new kind of `voodoo'. It has blood-thirsty, lifelike manikins and it's bloody good fun. A creepy highlight and an appropriate closure to a good film. Sure as hell recommended for the British horror fans amongst you! Asylum is well written by Robert Bloch (who adapted his own stories) and solidly directed by Roy Ward Baker, who also did some good work for the famous `Hammer' corporation.



If I may proclaim some shameless promotion: Asylum recently got re-released in a worthy Amicus Box Set! The set is uniquely shaped like a coffin and contains – besides Asylum – other highlights such as `The House that Dripped Blood', `The Beast Must Die', `And now the Screaming Starts' and `Dr. Terror's House of Horror'. Trust me, it'll look great in your collection."







As someone who's working in the mental health field I'm sure I'll be wincing throughout!

[Amethyst_Isle]

Asylum is a portmanteau horror set in a mental hospital, with a different story as Robert Powell is introduced to the patients. One of the weaker Amicus anthologies.

Asylum is also known in the US as House of Crazies.

[pod1969]

Asylum is also known in the US as House of Crazies.

Oh dear.

[scenesixty]

I seem to remember watching: 'The House That Dripped Blood' as an underage entrant to the local fleapit! The film despite it's promising title was very dissapointing and irritating-absolute dirge! say, when compared with 'Tales From The Crypt' UGH!!!!

[batman]

As someone who's working in the mental health field I'm sure I'll be wincing throughout!

Wincing at how accurate a portrayal of the mental health services it really is!







ps - sometimes I think I have been a psychi-nurse for too long

[Windthrop]

Have always quite liked Asylum and thought it had a strongish linking story.

[Rick C]

Here go go Pod (poster #1) and everybody.



Visual aid from my own newspaper collection of the first-run London presentation in 1972 between July 25 and August 22 at the cinema advertised (if anyone remembers its previous incarnation as the Paramount+Plaza?)



Have also got a selection of London film critics reviews of the movie which I can post up also, but let me know definitely anyone if you want me to go ahead with it.

[James Fox]

I watched "Asylum" recently. An amazing cast let down by a fairly obvious, lackluster script imo.



Not nearly as good as "Tales from the Crypt" (or even "The House That Dripped Blood" imo).

[jaycad]

I watched "Asylum" recently. An amazing cast let down by a fairly obvious, lackluster script imo.



Not nearly as good as "Tales from the Crypt" (or even "The House That Dripped Blood" imo).

i really like 'asylum'-it was one of the first horror films that i watched as a kid so it's really amusing to watch the 'terrifying scenes' that had me hiding behind my mum! the same goes with 'beyond the grave'.

[Rick C]

[pod1969]

Oh dear. I'm not sure that was the film I was thinking of, although it was definitely yet another film poking its nose through faded memories. Oh I don't know, perhaps it was the right one. Either way, that's 90 minutes I'll never get back. What a load of old crap (save for the hilarious Herbert Lom mechanical figure).

[Garrett68]

I watched "Asylum" recently. An amazing cast let down by a fairly obvious, lackluster script imo.



Not nearly as good as "Tales from the Crypt" (or even "The House That Dripped Blood" imo).

Couldn't disagree more. Asylum's a great Amicus anthology. To be fair, most of the scripts for these movies were a bit silly but isn't that what makes them so endearingly charming?