MovieChat Forums > Island of Terror (1967) Discussion > Not One Of Cushing's Best

Not One Of Cushing's Best

posted 9 years ago by webfix
13 replies | jump to latest

Bought it on Blu Ray and have to say that I was very disappointed. Hardly any horror, and more like a cross between Dr Who and Quatermass. Being a BIG Peter Cushing fan, it really pains me to have to say this, but I honestly think that Island of Terror is definitely not one of Cushing's best. Pity, as the Blu Ray picture quality was glorious.

Anyway, I am selling it on ebay (min bid £8.00).

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[–] k-man-3 9 years ago

Its a pretty dull movie.

[–] richwicz 9 years ago

I think it's one of those movies that will appeal to the older audience who watched it on late night TV as a kid, like I did.

[–] namaGemo 9 years ago

I agree. I'm watching it now, but I got it due to childhood memories....And Cushing.

[–] greenbudgie 8 years ago

The picture quality is the best thing about the film. It's just been premiered on UK TV Horror Channel. But I think it is one of the worst Peter Cushing films that I have ever seen unfortunately. Along with 'Incense For The Damned' (AKA 'Bloodsuckers').

[–] jamesmccrimmond 8 years ago

legend of 7 golden vampires is worse

[–] Akzidenz_Grotesk 8 years ago

Well guys, he couldn't play Holmes or Van Helsing in EVERY movie, geez. I think this is one of Cushing's best since it is such an unusual story with creepy creatures dealt with in a serious manner by the protaganists.

Cushing's Dr. Stanley even gets to make a slight pass at the female and male lead for a menage-a-trois!:

Toni Merrill: "I have a MUCH better game than solitaire in mind..."
Dr. Stanley: "Can three play?"
(Dr. West and Toni Merrill both grin and shake heads in the negative.)
Dr. Stanley: "Fascinating game, solitaire!"


"This place gives me the creeps-let's get outta here!"

[–] dbwindhorst 8 years ago

UK actors have generally different sensibilities -- and a different career path -- from their US counterparts. Compared to contemporary American stars (or foreign actors appearing in big Hollywood productions), they're more like the players from the studio era; they're working-class actors.

But a big difference is that most of them have honed their craft with extensive stage experience (and will often continue in theatre after finding film/TV success), and their talent will shine even in lesser projects. Cushing was an amazing example of this; he always brought his best game, even to goofy stuff like IOT (and I say that with love, being like many folks here a "monster kid" having great childhood memories of the film). He was often described as just a simple guy who loved his wife, smoked too much, and treated acting as a decent job he felt lucky to have.

[–] heelmaster2000 7 years ago

It may not be his best, but its far from his worst.

[–] Wuchak (8068) 4 years ago

Toni: "I have a MUCH better game than solitaire in mind..."
Dr. Stanley (Cushing): "Can three play?"
(Dr. West and Toni both grin and shake heads in the negative).
Dr. Stanley: "Fascinating game, solitaire!"

I see I'm not the only one who noted this amusing exchange.

[–] 7 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Wuchak (8068) 4 years ago

Not One Of Cushing's Best

I agree that “Island of Terror” isn't one of Cushing's best. It was made by the same short-lived company that released the similar “Island of the Burning Damned” a year later (also known as “Night of the Big Heat”), both featuring Cushing and directed by Terence Fisher. It walks the balance beam between sci-fi and horror and should be appreciated by fans of Cushing, Hammer, Amicus, Tigon and American International.

Unfortunately, unlike that sister film, it lacks much human interest and the creatures are shown too early and too much in the light of day. I suppose it doesn’t help that Carole Gray isn’t on the level of Jane Merrow in the feminine department, but she’s a’right.

Still, if you must see every Cushing flick, this one starts with a compelling first act and is solid mid-60’s Brit sci-fi/horror. It just gets dull by the second half.

[–] TandyMan (10317) 4 years ago

Definitely not. Felt like some leftover script from the 50s that just didn't translate very well in '66. Would have been better in black and white too. I don't think a lot of the sets and effects pull off very well in color. Certainly worth a watch though.