Monday, February 13, 2023

The Undead (1957)

An interesting film despite the premise which at first glance looks like run-of-the-mill witchcraft horror but there is a lot more to it.

Unscrupulous scientist Ratcliff (Val Dufour) has devised a way to send someone back to relive a past life. He pays for prostitute Diana (Pamela Duncan) to lie on his couch, though not for the usual reason. Diana is sent back in time and discovers she is a witch who is due to be beheaded! Diana escapes and links up with a coven including Livia (Allison Hayes) and even Satan (Richard Devon) himself!

The problem for Diana is, if she avoids death in the past, then her future lives may not exist. Ratcliff heads back himself into her past life to help her make the right decision...

Witchcraft films of the period tended to be rather campy and a bit like a pantomime. However, this film is saved by the dilemma and internal battle Diana faces, plus a rather dark twist. Surprisingly good.