Horror Express is a great little horror film. It combines four things I enjoy: trains, snowy backdrops, the dynamic duo of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, and the theory of the missing link. It's an original and atmospheric film that is probably the best of any of the Spanish horror films of the 70's that I have seen. The special effects are pretty good and the direction is very nice for the genre and time.
But really it's the cast that sells Horror Express so well. Obviously, any film with Cushing and Lee in it is automatically worth seeing. Lee plays the crusty Brit stereotype to perfection while Cushing plays a more laid-back character than normal, which is pleasant to watch. He even cracks jokes! Most of the non-English actors do surprisingly good with a minimal amount of overacting. Alberto de Mendoza as Father Pujardov is the worst offender but it actually works well for his character, who seems a sweaty high-strung mess the entire time. Telly Savalas, billed as co-star with Lee and Cushing, doesn't show up until about an hour in and has a limited but memorable role. He hams it up in every scene but it's a real treat to watch.
Horror Express is a great movie to watch late at night. If you're a fan of the terrific actors involved or of movies that take place on trains, please give it a shot. It's worth it.
But really it's the cast that sells Horror Express so well. Obviously, any film with Cushing and Lee in it is automatically worth seeing. Lee plays the crusty Brit stereotype to perfection while Cushing plays a more laid-back character than normal, which is pleasant to watch. He even cracks jokes! Most of the non-English actors do surprisingly good with a minimal amount of overacting. Alberto de Mendoza as Father Pujardov is the worst offender but it actually works well for his character, who seems a sweaty high-strung mess the entire time. Telly Savalas, billed as co-star with Lee and Cushing, doesn't show up until about an hour in and has a limited but memorable role. He hams it up in every scene but it's a real treat to watch.
Horror Express is a great movie to watch late at night. If you're a fan of the terrific actors involved or of movies that take place on trains, please give it a shot. It's worth it.