After several years of unemployment Martine finally finds a job as a nurse in an old people's home.On her arrival she is greeted by a worrying and mysterious guard who presents her to cold and dominating director Miss Helene.Soon the nurse in station Nicole vanishes without a trace.In fact she is butchered by old French people,who feast on her naked flesh.Her cannibalized body is hidden somewhere in the building.Martine tries to solve the gruesome mystery of rural retirement home...Raphael Delpard's "La Nuit de la Mort" mixes black humour with suspense and stomach-churning gore.There are two pretty graphic scenes of cannibalism,hand cutting and hysterical climax.The score is quite eerie and old men and women with the taste for human flesh are creepy enough.Unfortunately not much happens during most of the film.Overall, "La Nuit de la Mort" reminded me a little bit S.F Brownrigg's "Don't Look in the Basement" with its bizarre aura of insanity.7 out of 10.
16 Reviews
nice french horror film
ottoRivers17 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
There are not many french horror films, the most famous one is "Eyes without face" and this one is a welcome addition to the short french list. The plot is simple, a new nurse just arrive to an hospice and the old people there seems to hide a terrible secret. Here comes the spoiler, they are cannibals and eat human flesh in order to live longer (and it seems to work). The good points are the ambiance which is spooky, helped by an eerie music and a strange song that comes back a few times, a bit of gore (pretty rare for a french film of this period) and the actors (over)acting weird from start to finish. I enjoy movies with children and old people killing, they're usually supposed to be nice so if it's well made it makes you quiet uncomfortable. I think it's the case here, even if it's not a great film. And for the french audience, it's fun to see Charlotte de Turckeim naked in an early role and dispatched in a gory way (no spoiler here, it was the cover for many editions, to try to cash in on her relative celebrity). This film would please many horror aficionados if they have a chance to see it. I must admit that "Clash", the next Delpard's effort, is not as good as this one. So if you have the chance, give it a try.
Fun if you are in the right mood
udar553 November 2009
Martine (Isabelle Goguey) begins working as a nurse at a convalescent home and quickly discovers some strange things afoot. Her co-worker has mysteriously disappeared, the residents are all a bit nutty and a murderer nicknamed "The Golden Needle Killer" is terrorizing the town. To say any more would give away too much for this fun little French horror film. If you have any interest in it, I would suggest staying away from any reviews or discussions. While the director gives some major things away early, there are still a few nicely done twists later on. The film has a few graphic gore scenes and some great dark comedy moments. One of the best things about the film is the great location and house. The Synapse DVD is crystal clear, as if the film were just shot last week, and presents the film in French with English subtitles.
Les Freaks, C'est Chique!
Coventry13 April 2019
Approximately 15 years or so ago, I held a bare-boned DVD version of this film in my hands, for sale at a gas station of all places! To this day I still regret that I didn't blindly buy it back then. I didn't because it was only in French, without any subtitles or English soundtrack. The atmospheric cover and grisly little images on the back of the box always haunted me and, ever since then "La Nuit de la Mort" has been waiting on my must-see list. It's a damn difficult title to track down, I ensure you, but I finally managed, and it was more than worth it. And the good news is that I also properly speak and understand French by now!
"La Nuit de la Mort » is truly a hidden gem of French horror cinema! Writer/director Raphaël Delpard astounds us with a film that seemingly has everything that horror fanatics so desperately desire: an original plot, insane characters, genuine atmospheric tension and a fair portion of old-fashioned & revolting gore! Moreover, the lead actress Isabelle Goguey is honestly one of the most naturally beautiful, sympathetic and spontaneous women I've ever seen! I couldn't keep my eyes of her; - what a woman! It's downright unfathomable that this red-headed angel isn't more known! She only starred in a handful of unknown movies and worked as an assistant director for a dozen that are even less than unknown! This dream-woman stars as Martine, a young woman who accepts a job as a nurse and all-round household help in a secluded old folks' home named Deadlock House. The landlady and the caretaker are quite eccentric, and also the residents are bizarrely energetic for their ages, but Martine is an open-minded girl and she's up for a challenge after 8 months of unemployment. The other nurse, Nicole, mysteriously vanishes shortly after Martine's arrival and she gradually grows more suspicious of what happens in this exclusive mansion after dark.
Delpard biggest scripting errors are that he reveals the macabre "secret" of Deadlock House too quickly, after 20 minutes already, and that he subsequently doesn't foresee any more victims, other than poor Nicole, to be led to the slaughter. For the remaining hour, "La Nuit de la Mort" solely thrives on sinister atmosphere and the genuine concern that something dreadful will happen to the mesmerizing Martine. It's not always enough, and certain parts of the film are boring and overdue (like Martine discovering Nicole's suitcase when she already knows that her disappearance was unusual). The extended finale features a few strong and unexpected plot twists and the gory make-up effects are really shocking for a low-budgeted 80s French flick. And, personally, I was happy enough to gaze at the ravishing Isabelle Goguey even during the duller moments. There's even a brief but wonderful topless scene. Did I mention already that this woman is a stunning natural beauty?
Delpard biggest scripting errors are that he reveals the macabre "secret" of Deadlock House too quickly, after 20 minutes already, and that he subsequently doesn't foresee any more victims, other than poor Nicole, to be led to the slaughter. For the remaining hour, "La Nuit de la Mort" solely thrives on sinister atmosphere and the genuine concern that something dreadful will happen to the mesmerizing Martine. It's not always enough, and certain parts of the film are boring and overdue (like Martine discovering Nicole's suitcase when she already knows that her disappearance was unusual). The extended finale features a few strong and unexpected plot twists and the gory make-up effects are really shocking for a low-budgeted 80s French flick. And, personally, I was happy enough to gaze at the ravishing Isabelle Goguey even during the duller moments. There's even a brief but wonderful topless scene. Did I mention already that this woman is a stunning natural beauty?
The last ten mins, the final scene n the beautiful Isabelle Goguey's assets saves this film.
Fella_shibby10 April 2020
I saw this for the first time recently. The film is about a pretty young nurse who moves into an old age home in the country side. The film moves at a slow pace n then suddenly it takes a bizarre turn with a gruesome murder.
The last ten mins with lots of mayhem n the final scene makes up for the flaws. We also get to see the beautiful Isabelle Goguey's boobs for a quick shot. Found her beautiful n her assets very natural.
Night of Death!
Michael_Elliott6 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Night of Death! (1980)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
French horror film has a woman (Isabelle Goguey) getting a job at Deadlock House, a home for the elderly where she is given orders by the strict owner (Betty Beckers) to look after the clients, cook and other basic chores. The day after her arrival the nurse who was on duty mysteriously leaves and as time goes on she is going to learn the truth and that's that the elderly here are extremely old and killing and eating the young to stay alive. As far as horror films go, this one here really doesn't offer anything new or original but there are some very good moments scattered around that make it worth viewing if you're a fan of the genre. The highlight of the film is without question its music score by Laurent Petitgirard who actually makes the film quite chilling in a few scenes. The music score has a very eerie tone to it and it's one I could find myself listening to often and enjoying it every step of the way. This mixes in well with the atmosphere created by the director, which is very thick at times and so much so that you can smell the death inside this old house. Another major plus is the performance of Goguey who manages to be very believable in her role but she's also good enough to make us care about her, which isn't something that usually comes along in a Euro horror flick. The supporting players are also quite good as they certainly deliver in their roles and give it their all. The gore in the film is extremely cheap as we see a body get sliced down the middle and for the rest of the movie we see our elderly folks pull stuff out of it and eat. The body is extremely fake looking but this doesn't hurt the film too much. We also get a little bit of nudity throughout the film. What really kills the movie is that the screenplay really doesn't offer too much because after we realize that the elderly people are cannibals, it takes way too long to reach the ending that we know is coming. We know they're eventually going to want to eat the new nurse but it takes forever to get there. With that said, fans of the genre will still want to check this forgotten film out as there's still enough here to make it worth watching.
** 1/2 (out of 4)
French horror film has a woman (Isabelle Goguey) getting a job at Deadlock House, a home for the elderly where she is given orders by the strict owner (Betty Beckers) to look after the clients, cook and other basic chores. The day after her arrival the nurse who was on duty mysteriously leaves and as time goes on she is going to learn the truth and that's that the elderly here are extremely old and killing and eating the young to stay alive. As far as horror films go, this one here really doesn't offer anything new or original but there are some very good moments scattered around that make it worth viewing if you're a fan of the genre. The highlight of the film is without question its music score by Laurent Petitgirard who actually makes the film quite chilling in a few scenes. The music score has a very eerie tone to it and it's one I could find myself listening to often and enjoying it every step of the way. This mixes in well with the atmosphere created by the director, which is very thick at times and so much so that you can smell the death inside this old house. Another major plus is the performance of Goguey who manages to be very believable in her role but she's also good enough to make us care about her, which isn't something that usually comes along in a Euro horror flick. The supporting players are also quite good as they certainly deliver in their roles and give it their all. The gore in the film is extremely cheap as we see a body get sliced down the middle and for the rest of the movie we see our elderly folks pull stuff out of it and eat. The body is extremely fake looking but this doesn't hurt the film too much. We also get a little bit of nudity throughout the film. What really kills the movie is that the screenplay really doesn't offer too much because after we realize that the elderly people are cannibals, it takes way too long to reach the ending that we know is coming. We know they're eventually going to want to eat the new nurse but it takes forever to get there. With that said, fans of the genre will still want to check this forgotten film out as there's still enough here to make it worth watching.
Bring your dentures
cadaverino16 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
A fair maiden takes a job at a crotchety nursing home. Retirement home? A home for old folks! A grouchy, game playing, cryptic group. Except for Betty Bakers; lady is a boss. LIKE. A. PRO. There are strange rules at this old folks' home, namely that our fair maiden cannot leave the premises for 2 months. 2 months! 2 months of changing Depends, giving sponge baths, and cooking only veggies! That's right. These old bats are vegetarians. Or are they? DUN DUN DUN!
Fairly entertaining French horror flick-- bits of juiciness mixed in with a whole lot of Zzzz. Everything is competent; acting, direction, music. Ending is vicious and darkly comical. In fact, there is a bit of black comedy throughout the proceedings, but not all of it works. The comedy is a bit like... "Oh. That was funny. Wasn't it? No, really, wasn't it? I think it was." AHA! Not a horror film, but a thinking film!
Fairly entertaining French horror flick-- bits of juiciness mixed in with a whole lot of Zzzz. Everything is competent; acting, direction, music. Ending is vicious and darkly comical. In fact, there is a bit of black comedy throughout the proceedings, but not all of it works. The comedy is a bit like... "Oh. That was funny. Wasn't it? No, really, wasn't it? I think it was." AHA! Not a horror film, but a thinking film!
All the fine old cannibals
dbdumonteil17 April 2006
The precedent user and I ,we have not seen the same movie!But there's no accounting for taste they say.
Amateurish directing,horrible soundtrack,abominable performances ,only the cinematography is rather decent.
A cursory look at Raphael Delpart ,the "director"'s filmography:from coarse comedy to abysmal horror films ("la Nuit de la Mort" and its doomed successor "Clash"),he made five films in total and that's enough! Here Delpart's idee fixe is to be Roman Polanski: Rosemary and the cannibals.It's all there ,from the first victim who writes a letter to the heroine,to the old people who give her a green beverage added with vitamins ,to the nightmare which is not really one...You'll probably notice snatches of "Beauty and the Beast" too.
Here's Delpart's first mistake:after twenty minutes ,we know almost all about the plot.And it's not much of a plot.On a similar subject, Alain Jessua did a lot better with his overlooked "Traitement de Choc" .Ah! Lemme think! there are two unexpected twists but they come at the most awkward moment.The pictures are often disgusting and some people might go veggie after watching that.But why should they bother?
Amateurish directing,horrible soundtrack,abominable performances ,only the cinematography is rather decent.
A cursory look at Raphael Delpart ,the "director"'s filmography:from coarse comedy to abysmal horror films ("la Nuit de la Mort" and its doomed successor "Clash"),he made five films in total and that's enough! Here Delpart's idee fixe is to be Roman Polanski: Rosemary and the cannibals.It's all there ,from the first victim who writes a letter to the heroine,to the old people who give her a green beverage added with vitamins ,to the nightmare which is not really one...You'll probably notice snatches of "Beauty and the Beast" too.
Here's Delpart's first mistake:after twenty minutes ,we know almost all about the plot.And it's not much of a plot.On a similar subject, Alain Jessua did a lot better with his overlooked "Traitement de Choc" .Ah! Lemme think! there are two unexpected twists but they come at the most awkward moment.The pictures are often disgusting and some people might go veggie after watching that.But why should they bother?
French Toast
ferbs5413 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
OK, I'm gonna go out on a limb here, and make the assumption that any person who might be interested in reading a review of the 1980 French film "La Nuit de la Morte!" ("Night of Death!") is already aware that it is very much a horror picture (as if that morbid title, capped with its exclamation mark, could possibly leave any doubt). And that's important, because any discussion of this seldom-mentioned rarity is almost impossible without divulging at least one key plot twist, which transpires around 20 minutes in. I was first alerted to the very existence of this Gallic obscurity by the excellent reference volume "DVD Delirium 4," which describes the picture as "good, disreputable, down-and-dirty splatter with a unique French twist," and indeed, the film really might be a pleasant surprise for the jaded horror fan who is seeking out something different.
In the picture, the viewer meets a pretty redheaded woman named Martine (the tres appealing Isabelle Goguey), who, after a spat with her boyfriend, begins a new job, working as an attendant at the Deadlock House; a large, rambling mansion in the countryside currently being used as an old-age home. Martine, prophetically, says to herself "I don't think I'll last long here" upon meeting the home's crippled gatekeeper and learning some of the odd rules of the establishment. During her first day, Martine gets to know her co-worker, the upbeat and pleasant Nicole (Charlotte de Turckheim), as well as the wacky (but seemingly harmless) vegetarian seniors who reside in the establishment. Raphael Delpard, the director and co-screenwriter, keeps the mood light and the visuals bright and sunny during these initial 20 minutes, but yet, the viewer senses that something is amiss. And that feeling is most certainly borne out when the home's director/headmistress, Helene (chillingly well played by the imposing Betty Beckers), sits down at her piano and begins to sing one of the most mournful dirges ever heard in a horror picture ("We are afraid to see youth fly, and we are afraid to die...."), and especially when (here's the big spoiler) the seniors abduct Nicole from her room, slit her abdomen open in delectable close-up (fortunately, the special FX by Pascal Rovier are NOT too convincing here), and proceed to eviscerate her and gobble up her innards! Yes, the dotty elders here are all cannibals (although there is a LOT more to their dietary choices than mere epicureanism), and guess which redheaded morsel is next on their unique bill of fare! And as if this weren't enough for poor Martine to contend with, a maniac known as the Golden Needle Killer has recently been terrorizing the environs, offing his female victims by sticking knitting implements into their throats. Sacre bleu, indeed!
I must say, that moment when the elders suddenly gut Nicole and begin to chow down on her is truly a most shocking one, and I do regret even having to mention it. It is as if the viewer had been watching a lighthearted French comedy that has suddenly turned nightmarish on a dime (I mean, on a sou); Eric Rohmer suddenly morphing into George A. Romero! After that moment, the viewer is primed for just about anything to happen, and the film does not disappoint. It winningly maintains its tricky balancing act between creepy horror and comedic whimsy throughout, and Ms. Goguey is hugely responsible for the film's success. Her Martine is at once sexy (she even gives the viewer, and the Peeping Tom seniors, a full-frontal glimpse, in one startling scene), intelligent and intrepid; a total triumph for the young actress. The film revels in distinct touches of strangeness, such as when Martine spies on that crippled gateman, Flavien (Michel Flavius), and we see him pathetically crying and talking to a doll in his room; a sequence that may remind some of the Miss Lonelyhearts segment in Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window," only far, far sicker. Another classic horror thriller, "Rosemary's Baby," is also suggested here, when we see the seniors plying Martine with some kind of nutritional drink, for sinister purposes of their own. Pleasingly, "Night of Death!" manages to work in a DOUBLE surprise ending before it fades to black, and that remarkably mournful dirge (kudos, by the way, to the film's composer, Laurent Petitgirard) begins to play over the end credits. C'est juste trop morbide!
Further good news regarding "Night of Death!" is that the film can be seen today on a very nice-looking DVD via the fine folks at Synapse. As mentioned on the Eccentric Cinema site, it's "wonderful to see this little-known gem treated to such a fine transfer." I couldn't agree more. You may not want to handle a pair of knitting needles or visit a seniors center after watching the film, but it is one that you won't soon oublier, I assure you!
In the picture, the viewer meets a pretty redheaded woman named Martine (the tres appealing Isabelle Goguey), who, after a spat with her boyfriend, begins a new job, working as an attendant at the Deadlock House; a large, rambling mansion in the countryside currently being used as an old-age home. Martine, prophetically, says to herself "I don't think I'll last long here" upon meeting the home's crippled gatekeeper and learning some of the odd rules of the establishment. During her first day, Martine gets to know her co-worker, the upbeat and pleasant Nicole (Charlotte de Turckheim), as well as the wacky (but seemingly harmless) vegetarian seniors who reside in the establishment. Raphael Delpard, the director and co-screenwriter, keeps the mood light and the visuals bright and sunny during these initial 20 minutes, but yet, the viewer senses that something is amiss. And that feeling is most certainly borne out when the home's director/headmistress, Helene (chillingly well played by the imposing Betty Beckers), sits down at her piano and begins to sing one of the most mournful dirges ever heard in a horror picture ("We are afraid to see youth fly, and we are afraid to die...."), and especially when (here's the big spoiler) the seniors abduct Nicole from her room, slit her abdomen open in delectable close-up (fortunately, the special FX by Pascal Rovier are NOT too convincing here), and proceed to eviscerate her and gobble up her innards! Yes, the dotty elders here are all cannibals (although there is a LOT more to their dietary choices than mere epicureanism), and guess which redheaded morsel is next on their unique bill of fare! And as if this weren't enough for poor Martine to contend with, a maniac known as the Golden Needle Killer has recently been terrorizing the environs, offing his female victims by sticking knitting implements into their throats. Sacre bleu, indeed!
I must say, that moment when the elders suddenly gut Nicole and begin to chow down on her is truly a most shocking one, and I do regret even having to mention it. It is as if the viewer had been watching a lighthearted French comedy that has suddenly turned nightmarish on a dime (I mean, on a sou); Eric Rohmer suddenly morphing into George A. Romero! After that moment, the viewer is primed for just about anything to happen, and the film does not disappoint. It winningly maintains its tricky balancing act between creepy horror and comedic whimsy throughout, and Ms. Goguey is hugely responsible for the film's success. Her Martine is at once sexy (she even gives the viewer, and the Peeping Tom seniors, a full-frontal glimpse, in one startling scene), intelligent and intrepid; a total triumph for the young actress. The film revels in distinct touches of strangeness, such as when Martine spies on that crippled gateman, Flavien (Michel Flavius), and we see him pathetically crying and talking to a doll in his room; a sequence that may remind some of the Miss Lonelyhearts segment in Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window," only far, far sicker. Another classic horror thriller, "Rosemary's Baby," is also suggested here, when we see the seniors plying Martine with some kind of nutritional drink, for sinister purposes of their own. Pleasingly, "Night of Death!" manages to work in a DOUBLE surprise ending before it fades to black, and that remarkably mournful dirge (kudos, by the way, to the film's composer, Laurent Petitgirard) begins to play over the end credits. C'est juste trop morbide!
Further good news regarding "Night of Death!" is that the film can be seen today on a very nice-looking DVD via the fine folks at Synapse. As mentioned on the Eccentric Cinema site, it's "wonderful to see this little-known gem treated to such a fine transfer." I couldn't agree more. You may not want to handle a pair of knitting needles or visit a seniors center after watching the film, but it is one that you won't soon oublier, I assure you!
The Elders of the Retirement Home
claudio_carvalho24 February 2023
In France, the orphan Martine (Isabelle Goguey) leaves her boyfriend Serge (Michel Duchezeau) one day before the scheduled to work as a caregiver in a remote retirement home he has arranged for her in the countryside. She has a cold reception from the lame servant Flavien (Michel Flavius) and the owner, Hélène (Betty Beckers), explains that they have not prepared a room for her yet. Further, she will need to remain secluded for the next two months for adaptation purpose. Soon she knows the other caregiver, the young Nicole (Charlotte de Turckheim), who introduces her to the seven weird guests of the house that are vegetarians and shows the work itself to her. They befriend each other and Nicole promises to show the photo of her beloved boyfriend, but she does not have time since Hélène allows that Martine meets Serge. While she leaves the house, Nicole is attacked by the elders that kill her and eat her organs. When Martine returns, Hélène tells that had an argument with Nicole and fired her, and transfers Martine to Nicole's room. When Martine sees Nicole's suitcase with Flavien in the boiler room, she begins to suspect that something might have happened to Nicole.
"La nuit de la mort!", a.k.a. "Night of Death", is a French horror movie from 1980 with a flawed story of cannibalism. There is no explanation why the elders remain alive using vegetarian diet associated to human flesh and organs. The plot does not explain whether they have a pact with the devil, or are witches and wizards, only that they are cannibals and the victims are young woman. Even the soup that the creepy elders give to Martine is not explained. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil) "A Noite da Morte" ("The Night of the Death")
"La nuit de la mort!", a.k.a. "Night of Death", is a French horror movie from 1980 with a flawed story of cannibalism. There is no explanation why the elders remain alive using vegetarian diet associated to human flesh and organs. The plot does not explain whether they have a pact with the devil, or are witches and wizards, only that they are cannibals and the victims are young woman. Even the soup that the creepy elders give to Martine is not explained. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil) "A Noite da Morte" ("The Night of the Death")
Extremely entertaining but not much mystery
BloodTheTelepathicDog9 April 2011
This Euro-horror is very fun to watch but for those fans who like a guessing game, the climax is ruined in the opening scene. You don't even have to be an astute film watcher to catch the casual unveiling of the twist ending when Serge reads Martine's letter. The screenwriter gave too much away which is why I believe they introduced the almost needless "Needle Killer" as a subplot.
Night of Death! follows sweet-as-pie Martine (Isabelle Goguey) who after eight months of unemployment lands a job at a retirement home. The headmaster, Betty Buckels, is a bit on the stern side but Martine has known hardship all her life as an orphan so she can handle it. However, her first night there the other nurse on duty disappears and Martine is informed that she quit--we know otherwise but poor Martine doesn't. The fun of the film is watching Martine piece things together before the 28th of the month, which all the geriatrics have marked on their calendar as some sort of great event.
STORY: $$ (Far too much is revealed in the first scene of the film which diminishes the shock value of the climax. If you don't see it coming than you have really got to be from another planet. Also, there is a lack of follow through on the tension part. Martine is well-liked and becomes close with Jules and Pascal--two old men at the home--but their friendship, which could have made for some inner turmoil, is forgotten once the 28th rolls around. Jules' fascination with revolutions was great, though!)
ACTING: $$$ (Isabelle Goguey was terrific in the lead role. Her work as Martine makes the character easy to like and thus easy to root for. Too many horror films made nowadays just don't have likable leads so they are strictly body count flicks with little value, but this is different. Betty Buckels does a fine job as the headmaster and the wiry ol' fellow that played Jules was great).
NUDITY: $$$ (Isabelle Goguey, who easily fits into the buxom bracket, has a brief topless scene while the group of oldtimers stare at her through a window. Her fellow nurse is stripped naked and eaten in a graphic cannibalism scene).
Night of Death! follows sweet-as-pie Martine (Isabelle Goguey) who after eight months of unemployment lands a job at a retirement home. The headmaster, Betty Buckels, is a bit on the stern side but Martine has known hardship all her life as an orphan so she can handle it. However, her first night there the other nurse on duty disappears and Martine is informed that she quit--we know otherwise but poor Martine doesn't. The fun of the film is watching Martine piece things together before the 28th of the month, which all the geriatrics have marked on their calendar as some sort of great event.
STORY: $$ (Far too much is revealed in the first scene of the film which diminishes the shock value of the climax. If you don't see it coming than you have really got to be from another planet. Also, there is a lack of follow through on the tension part. Martine is well-liked and becomes close with Jules and Pascal--two old men at the home--but their friendship, which could have made for some inner turmoil, is forgotten once the 28th rolls around. Jules' fascination with revolutions was great, though!)
ACTING: $$$ (Isabelle Goguey was terrific in the lead role. Her work as Martine makes the character easy to like and thus easy to root for. Too many horror films made nowadays just don't have likable leads so they are strictly body count flicks with little value, but this is different. Betty Buckels does a fine job as the headmaster and the wiry ol' fellow that played Jules was great).
NUDITY: $$$ (Isabelle Goguey, who easily fits into the buxom bracket, has a brief topless scene while the group of oldtimers stare at her through a window. Her fellow nurse is stripped naked and eaten in a graphic cannibalism scene).
A vacancy at Blackmoor Castle? No thanks... I think I'll pass.
BA_Harrison21 April 2020
A word of advice to pretty women seeking employment at a remote stately home: if the property has an ominous name like Grimstock Towers or Mortlake Manor or Darkcliff Hall, then give it a wide berth. Something terrible WILL happen to you. Take Deadlock House for example, the setting for French horror Night of Death: attractive redhead Martine (Isabelle Goguey) goes there to work as a nurse, tending to the needs of a group of kooky old people. What she doesn't realise is that the pensioners are much older than she thinks, having halted the ageing process by devouring the innards of the young women hired to look after them.
Martine becomes suspicious when fellow nurse Nicole (Charlotte de Turckheim) suddenly disappears, supposedly having been fired for misconduct. After spying Nicole's suitcase in the boiler room, the missing girl's belongings about to be burnt, Martine goes looking for further evidence to support her belief that something bad has happened to her co-worker. Naturally, this course of action puts Martine in deadly peril.
The plot for Night of Death is predictable horror hokum that rarely surprises, but a likeable central turn from Goguey, a creepy soundtrack (crashing piano chords and screeching violins, accompanied by haunting vocals), and plenty of quirkiness (check out the bizarre procession of the old people down the hallway, their strange appearance at Martine's window while she is changing) all go to make this an atmospheric treat for fans of obscure oddball Euro-horror.
Also adding to the fun are a couple of very messy gore scenes (the disembowelment of Nicole is particularly grisly), a smattering of nudity (de Turckheim is stripped naked and the ample Goguey briefly bares her blouse bunnies), and a neat twist ending in which we discover the identity of the Golden Needle Killer, the murderer who has been preying on local women.
7.5/10, rounded up to 8 for IMDb. A ghoulish, gory Gallic gem.
Martine becomes suspicious when fellow nurse Nicole (Charlotte de Turckheim) suddenly disappears, supposedly having been fired for misconduct. After spying Nicole's suitcase in the boiler room, the missing girl's belongings about to be burnt, Martine goes looking for further evidence to support her belief that something bad has happened to her co-worker. Naturally, this course of action puts Martine in deadly peril.
The plot for Night of Death is predictable horror hokum that rarely surprises, but a likeable central turn from Goguey, a creepy soundtrack (crashing piano chords and screeching violins, accompanied by haunting vocals), and plenty of quirkiness (check out the bizarre procession of the old people down the hallway, their strange appearance at Martine's window while she is changing) all go to make this an atmospheric treat for fans of obscure oddball Euro-horror.
Also adding to the fun are a couple of very messy gore scenes (the disembowelment of Nicole is particularly grisly), a smattering of nudity (de Turckheim is stripped naked and the ample Goguey briefly bares her blouse bunnies), and a neat twist ending in which we discover the identity of the Golden Needle Killer, the murderer who has been preying on local women.
7.5/10, rounded up to 8 for IMDb. A ghoulish, gory Gallic gem.
Ghoulish Good-Times Going On At The Rest Home. 1-2-Watch.
P3n-E-W1s329 May 2022
Greetings And Salutations, and welcome to my review of Night Of Death; here's the breakdown of my ratings:
Story: 1.50 Direction: 1.50 Pace: 1.50 Acting: 1.50 Enjoyment: 1.50
TOTAL: 7.50 out of 10.00
Night Of Death was a breath of fresh air for two reasons. One: I've been watching a few more recent movies of late, and even though they may be superb, they don't hit the spots the oldies do. Two: we don't get many Ghoul tales in the horror genre, and when they're as good as this, they're a refreshing tonic.
The writers had an astute idea, one I wish I'd had. Take your average Residential Home filled with grumpy and awkward old folk but add a dark and ominous twist, which I won't reveal here - nobody likes spoilers. In the fifties and seventies, many nursing homes were constructed on rural land. It was to provide peace and quiet for the residents. However, in this instance, the writers use the homes' isolation to keep the world beyond its locked gates out. Nobody can see what's happening within Deadlock House. Add in a few mysteries, why can't the carers leave the property for the first two months? What happened to the previous nurse? What are the strange noises in the night? Why is the caretaker cruel to the residents? And, what does the Gold Needle Killer have to do with it all? And you should have enough to keep you intrigued until the finale. But they don't stop there. No! They fill the story with credible and relatable characters. You can understand Nurse Nicolle's exasperation working with a few members of the community, particularly the menfolk. You're comforted by Carer Martine's effervescent and helpful manner. You may even feel a slight sadness for Flavian, the rough caretaker. All of which pull you into the story more and add to its power.
The virtuous script allows the director, who co-wrote, enough leeway, so he's not required to do much, but he still does. He has a keen eye for composition. The shot of Deadlock House standing on the charming grounds in a soft mist is beautiful and a tad eerie. He gives the audience an exemplary vision of Martine surveilling Flavien from behind a pine tree - Her face perfectly framed by the branches and foliage of the tree. As a still, it could have graced many magazines of the day. It's a wonderful image. He's also skilled at using light and shadow to add unease to a scene. When the old fogies walk down the hallway at night, they pass from dark shadows into pools of light coming from open doorways. The way he places the performers is crucial to the atmosphere. He has them positioned like tenpins in a V shape. The smallest at the front and the tallest at the rear. It allows you to see all their faces and the different emotions they carry, which makes it all the more chilling. The only baulk I have is with the pacing of some scenes. Some could have been a smidgen slower to build tension, especially the segment where Matine discovers a secret doorway. And he could've sped up some others to add a hint of excitement, such as the fight and flight scenes. But these are tiny things, and the film is damned good anyway. And, it enjoys the best blood I've seen, both in colour and consistency. Shame it doesn't appear to dry.
The cast is brilliant. Isabelle Goguey as Martine is exceptional. Not only does she possess screen presence, but she exudes a true warmness onscreen. I could happily watch this actress time and time again if she's always this excellent. Flavien is a confused and obscure character; he is afflicted with inner conflicts, and Michel Flavius displays this mental turmoil well. However, in his spectacle of rage, he slightly overcooks the emotion, which damages the scene a bit. I especially liked Jean Ludow and Michel Debrane as Leon and Jules. They were the most likeable and testy of the old folks and reminded me of my Grandparents and their friends. It's always good to take a trip down that delightful memory lane. Thank You.
I would suggest that all horror fans try and find a copy of this flick - it's worthy of your attention. It has a way of getting under your skin, in a good and entertaining way, which doesn't require the use of any sharp implements.
Please feel free to visit my Absolute Horror and The Game Is Afoot lists to see where I ranked Night Of Death.
Take Care & Stay Well.
Story: 1.50 Direction: 1.50 Pace: 1.50 Acting: 1.50 Enjoyment: 1.50
TOTAL: 7.50 out of 10.00
Night Of Death was a breath of fresh air for two reasons. One: I've been watching a few more recent movies of late, and even though they may be superb, they don't hit the spots the oldies do. Two: we don't get many Ghoul tales in the horror genre, and when they're as good as this, they're a refreshing tonic.
The writers had an astute idea, one I wish I'd had. Take your average Residential Home filled with grumpy and awkward old folk but add a dark and ominous twist, which I won't reveal here - nobody likes spoilers. In the fifties and seventies, many nursing homes were constructed on rural land. It was to provide peace and quiet for the residents. However, in this instance, the writers use the homes' isolation to keep the world beyond its locked gates out. Nobody can see what's happening within Deadlock House. Add in a few mysteries, why can't the carers leave the property for the first two months? What happened to the previous nurse? What are the strange noises in the night? Why is the caretaker cruel to the residents? And, what does the Gold Needle Killer have to do with it all? And you should have enough to keep you intrigued until the finale. But they don't stop there. No! They fill the story with credible and relatable characters. You can understand Nurse Nicolle's exasperation working with a few members of the community, particularly the menfolk. You're comforted by Carer Martine's effervescent and helpful manner. You may even feel a slight sadness for Flavian, the rough caretaker. All of which pull you into the story more and add to its power.
The virtuous script allows the director, who co-wrote, enough leeway, so he's not required to do much, but he still does. He has a keen eye for composition. The shot of Deadlock House standing on the charming grounds in a soft mist is beautiful and a tad eerie. He gives the audience an exemplary vision of Martine surveilling Flavien from behind a pine tree - Her face perfectly framed by the branches and foliage of the tree. As a still, it could have graced many magazines of the day. It's a wonderful image. He's also skilled at using light and shadow to add unease to a scene. When the old fogies walk down the hallway at night, they pass from dark shadows into pools of light coming from open doorways. The way he places the performers is crucial to the atmosphere. He has them positioned like tenpins in a V shape. The smallest at the front and the tallest at the rear. It allows you to see all their faces and the different emotions they carry, which makes it all the more chilling. The only baulk I have is with the pacing of some scenes. Some could have been a smidgen slower to build tension, especially the segment where Matine discovers a secret doorway. And he could've sped up some others to add a hint of excitement, such as the fight and flight scenes. But these are tiny things, and the film is damned good anyway. And, it enjoys the best blood I've seen, both in colour and consistency. Shame it doesn't appear to dry.
The cast is brilliant. Isabelle Goguey as Martine is exceptional. Not only does she possess screen presence, but she exudes a true warmness onscreen. I could happily watch this actress time and time again if she's always this excellent. Flavien is a confused and obscure character; he is afflicted with inner conflicts, and Michel Flavius displays this mental turmoil well. However, in his spectacle of rage, he slightly overcooks the emotion, which damages the scene a bit. I especially liked Jean Ludow and Michel Debrane as Leon and Jules. They were the most likeable and testy of the old folks and reminded me of my Grandparents and their friends. It's always good to take a trip down that delightful memory lane. Thank You.
I would suggest that all horror fans try and find a copy of this flick - it's worthy of your attention. It has a way of getting under your skin, in a good and entertaining way, which doesn't require the use of any sharp implements.
Please feel free to visit my Absolute Horror and The Game Is Afoot lists to see where I ranked Night Of Death.
Take Care & Stay Well.
This French horror film took me by surprise, and I loved every tasty, off-kilter minute of it
lost-in-limbo26 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
As a viewer, we know from the get-go what's going on in Night of Death! Or we like to think we do. The mystery is not much of a mystery because it's revealed early; even then its intentions are sprinkled throughout, where the horrifying visceral shake-up implodes at the end of the first act. So now we wait for the naive protagonist to catch on to what's going on behind the scenes, as she goes about her everyday work chores. The cannibalsitic elderly of a nursing home kills their newly appointed carer after every two months to feed upon their flesh and internal organs to stop the rot of aging. After the sudden disappearance of the previous employee, newly arrived nurse Martine begins her fateful two month countdown... the next cadaver on the chopping block!
Occasionally going down this path where you are leaps and bounds ahead of the situation can harm the suspense and intrigue, but here, the genuinely weird and creepy atmosphere of the secluded retirement home and its residents keeps you enthralled. Sometimes done in a darkly humorous manner of unscripted macabre heightened by the eeriely persistent music score. You won't be forgetting that score! Also helping out is having a very affable Isabella Goguey caught in the middle of this unaware nightmare. She's so well-grounded and likeable you feel every anxious step brought upon by her unusual interactions through to the growing suspicions towards the residents' unhinged actions that can cut to images of them reaching into a corpse pulling out internal organs to munch on like at an all you can eat buffet.
Then there's the lingering side-story of a deranged serial killer plaguing the nearby town, which latter on seems to be more so on her mind when she begins picking up on the clues of something shady going on around Michel Flavius' character. He really nails the role, from his mousy appearance to the intensity he brings. You begin to ride it out --- hoping she catches on sooner rather than later. The slow, and tranquil progression of genre tropes (including the frequent tap on the shoulder jump fright) hits feverish levels at the protagonist's bewildering climatic discovery of the Deadlock house's gruesome secret. What once was foreseeable, suddenly gets twisted around. The nasty practical gore hits home, everybody begins showing their true colours while openely licking their chops and it finishes on a jarring final twist. Quite unexpected, yet effectively idyllic killer blow. The shock didn't surprise, but the reveal of who's behind it did.
Occasionally going down this path where you are leaps and bounds ahead of the situation can harm the suspense and intrigue, but here, the genuinely weird and creepy atmosphere of the secluded retirement home and its residents keeps you enthralled. Sometimes done in a darkly humorous manner of unscripted macabre heightened by the eeriely persistent music score. You won't be forgetting that score! Also helping out is having a very affable Isabella Goguey caught in the middle of this unaware nightmare. She's so well-grounded and likeable you feel every anxious step brought upon by her unusual interactions through to the growing suspicions towards the residents' unhinged actions that can cut to images of them reaching into a corpse pulling out internal organs to munch on like at an all you can eat buffet.
Then there's the lingering side-story of a deranged serial killer plaguing the nearby town, which latter on seems to be more so on her mind when she begins picking up on the clues of something shady going on around Michel Flavius' character. He really nails the role, from his mousy appearance to the intensity he brings. You begin to ride it out --- hoping she catches on sooner rather than later. The slow, and tranquil progression of genre tropes (including the frequent tap on the shoulder jump fright) hits feverish levels at the protagonist's bewildering climatic discovery of the Deadlock house's gruesome secret. What once was foreseeable, suddenly gets twisted around. The nasty practical gore hits home, everybody begins showing their true colours while openely licking their chops and it finishes on a jarring final twist. Quite unexpected, yet effectively idyllic killer blow. The shock didn't surprise, but the reveal of who's behind it did.
A French horror forgotten classic
suck_daddy31 July 2004
I never thought when i started watching this movie that i would be experiencing a new form of horror entertainment. Michel Flavius 's breathtaking performance is only matched by such milestone compositions as Boris Karloff's Frankeinstein and Peter Lorre's Orlac in Mad love. Laurent Petitgirard's score haunts you like nothing has haunting you before. Great choice of extras in particular Mr Roger. So you get the picture ,great acting ,great script,great score,and above all a great director:Raphael Delpard. This is french cinema at it's ravishing best.
decent cast,moods.direction, finish. upperBmoviequality
surfisfun6 July 2020
A7+french goodness 70s/80s styles.
sort of black horror drama comedy ?
loved the cast and script
The main actress did a great job. her main job was assistant director on porn movies in real life and this i guess is her big achievement in a role. very well cast. theatrical as it should be.
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