Madhouse Movie Review (1974)

Since we’ve began our descent into the 31 days of Horror Movie reviews, we haven’t featured a flick with Vincent Price! That blasphemy stops today. Price is one of our all-time favorite actors here at B.A.P. Personally, my mission is to own every movie he’s ever starred in on Blu-ray and while I’m close, I still don’t have them all. Price was an absolute God on the silver screen, his mannerisms, delivery, dialect and the way he swayed in an out of scenes was nothing short of incredible. Just the thought of it makes me fiend to watch any of his movies. Today I want to talk about one of his lesser-known films and one that wasn’t well received by movie goers in 1974 – Madhouse! In some circles the film is known as “Revenge of Dr. Death”.

Madhouse is an Amicus Productions release and for those not in the know, Amicus was a movie production company that was formed with the intent to compete with the wildly popular Hammer Film Productions. It depends on who you ask as to how that battle faired – obviously any self-respecting Horror fan loves and admires Hammer, and some don’t really know much about Amicus. Both companies have played a vital part in the Horror fan that I am today. If it’s Horror and it has the Amicus or Hammer emblems, you can be sure that I’ve seen it, and odds are I have it on Blu or DVD unless it’s a Western or a Sci-fi movie.
 
Before we dig in too deep, I must say that Madhouse is without a doubt my favorite Price film. I don’t really have a specific reason why; I’ve just always loved his character and the way he approached the part. Price plays Paul Toombes a well-known Horror actor best known for his portrayal of Dr. Death; a skull faced murderer. It opens with Toombes entertaining guests at his home for a sneak preview of the latest installment of the Dr. Death series. After the viewing he announces his intent of marrying his latest flame, Ellen. Shortly after, an adult film maker, Oliver Quayle (Robert Quarry) comes up to both Toombes and Ellen and reveals that Ellen use to work in his movies. Of course, Ellen didn’t disclose this to Toombes so he says some pretty terrible things and heads off as does Ellen. It’s at this time you see leather gloves being put on and you have a P.O.V. of the killer as he heads towards Ellen’s room which ends with her screaming before she’s murdered. A short while later Toombes goes to Ellen’s room to apologize when he goes to touch her, Ellen’s head rolls off her shoulders and Toombes goes to pieces. While Toombes isn’t convicted of any wrongdoing his career is destroyed because he’s a basket case and is committed into mental institutions for the next several years. It takes about 12 years for Toombes to get it together and then he’s coaxed into going to London to start the Dr. Death series back up for the BBC. The screen writer of Dr. Death is his dear friend and business partner Herbert Flay who’s played by the legendary Peter Cushing. As soon as Toombes lands in London, murders start to ramp up and they all begin the same way – the leather gloves, the P.O.V. thing. Toombes is a wreck, because he’s not sure if he’s committing the murders or not, plus the dawning of the gloves, the skull paint and the cape is seriously giving him the creeps and messing with his already fragile state. He confides in Herbert that he isn’t sure if he can take it anymore, and he wants to return home. Herbert convinces him to stay. As several people that have interacted with Toombes are dropping like flies, he’s a suspect. Toombes is interviewed on several occasions by the Police, but there’s no evidence to prove he’s done any wrong. Toombes, handler, Julie believes him and is hell-bent on figuring out what’s going on and just as she figures out what, why and how she’s murdered by Dr. Death in the same manner as Ellen. While Toombes reverts to his basket case state he seems somewhat calm, but sure of himself and what he’s doing. As the movie starts its descent toward the end Toombes locks himself into the studio, turns on the camera and sets the place ablaze. Does Dr. Death meet his demise, you’ll have to tune in and see for yourself. I’ll say this, the twist is one of my TOP moments in a Price film! And while there’s much more to the movie than I’ve shared here, I didn’t want to spoil anything this is a journey you’ll want to participate in!

The duo of Peter Cushing and Vincent Price on the same screen is wonderful, watching their interactions and body language is simply breathtaking. The two actors have been in a few other films together, which I’m also quite fond of, but Madhouse is my favorite by far. The addition of Robert Quarry into the mix was also a nice touch, although his character was a sleazeball. Price is the main reason for the celebration of this movie though, his portrayal of Paul Toombes is honest, heartfelt and comes across so genuine. It almost feels like he’s acting out his own personal life in the film or well let’s say he plays himself openly and candidly. I can’t for the life of me understand how this film wasn’t heralded as one of the best of 1974. I was a young kid when I first watched Madhouse and while the movie wasn’t frightening, the story line, the acting and effects were eventful and fun. This was the movie that made me fall in love with Vincent Price’s work and since the moment I watched it, I’ve sought out anything with him in it, no matter how small the part or the genre of the film. Nobody delivers quite like Vincent Price and having another of my favorite actors in Peter Cushing along for the ride, just makes this one even sweeter. Nowadays, Madhouse is a tough movie to come by on Blu-ray, I paid 50$ for my copy, it’s the most expensive movie I’ve ever purchased, and I didn’t bat an eye when I clicked the purchase button. I can’t say everyone will feel this way. But not everyone has my magnificent taste in film. I strongly suggest taking in a stream of it or if you see the DVD or Blu out in the wild, don’t hesitate to pick it up. It is a MADHOUSE!!!!