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People are dying from large snake bites to the neck in this sub-par monster movie from Britain’s Hammer Films. Noel Willman stars as a doctor who’s very protective of his daughter, a young woman who tends to go missing during the night. Ray Barrett and Jennifer Daniel co-star as newcomers to the village, determined to learn the cause of the deaths after Barrett’s brother becomes the latest victim. Their quest eventually leads to Willman’s daughter (Jacqueline Pearce), who can turn into a snake-like creature thanks to some far-East religious cult shenanigans.
The mystery is thin and the snake-woman makeup is among the studio’s most goofy-looking efforts, but it’s still impressive what Hammer is able to do with a low budget and a half-cocked concept. The sets and costumes conjure a cozy period setting. Willman is interesting as the film’s chief antagonist, an intimidating character who eventually becomes consumed by anxiety. John Laurie is humorous as a paranoid vagabond, especially when he savors some fried chicken at Barret and Daniel’s invitation. Hammer regular Michael Ripper gives a warm turn as the kindly barkeep who aids Barrett and Daniel in times of need. The score by Don Banks is yet another solid and evocative one worthy of the Hammer name.
Directed by John Gilling (The Pirates of Blood River).