Somewhat more subdued in terms of still compared to other Bava gothic films. This doesn't detract if anything it only makes it better. Brimming with sexual possesion and tension. This is Bava at his best.

This movie has probably some of the best examples of Mario Bava's use of lighting. This was the first Bava movie I ever saw and that was what I noticed right away. That and the whipping scenes that pre-date Luis Bunuel's Belle de our. Some people ... (read more) This movie has probably some of the best examples of Mario Bava's use of lighting. This was the first Bava movie I ever saw and that was what I noticed right away. That and the whipping scenes that pre-date Luis Bunuel's Belle de our. Some people seem to think the movie is really slow, but I think the slow build really helps it.

Frisky gothic sexual possession tale. Gorgeous shadows of color, obvious influence on Argento. Clunky dialogue, creaking doors, long pauses, and secret fireplace passages everyone knows about! Bava at his visual best.

If you're into psychosexual thrillers, this is for you, but I'm not. Two stars for the regular Bava lighting and cinematography, but the story is a bore.

Simply gorgeous gothic horror. Mario Bava's always been the master at making cheap things look like they cost millions, and this has some of his classic candy-colored lighting and beautiful compositions. The story is a tad clunky and slow, but aided ... (read more) Simply gorgeous gothic horror. Mario Bava's always been the master at making cheap things look like they cost millions, and this has some of his classic candy-colored lighting and beautiful compositions. The story is a tad clunky and slow, but aided by some interesting sexual and psychological dynamics.

This was a very interesting movie, very beautifully shot, thanks to Bava. A very atmospheric, kinky story with Christopher Lee (very young) as the violent lover.

A disturbingly atmosphereic entry in Italy's gothic horror canon. Students of psychoanalysis will have a field day with the lord & master punishes promiscuos woman riff. Still, it's a generally effective film that's different enough to give it an ed... (read more) A disturbingly atmosphereic entry in Italy's gothic horror canon. Students of psychoanalysis will have a field day with the lord & master punishes promiscuos woman riff. Still, it's a generally effective film that's different enough to give it an edge - and Bava (as ever) never fails to make the whole thing look utterly stunning (on a very low budget). Rather curiously Lee doesn't dub himself, which leads to seeing the great man act but hearing a tinny American voice in his stead. Odd.

Not that good as a horror movie, but Christopher Lee is always interesting to watch. Very politically incorrect, but this is the Christopher Lee that pleases me as a horror fan. Sadistic and brutal. It can be no other way!

Bava + Christopher Lee, in a film that's a little bit Bava, and feels a little bit Hammer. Which is an awesome combination. Really well shot, and just a solid piece all around.

Although many Italian horror fans seem to love this movie, I found it heavy handed, preachy, sexist, and a bit boring. I prefer Bava's later stuff such as "Kill, Baby, Kill!"