Review: 'The Black Torment'

Title: THE BLACK TORMENT
Year: 1964
Director: Robert Hartford-Davis
Writer: Derek Ford and Donald Ford
Starring: John Turner, Heather Sears, Ann Lynn

THE BLACK TORMENT is an early 60’s gothic mystery horror story much in the vein of what the older Hammer films were all about. All the elements you would expect are there – great period piece costumes, beautiful set pieces and a dark and brooding atmosphere. You know foul work is at play, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. Not right away at least.

Sir Richard Fordyke (John Turner) returns home to his manor a number of years after leaving due to the death of his first wife. Now with his new wife, Richard is hoping to get settled back into his home and get his life back on track. Unfortunately soon after his arrival, Richard learns that rumors have been swirling around the town.

The rumors lead people to believe that Richard had actually already returned secretly had has been committing several murders. Richard now must fight to clear his name and get to the bottom of things while trying to keep his new marriage from going off the rails.

The majority of THE BLACK TORMENT relies on the atmosphere established early on. The film moves at a slow pace which is quite typical for these gothic mysteries. The movie is light in the way or action for the most part. The film opens with a murder and then it’s mostly dialogue. You’ll know pretty early on whether or not this is a movie that you’re going to be into.

If you are into these types of horror stories, THE BLACK TORMENT is a film you will thoroughly enjoy. While the film slows down and hits a few bumps in the middle portion, the final act is quite fantastic. Once Richard unravels the mystery we are treated to a fantastic fight scene. In begins as a duel between two swordsmen and eventually concludes with a fist fight. This is staged wonderfully, taking full advantage of the manor and all of the 18th century décor that lines the inside.

THE BLACK TORMENT is a good movie you just have to know what you’re getting into. It’s for a specific type of horror fan. This isn’t full of blood and gore but instead vivid colors. It’s a good story that uses mood and tone to get you to the finish line. This isn’t gothic horror at its best, but it’s still good gothic horror nonetheless.

Rating: 3/5

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