Watch Death Line

In the 1972 British horror film 'Death Line', written and directed by Gary Sherman, the viewer is taken on a mysterious journey into the depths of an abandoned underground train station in London. The film stars Donald Pleasence as Inspector Calhoun, Norman Rossington as Sergeant Rogers, and David Ladd as Alex Campbell. The film begins with a young couple, Patricia Wilson (played by Sharon Gurney) and Christopher Ellison (played by James Cossins), leaving a theater in London's West End. Patricia notices something strange about the man standing next to them on the subway platform but dismisses it. Soon after, Christopher disappears and Patricia is left alone on the platform. She is then attacked and killed by a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows.

Meanwhile, Inspector Calhoun and Sergeant Rogers are assigned to investigate the disappearance of Christopher Ellison. As they delve deeper into the case, they discover that the missing man was last seen in the abandoned station known as Russell Square. The deeper they investigate, the stranger and more sinister the situation becomes.

As Calhoun and Rogers investigate, they discover that there is a whole community of people who live in the tunnels of the station. These people are descendants of workers who were trapped during the construction of the Piccadilly Line in the 19th century. The leader of this underground society, known only as 'The Man' (played brilliantly by Hugh Armstrong), is determined to protect his peoples' way of life at any cost.

As Calhoun and Rogers continue their investigation, they become increasingly aware that something inhuman is lurking in the shadows of the underground tunnels. The film builds to a heart-pounding climax as Calhoun and Rogers face off against 'The Man' and his people in a desperate race to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims.

'Death Line' is a unique film that blends elements of horror, mystery, and social commentary. Director Gary Sherman uses the film's setting to create a claustrophobic, ominous atmosphere that perfectly complements the story. The film's themes of class and social inequality are explored through the plight of the underground community, while the horror elements serve to reinforce the sense of danger that Calhoun and Rogers face as they investigate the disappearance of Christopher Ellison.

The performances of the cast are superb, with Donald Pleasence shining as the gruff but compassionate Inspector Calhoun. Pleasence brings depth and nuance to his character, making him much more than just a typical police officer. The supporting cast, including Norman Rossington as Sergeant Rogers and David Ladd as Alex Campbell, also turn in strong performances.

One of the standout elements of 'Death Line' is the makeup effects used to bring 'The Man' to life. The design and execution of the monster are both impressive, and Hugh Armstrong's performance brings an eerie sense of humanity to the character.

Overall, 'Death Line' is a tense, thrilling horror film that stands out for its unique setting and rich thematic content. It is a must-see for fans of British horror and holds up well to this day as a classic of the genre.

Death Line is a 1973 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.