Watch The Accursed
- NR
- 1958
- 1 hr 13 min
-
5.7 (320)
The Accursed is a supernatural horror film from 1957, directed by Michael McCarthy and starring Donald Wolfit, Robert Bray, and Jane Griffiths. The film begins with the appearance of a mysterious stranger who starts to terrorize a seaside town in Cornwall. His presence brings with it a series of strange occurrences and inexplicable deaths that leave the townspeople deeply unsettled.
Donald Wolfit plays the role of the brusque, no-nonsense Dr. Pritchard, a retired pathologist who takes a keen interest in the strange events taking place in the town. Robert Bray, meanwhile, plays Dr. Lyall, a handsome newcomer to the town who quickly becomes embroiled in the unfolding mystery. Jane Griffiths portrays Lyall's love interest, Anne-Marie, a young woman who finds herself caught between the two doctors as they race to uncover the truth behind the strange events.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the stranger is no ordinary man, but rather a demonic figure with the power to shape-shift and control the minds of those around him. The townspeople soon find themselves in a desperate struggle for survival as the stranger begins to unleash his full powers upon them, leading to a tense and thrilling climax that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
One of the standout features of The Accursed is its unique blend of classic horror tropes with a distinctly British flavor. The film makes great use of its picturesque seaside setting, with the rugged cliffs and rock formations providing an eerie and foreboding backdrop to the unfolding events. The strong performances from the lead actors, particularly Wolfit as the wizened doctor and Bray as the dashing hero, further add to the film's sense of tension and suspense.
Another notable aspect of The Accursed is its use of practical effects, which were particularly impressive for the time. The film's creature effects, in particular, are well-executed and genuinely creepy, adding to the sense of unease that pervades the entire production.
Overall, The Accursed is a standout example of mid-century British horror cinema. With a talented cast, strong direction, and impressive effects, this atmospheric thriller is sure to appeal to both fans of classic horror and those looking for a spooky, suspenseful ride. Despite being more than six decades old, it remains an engaging and entertaining watch to this day.
The Accursed is a 1958 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.