Watch The Beast Must Die

The Beast Must Die is a 1974 suspense thriller directed by Paul Annett, based on a short story titled "There Shall Be No Darkness" by James Blish. The movie stars Calvin Lockhart as millionaire Tom Newcliffe, who invites a group of people to his remote mansion, in the hopes of uncovering which one of them is a werewolf. Peter Cushing, recognized as one of the greatest actors in the horror movie genre, plays Dr. Christopher Lundgren, a scientist who assists Newcliffe in his hunt for the beast. Other cast members include Marlene Clark, Charles Gray, Anton Diffring, and Ciaran Madden.

The film employs a unique narrative structure, incorporating a "Werewolf Break" during which the audience is given 30 seconds to guess which character is the werewolf before the dramatic conclusion. The concept was inspired by the novel "Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert, which divided the story into themed chapters.

The plot revolves around Tom Newcliffe, a wealthy businessman who is convinced that one of his house guests is a werewolf. Determined to uncover the truth, he has rigged his house with high-tech surveillance equipment, silver bullets, and a soundproof room in which he plans to trap the creature.

As the full moon approaches, tensions rise and suspicion mounts as the guests begin to realize they are trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse. As each character's backstory is revealed, the audience is given clues as to who the werewolf might be, and there are plenty of red herrings to keep viewers guessing until the very end.

Calvin Lockhart's performance as Tom Newcliffe is both creepy and charismatic, while Peter Cushing's portrayal of the enigmatic Dr. Lundgren is as always, impeccable. The chemistry between the two actors is electrifying, and they play off each other with a dynamic energy that is captivating to watch.

Marlene Clark is also worth noting for her role as Caroline Newcliffe, Tom's wife who is not fully on board with his hunt for the werewolf. Her stunning beauty and natural acting ability add a touch of glamour and sophistication to the film.

The film's setting is also noteworthy, as it was shot on location in the Isle of Man, which adds to the eerie and isolated atmosphere. The mansion itself is a character in its own right, with its labyrinthine corridors and secret passages adding to the suspense and intrigue.

The Beast Must Die is a clever and entertaining horror movie that keeps audiences guessing until the very end. The unique "Werewolf Break" adds a fun and interactive element to the film, and the stellar cast of actors gives standout performances. This is a must-see for fans of the horror genre, and anyone who loves a good mystery.

The Beast Must Die is a 1974 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 60.