Watch The Black Torment

The Black Torment is a British horror film from 1964 directed by Robert Hartford-Davis. The film is set in the 18th century and follows Sir Richard Fordyke (John Turner), a wealthy landowner who returns to his ancestral home after being away for several years. Shortly after his arrival, he begins to experience strange and terrifying occurrences that are linked to a curse that has been placed on his family.

The film opens with a prologue that sets the stage for the story. It is revealed that Sir Richard's ancestor, also named Richard Fordyke, was responsible for the wrongful execution of a local man named Simon Radd; subsequently, Radd's father placed a curse upon the Fordyke family. The curse is said to bring death and destruction upon any Fordyke who returns to their ancestral home.

The Black Torment begins in earnest as Sir Richard arrives at his home with his new wife, Lady Elizabeth (Heather Sears). At first, everything seems idyllic, and the couple is happy to be reunited with their family and friends. However, things quickly take a dark turn as Sir Richard begins to experience strange visions and encounters an apparition of Simon Radd. The local villagers also seem to be hostile towards Sir Richard, and there is a sense of unease that permeates the entire film.

As the film progresses, Sir Richard begins to uncover the truth about what happened to Simon Radd and comes to realize that the curse may be real. His investigations lead him to a series of shocking revelations, and he realizes that his family's past is much darker than he had ever imagined.

The Black Torment is a classic horror film that relies heavily on atmosphere and tension to create its scares. The film's setting, an isolated English manor house, is the perfect backdrop for the story, and the film does an excellent job of creating a creepy and unsettling atmosphere. The film's use of lighting and shadows is also impressive, and there are several scenes that are genuinely frightening.

The acting in The Black Torment is solid, with John Turner and Heather Sears delivering strong performances as Sir Richard and Lady Elizabeth. Ann Lynn is also excellent as Meg Fordyke, Sir Richard's troubled sister-in-law. The supporting cast, which includes a number of familiar faces from British cinema, is also very good.

One of the things that sets The Black Torment apart from other horror films of its time is its pacing. While many horror films of the era were content to rely on sudden shocks and jump scares, The Black Torment takes its time to build suspense and create atmosphere. The film's scares come slowly and steadily, which only adds to the overall sense of dread that permeates the entire film.

The Black Torment is definitely an old-fashioned horror movie, and some viewers may find parts of it to be a bit slow-paced. However, for those who appreciate classic horror films, it is an excellent example of the genre. The film's use of traditional horror elements, such as curses, ghosts, and isolated settings, is effective, and the film's ending is genuinely surprising and satisfying.

Overall, The Black Torment is a well-made horror film that succeeds in creating a sense of creeping dread and unease. The film is expertly directed, and the performances are strong throughout. While it may not be as well-known as some other horror films of its time, it is definitely worth watching for fans of classic horror.

The Black Torment is a 1965 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.