Enoch, a grotesque, yet pitiable two-faced freak who's a sideshow attraction at a seedy traveling carnival, develops a crush on a 2,000 year old Egyptian mummy. Director Kevin Yagher, working from a compact and engrossing script by Fred Dekker, does an expert job of creating a suitably lurid carnival atmosphere and makes the most out of the vivid and flavorsome late 19th century period setting. This episode further benefits from sterling acting from an excellent cast: Jeff Yagher gives a moving and sympathetic performance as the wretched Enoch (the scene between Enoch and a sweet little girl is genuinely touching), veteran character actor Stefan Gierasch contributes a terrifically hateful portrayal as Enoch's sadistic keeper Mr. Sickle, Mark Rolston likewise shines with his deliciously dandy turn as suave gambler Dr. Zachary Cling, and Lewis Arquette does well as mean carny owner Ernest Feeley. Moreover, this yarn offers a few cool bits of gore and nicely illustrates how cruel and horrible human beings can be to each other. Best of all, the story concludes on a bang-up note with the birth of the Cryptkeer. Robert Draper's sharp cinematography provides an appropriately gaudy and shadowy look. Michel Columbier's melodic score also does the trick. A typically on the money show.
Review of Lower Berth
