This outstanding horror film is a delightful surprise among the new wave of horror that went beyond spooky creatures of the night or even the warming of what nuclear power could do. Michael Gough, a forgotten successor to Karloff, Lugosi and his contemporary Vincent Price, is well regarded by cult fans, but overshadowed by even Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Here, he's a zoo keeper obsessed with the love of his fur lined family. Anybody who will dare hurt them will pay...dearly.
Gough is married here to future soap diva, Jeanne Cooper, and she plays a younger version of her "Young and Restless" character Katharine Chancellor. She's just as troubled and drunk as Kay was in her first years, and like Kay, you can't help but want to protect her. Gough is abusive to her, but there's more to him than meets the eye. Keep your handkerchiefs out to wipe off the drool over the mute but hunky assistant, Reed Lauren, Gough's much abused caretaker.
Veteran actor Jerome Cowan gets the first eyeful of Gough's vengeance by trying to force him to sell him the zoo land, giving Gough a memorable line as he explains why Cowan must pay. The photography is colorful and editing brisk, with genuine thrills and a bit of supernatural innuendo as well. Everything about this film is very unique, and it is a fascinating discovery. Veteran actress Virginia Grey has a great cameo as a friend of Cooper's who tries to tempt her away (which results in a delightfully silly exit), and her "Y&R" co-star Jerry Douglas has a small part as well.
Gough is married here to future soap diva, Jeanne Cooper, and she plays a younger version of her "Young and Restless" character Katharine Chancellor. She's just as troubled and drunk as Kay was in her first years, and like Kay, you can't help but want to protect her. Gough is abusive to her, but there's more to him than meets the eye. Keep your handkerchiefs out to wipe off the drool over the mute but hunky assistant, Reed Lauren, Gough's much abused caretaker.
Veteran actor Jerome Cowan gets the first eyeful of Gough's vengeance by trying to force him to sell him the zoo land, giving Gough a memorable line as he explains why Cowan must pay. The photography is colorful and editing brisk, with genuine thrills and a bit of supernatural innuendo as well. Everything about this film is very unique, and it is a fascinating discovery. Veteran actress Virginia Grey has a great cameo as a friend of Cooper's who tries to tempt her away (which results in a delightfully silly exit), and her "Y&R" co-star Jerry Douglas has a small part as well.