By Chris Summerfield
So another look at killer doll movies and I have to ask the question, what is the attraction with these type movies? Maybe it’s the thought that something so innocent as a toy could become so brutal… Perhaps these movies are using the toys has metaphors for a child growing in to a killer. Well whatever the reason for their creations this one I rate has one of the very best… The reason for that being, you get a creepy old house, eccentric old couple that creep you out and of course a crazy thundering rainstorm, add these three together and you kind of get a reflection of movies of the golden era being the 30s to 60s.
So the movie…
A sudden electromagnetic storm causes serve floods, that forces travelling couple, David Bower (Ian Patrick Williams) and Rosemary Bower (Carolyn Purdy Gordon) off the road, David’s daughter is also with them being Judy Bower (Carrie Lorraine). On abandoning the car they head for a house they see in the distance, however while heading there wicked Rosemary, throws Judy’s beloved teddy in to the woods.
Gabriel Hartwicke (Guy Rolfe) and Hilary Hartwicke (Hilary Mason, are the owners of the house, both creepy and eccentric. Gabriel stating he is a doll maker.
We then meet rowdy rude, Isabel (Bunty Bailey) and Enid (Cassie Stuart) who have managed to scrounge a lift from the gentle, Ralph Morris (Stephen Lee) also seeking a room for the night.
They are all shown to their rooms in this dark, daunting looking house, where the guests find their rooms filled with dolls, it all looks innocent and sweet, however the guests with wicked intentions or lack of respect soon discover there is something sinister about the dolls…
Isobel while creeping about the house intending to rob is the first to fall victim the murderous toys. Judy though witnesses her being dragged away by the tiny terrors and warns her Dad and the wealthy Rosemary however is not believed and accused by Rosemary of having an over active imagination.
Judy is so sure the dolls are alive and therefore befriends Ralph, who has a child like heart and wants to believe Judy, but has doubts, but one thing is for sure those dangerous dolls will not stop at just killing Isobel and soon begin turning on the others, therefore can Judy and Ralph survive the night and if so how?
I had read they were going to make a sequel to this movie in which is a pity it never came along as it would have been interesting no doubt…
As regards this movie,
Rating: 9/10