REDUNDANT CONTENT.

Film Review: Night Creatures (1965)

In a word, spectacular! One of Hammer Studio's finest works is delivered in the form of Night Creatures a.k.a Captain Clegg. Part adventure, part drama, part thriller and with a smattering of syilized horror, Night Creatures is one big dose of fun!

A terrifying buccaneer adventure involving smuggling across 18th century English Marshes by celebrated pirate, Captain Clegg and his men. The dastardly villain disguises himself as the quaint village clergyman of 'Dymchurch', "Doctor Blyss", whilst carrying out his pirate activities under the alias of Captain Clegg. Clegg’s henchmen, dubbed the ‘Marsh Phantoms’; are extremely efficient at scaring off the locals, disguising a look-out as a scarecrow, transferring contraband alcohol in hearses, and generally sending the town's populus into disarray. Hot on their trail is Captain Collier, the English officer set with the assignment of exposing the gang and bringing them down. His suspicions initially aroused by a mute seemingly tormented by a face from his past. (Note: While the plot proved to be a fraction transparent initially, this hiccup is soon but a faded memory thanks to outstanding production values and gripping story).

The legendary Peter Cushing shines in one of his greatest and most charming roles playing "Dr Blyss", an absolute delight to watch and impeccable in his delivery of character. He is for lack of a better word, flawless. The support comes from an almost as brilliant cast including: Patrick Allan as the obcessed ruthless "Captain Collier", Oliver Reed as "Harry" the "Squires" son, Derrick Francis as the "Squire" and the divine Yvonne Romain as "Imogene", the young orphaned bar maid. Additional characters of note include a mute earless "Fedrret", a King's battalion and the ghostly horsemen.

With a setting of 1700's England, Captain Clegg is craftily shot and had me firmy planted in a totally believable world. Atmospherics as can be expected with any quality "Hammer" production, are exceptional and the film delivers the goods with its gothic church, creepy graveyard, rustic tavern, victorian architecture and fog laden marshes.

If your a fan of Hammer studios, or just after a quality well produced wild ride, Night Creatures is an absolute must see!

Links to:
Unofficial "Hammer" Site (More fun than the original!)
Hammer Filmography (Whilst comprehensive, this is a free hosted site, apologies if the link is dead!)
Official Hammer Films Site.