A few thoughts: Picture Dead Of Night (1945) if it were produced by Hammer. That's basically what you get here with this first horror anthology from Amicus. Starring Peter Cushing and directed by Freddie Francis (who is also known for his work with Hammer), this movie handles its multiple stories and disjointed nature better than most anthologies due to the consistency of its visuals and direction. With only one writer and one director, this movie is able to weave through its stories in a concise way, always returning to its jumping-off point before branching out again. There's a solid variety of horror stories here, ranging from werewolves to vampires, killer plantlife, voodoo gods, severed hands, and even Death himself. Much like most horror movies of its time, this is not a terrifying experience as much as it is an atmospheric and creative one. Even if the individual stories aren't groundbreaking, the presentation and style allows them to function both independently and as part of a greater whole. I had a lot of fun with it.
Anyone who enjoys horror anthologies (especially from the classic era) needs to give this a look. Also, fans of Hammer should try it out -- Amicus made very similar horror movies.
My grade: B+
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