The Skull (1965)
Amicus Films
Whenever you get Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing in the same film it is a treat. Add to that, a screenplay based on a story by Robert Bloch and director Freddie Francis, you have the trifecta of old-school British horror goodness.
The film concerns the accursed skull of the Marquis de Sade. Christopher Maitland (Cushing) and Sir Matthew Phillips (Lee), are 
collectors of occult artifacts. Maitland is offered the skull by a shady dealer and recognizes it as part of Lee’s collection. Knowing it must have been stolen he turns down the offer to purchase the skull. He contacts his fellow collector about the stolen item and Phillips tells him, he is happy to be rid of the accursed skull. He warns Maitland to stay away from it however, Maitland soon develops an obsession with the skull. When he re-visits the shady dealer, he finds the man dead and steals the skull. Once in his home the artifact haunts and torments Maitland, driving him to insanity and provoking him to kill.
The film is subtle, relying on atmosphere and mood to relay the psychological conflict between Maitland and the skull. The silent battle is brought to the screen superbly by Cushing. The visuals are dated and may be considered hokey by today’s standards, but none-the-less effective as the skull floats through the 
rooms of Maitland’s abode, taunting him to evil deeds. The gothic atmosphere provides a visual appeal that I find interesting. The Skull is quite different than most horror of the time, relying on the psychological horror rather than blood and gore, and the battle of wills rather than the usual perversions associated with the Marquis de Sade. It is a fantastic film for those who like old-style horror.
This review is part of a series I am doing to review all the Amicus horror films.
You can check out all the reviews from links at this page:
Amicus Films – overview
parlor of horror 
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I like this one a lot. If I remember right after the original filming they found that the running time was far too short so they added in some odd bits and more views from the skull’s perspective to pad the length of the film.
I didn’t know that about the film, but it seems perfectly tied in if that’s the case. Much like in the case of Jaws, sometimes the mistakes or aspects the filmmakers are trying to overcome, make for a better film.
Brilliant film, so eerie and creepy, one of my all time faves! Perfect to enjoy on a dark winters evening. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee are as excellent as ever. I also find the Skull POV shot very unnerving, it so creepy.
An underrated horror film for sure. I don’t think people look to the 1960’s when they want horror but there are some gems.
I agree, this film is something very special indeed. A great film.
One of my fav Amicus flicks, Michael. Love this entry. The Skull’s pov shots are so epic. It was nicely done and Cushing and Lee are incredible like always. And like you said, when you throw in Bloch and Francis then you know you have gold.
I own a copy. Need to re-visit it again. Good job on the review, man.
Thanks for stopping by, Vic. Yeah this was a good one, for sure!
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