Obsession With Perfection Drives Doctor Mad

Read Time:4 Minute, 2 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Circus of Horrors
–

Genre: Drama, Horror
Year Released: 1960, 2024 Kino Lorber 4K
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Sidney Hayers
Writer(s): George Baxt
Cast: Anton Diffring, Donald Pleasence, Erika Remberg, Yvonne Monlaur, Jane Hylton, Kenneth Griffith, Conrad Phillips, Jack Gwillim
Where To Watch: available November 12, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Sidney Hayers' CIRCUS OF HORRORS slices through the 1960s British horror scene with its unflinching examination of the human psyche. Here, the absolute terror comes not from ghastly specters but from the depths of human depravity. Anton Diffring's chilling portrayal of “Dr. Rossiter” takes viewers deep into a world where power corrupts absolutely, and the circus—a place traditionally associated with wonder—becomes a stage for a dark and twisted redemption narrative.

As we enter the tent of CIRCUS OF HORRORS, we find Rossiter, a disgraced surgeon who discovers a failing circus in France—a perfect hideaway to rebuild his shattered ego. Under the guise of Dr. Schüler, Rossiter transforms this ragtag circus into a macabre show where outcasts become the stars. But these transformations come at a dreadful cost, as he manipulates his performers with scalpels and secrets, binding them to him in a grim pact of dependence and fear. The story intertwines themes of captivity and coercion, painting a haunting picture of manipulation that questions the very nature of freedom and identity.

The film's visual storytelling is intriguing, with each frame painted with a gothic brush, bringing the eerie circus setting to life. Filming at the real Billy Smart Circus, Hayers grounds the fantastical horrors in a palpable reality that blurs the line between performance and peril, complicating the audience in the spectacle. The rich color palette and dramatic lighting amplify the emotional gravity of each scene, marrying the beauty of the circus with the brutality of Rossiter's regime.

Diffring's performance as Rossiter is a tightrope walk between cold calculation and charismatic control, making him fascinating and fearsome. He embodies the dark side of ambition, using his surgical skills to sculpt flesh and futures equally. Yet, beneath the big top, the circus performers are not merely victims but complex characters who shine even in their darkest moments. They bring the circus to life with their acts, even as Rossiter's oppressive control overshadows their realities. This inversion of the traditional circus narrative turns familiar acts into unnerving displays of discipline and punishment, challenging viewers to reconsider the cost of entertainment.

Supporting performances by Jane Hylton and Kenneth Griffith enrich the story, adding emotional complexity that underscores the film's thematic points. In a brief role, Donald Pleasence adds a unique aspect to the movie with a sobering reminder of the stakes at play, setting the stage for Rossiter’s ultimate confrontation with his iniquity.

CIRCUS OF HORRORS is a cinematic funhouse mirror that reflects our darkest impulses. It explores how control can corrupt and how even the promise of beauty can be twisted into something horrifying. Despite some dated special effects, the film remains a potent entry in the psychological horror genre, its themes of power, identity, and exploitation resonating with eerie timeliness.

CIRCUS OF HORRORS offers a compelling journey into the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of human ambition and spectacle. It is a profound experience that lingers in the psyche long after the final credits roll, inviting audiences to peer behind the curtain and confront the darkness within.

Product Extras:
2018 UHD SDR Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle
Theatrical Trailer & TV Spots
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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