
Watch Scream and Scream Again
- PG
- 1970
- 1 hr 25 min
-
5.5 (4,144)
Scream and Scream Again is a 1970 British horror movie directed by Gordon Hessler, and it stars a trio of horror legends - Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing. The film combines elements of horror, mystery, and science fiction in a twisted tale of violence, terror, and investigation. The movie is essentially an anthology of interconnected stories that revolve around a bloodthirsty serial killer terrorizing the streets of London. At the beginning of the film, a young woman is abducted and killed by an unknown assailant while jogging in the park. The police soon discover that the killer is not just a random psycho but a highly organized and intelligent individual who has been harvesting body parts and experimenting with human biology in secret. As the investigation progresses, the detectives led by Detective Superintendent Bellaver (Alfred Marks) discover several threads that link the murders to a bizarre nightclub where a strange singer named Anna (Barbara Steele) performs her songs to a captivated audience. Anna's hypnotic voice and alluring presence seem to be an integral part of the killer's modus operandi, but nobody can explain why. Meanwhile, a parallel story unfolds around a man named Keith (Michael Gothard) who wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how he got there. To his horror, he realizes that his arm has been amputated, and he is now under the care of a sadistic doctor named Browning (Vincent Price). Browning is not just a regular surgeon, but a mad scientist who experiments with limb regeneration and mind control. As Keith tries to escape from the hospital and uncover the truth behind his condition, he stumbles upon a conspiracy that involves the highest levels of government and science. He also meets a sympathetic nurse named Sylvia (Judy Huxtable) who helps him evade the clutches of Browning and his henchmen. Eventually, Keith's and Bellaver's storylines intersect as they discover the shocking identity of the mastermind behind the killings and the kidnappings. Scream and Scream Again is a bizarre and unsettling movie that defies categorization. It blends elements of traditional horror films with science fiction, spy thrillers, and police procedurals, creating a unique atmosphere of confusion and paranoia. The movie is memorable for its over-the-top performances by Price, Lee, and Cushing, who deliver campy and theatrical dialogue with gusto. Vincent Price steals the show as the demented Dr. Browning, whose maniacal laugh and twisted experiments are reminiscent of his iconic roles in earlier horror classics. Christopher Lee plays a minor role as a police pathologist, but his presence is always welcome in any horror movie. Peter Cushing, unfortunately, has a brief cameo as a government official and doesn't really have much to do, but his screen time is still a treat for his fans. The movie's plot is convoluted and confusing at times, with several characters and subplots that don't seem to have any connection at first. However, the narrative gradually converges into a coherent and satisfying resolution that ties all the loose ends together. The movie's ending, though not entirely unexpected, is still unsettling and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. One aspect of the film that might irk modern viewers is its treatment of women. The female characters in the movie are mostly passive victims or sexual objects, with the exception of Sylvia, who is a sympathetic and resourceful ally to Keith. Anna, the nightclub singer, is especially problematic, as she is depicted as a femme fatale who lures men to their doom with her seductive voice and appearance. However, it is worth noting that the movie is a product of its time and reflects the societal norms and prejudices of the era. In conclusion, Scream and Scream Again is a fascinating and bizarre horror movie that combines different genres and styles into a cohesive whole. It is a must-see for fans of Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing, who all deliver memorable performances. The movie's plot might be confusing and convoluted at times, but it is still an entertaining ride that culminates in a satisfying resolution.