Watch Vintage Videozone: The Pit & The Pendulum

Vintage Videozone: The Pit & The Pendulum is a 1990 horror movie directed by Stuart Gordon and starring Lance Henriksen and Rona De Ricci. The movie is a modern adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic story, "The Pit and the Pendulum." The plot of the movie takes place in 16th century Spain. It revolves around a young woman named Maria, played by Rona De Ricci, who is accused of heresy and brought before the Inquisition. She is subjected to torture and is eventually sentenced to death. However, she is saved at the last minute by the arrival of her brother, Francisco, played by Jeffrey Combs. Francisco is a merchant who has just returned from the New World, where he has made a fortune. He uses his wealth and influence to rescue his sister from the clutches of the Inquisition.

The real horror of the movie begins when Maria and Francisco discover that their father, played by Lance Henriksen, is a depraved madman who has been using their family home as a torture chamber for years. He has constructed a pit in the basement of the house, which he fills with venomous snakes and other deadly creatures. He also has a large pendulum that he uses to slowly lower his victims into the pit, where they are devoured by the reptiles.

The rest of the movie takes place in the family home, as Maria and Francisco attempt to escape from their insane father before he can carry out his twisted plans. They are aided by a group of servants who are loyal to them, including a mute man who becomes a surrogate father figure for Maria. Along the way, they discover that there are other victims in the house, including a priest who has been tortured into madness and a young woman who has been blinded by Henriksen's character.

The movie is a dark and atmospheric horror movie, with plenty of blood and gore. The special effects are impressive, especially for a low-budget production. The performances are also strong, with Rona De Ricci and Lance Henriksen delivering particularly memorable performances. Henriksen's portrayal of the evil father is especially effective, as he brings a sense of menace and madness to the character.

Overall, Vintage Videozone: The Pit & The Pendulum is a chilling horror movie that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. It effectively captures the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe's story while also adding new twists and turns to the plot. Despite its low budget, the movie is well-made and features strong performances from its cast. It is a must-see for horror fans who enjoy a good scare.