‘The Curse of the Crimson Altar’ Blu-ray Review (88 Films)

Stars: Boris Karloff, Christopher Lee, Mark Eden, Barbara Steele, Michael Gough, Virginia Wetherell, Rosemarie Reede, Derek Tansley | Written by Mervyn Haisman, Henry Lincoln, Jerry Sohl | Directed by Vernon Sewell

The Tigon-produced The Curse of the Crimson Altar is often regarded as a classic of the genre due to its eerie atmosphere and notable cast, which includes genre icons Boris Karloff, Christopher Lee, and Barbara Steele. Directed by Vernon Sewell, the movie loosely adapts H.P. Lovecraft’s short story The Dreams in the Witch House but takes creative liberties in its storytelling.

The film centres around Robert Manning (Mark Eden), an antique dealer who visits a remote mansion while searching for his missing brother. He is invited by the seductive Eve (Virginia Wetherell) to stay at the mansion, which is presided over by the mysterious Morley family, led by the imposing J.D. Morley (Christopher Lee). During his stay, Manning begins to experience strange, nightmarish visions involving a witch named Lavinia (Barbara Steele), who was executed centuries before. As he investigates, he uncovers a dark secret tied to witchcraft and the sinister history of the mansion.

One of the biggest draws of The Curse of the Crimson Altar is its star-studded cast. Boris Karloff, in one of his final film roles, brings gravitas to the role of Professor Marsh. Christopher Lee is typically commanding as J.D. Morley, delivering a reserved yet menacing performance. Barbara Steele, although she has limited screen time, leaves a lasting impression as the witch Lavinia, with her gothic and surreal appearance adding to the film’s creepy atmosphere.

Speaking of which, the film shines in its atmospheric design, blending psychedelic visuals with traditional Gothic horror elements. Lavinia’s ceremonial scenes, full of garish colors, strange costumes, and disturbing rituals, create a dreamlike and unsettling vibe, reflective of the late ’60s. The production design of the mansion and its surroundings further enhances the creepy and otherworldly tone of the film. Like many horror films of its era, The Curse of the Crimson Altar taps into themes of occultism, ancient rituals, and the resurfacing of old evils. While not a direct Lovecraft adaptation, the film does invoke a sense of cosmic dread and the inevitability of ancient curses, playing on the theme of the past haunting the present.

However, Despite its fascinating premise, The Curse of the Crimson Altar’s pacing can feel slow and uneven. Some sequences drag on, and the plot lacks a strong driving force at times. Robert Manning’s investigation into his brother’s disappearance feels secondary to the film’s more psychedelic and ritualistic scenes, leading to a somewhat disjointed narrative; on top of that many of the characters feel underdeveloped, serving more as archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals. While the performances are strong, the script doesn’t offer much depth to the protagonists or the antagonists, leaving some of the interactions feeling hollow.

Ultimately, The Curse of the Crimson Altar is an intriguing mix of Gothic horror and late ’60s psychedelic cinema. It may not stand up to some of the more refined horror films of the era, but its memorable performances and striking visual style make it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic British horror. The film holds a special place as one of the last roles for Boris Karloff and for its atmospheric exploration of occult themes, even if it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. For those interested in vintage horror with a unique blend of surrealism and Gothic dread, it’s an enjoyable, if flawed, cult classic.

Special Features:

• Booklet Notes by Andrew Graves
• Audio commentary by Film Critics Kim Newman and Sean Hogan
• On the Cutting Room Floor – Howard Lanning on Editing Tigon Films
• The Altar of Sacrifice – Sean Hogan on H.P. Lovecraft & Curse of the Crimson Altar
• Creating the Curse of the Crimson Altar – Making Of
• Original Trailer
• Crimson Cult Trailer
• Stills Gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore & original US “The Crimson Cult” poster

The Curse of the Crimson Altar is out now on Blu-ray from 88 Films.