Circus of Fear (1966)

When I sat down to watch this movie I expected a horror film, given the movie’s name and the presence of Christopher Lee.  What I ended up getting was a decent movie that was equal parts crime drama and who done it mystery.  The movie opens with an armored car robbery that goes bad and leaves a guard dead.  The cops manage to round up most of the gang, except for the shooter and the man responsible for laundering the money (played by a very young and creepy Klaus Kinski).  The shooter had been sent to see the “boss” who planned the robbery.  What we the audience know, but the cops don’t is that the man was killed when he arrived.  The investigation leads to a circus, where the money is hidden and more people are killed.  But who is the mysterious boss and who is committing the murders? 

Again this isn’t what I expected when I sat down to watch the movie.  That said this is a very good movie with an interesting plot.  I found myself pulled into the mystery of who the boss was and what was up with the killings.  As is the case with all good mysteries there are plenty of suspects and some great twists until the guilty party has been exposed.  The pacing of the movie is steady and it uses the setting of the circus really well.  In addition to the creepy characters there are also a few odd comedic scenes that give the movie a bit of charm as well.  I found the final reveal to be both satisfying and a bit surprising.  The cast is solid with Christopher Lee playing a small role as the circus’ lion tamer, who himself has a very big secret.  Kinski has a very small role, but creeps about the circus up to no good for much of the movie.  But the actor that really carries the movie is Leo Genn, who I didn’t recognize by name but that I’ve seen in tons of movies.  He is great as the inspector on the trail of the money. 

The movie, which was shot in color, has a great look to it.  Naturally a setting like the circus is filled with vibrant colors and the camera does a wonderful job capturing it.  But equally as good are the night scenes with figures creeping in and out of the shadows.  This says quite a bit about the quality of the camera work and lighting, which are noticeably well done here. 

Again I just have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Circus of Fear.  It is a cool little murder mystery played out in a wonderful setting with a great cast.  I recommend that everyone check this one out.  It is part of the catalog from Blue Underground.  For more information on where you can pick it up head on over to their website at http://www.blue-underground.com/

3 out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer

© Copyright 2009 John Shatzer