Horror Express (1973)

An English archeologist finds and brings back an interesting fossil discovery from the outer reaches of Manchuria.  He believes it to be the missing link and protects his find jealously while taking back to England onboard a cross continental train.  What he doesn’t know is that the carcass is home to an ancient traveler who has been lying dormant within it’s eyes, but has now awakened.  The creature is able to kill and drain victims of their knowledge by making eye contact.  It is also able to transfer itself from person to person thru the eyes as well.  While those on the train struggle with the creature they are boarded by a group of Cossacks (Russian soldiers) who manage to make things even worse.  Can the creature be discovered, much less defeated?  Check out this forgotten gem to find out. 

And I really do recommend that everyone check this movie out.  The story is solid and has a couple of interesting twists.  It takes some time to get rolling, but uses that time wisely to introduce the characters and setup the situation.  By the time the creature is roaming around the train it’s intentions are obvious and ominous, which makes for some good horror related fun.  I also love the setting of the train, which isn’t used nearly enough in horror films (though avoid any Sci-fi channel original set on a train).  I’ve always preferred horror movies that can create a sense of paranoia and of being trapped, which the train setting does so very well.  The cast is filled with a couple of horror legends and another that shows up in some occasional fun flicks.  The leads are Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, who as always are wonderful together.  Seeing the two of them battling the creature just brings a smile to my face every time I watch Horror Express.  But as much as I like these two Telly Savalas steals the movie with his small role as Captain Kazan, leader of the Cossacks.  He chews up the scenery, brings tons of energy, and is just plain awesome in his limited screen time. 

For a low budget movie from the early 70s Horror Express has some pretty decent special effects.  This might be because of the clever plot twist that allows them to avoid having to build a moving suit for the creature and can just handle it’s presence with a pair of contact lenses.  But there is a neat gag with smooth brains that have been drained of their knowledge, and the blank white eyes of the victims are really creepy as well.  The sets were reused from another movie and look great, which gives Horror Express the feel of a much bigger movie.  The lighting and camera work all take advantage of the setting and along with it help to create the killer atmosphere. 

I really love this movie and recommend that everyone check it out.  The copy that I watched for this review is available from Mill Creek Entertainment on several of their budget DVD sets.  Check them out at http://www.millcreekent.com/ for more information.

3 out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer

© Copyright 2009 John Shatzer