By the film this film was made (late 70s), this type of set-up was well past its sell-by date. The original play is considered a 'classic' and has been influential but frankly it is badly dated now. A deeply contrived and unconvincing plot, an assortment of unbelievable, unappealing and frankly inbred characters and a lot of clunky, expositional dialogue make this a leaden hour and a half.
To compensate for the tired plot, the makers introduce some 70s gimmicks. A pointless Lesbian couple only succeeds in making lesbianism look dull. There's also a nasty line in sadistic mutilation which unusually is inflicted only on the female guests. One woman is gruesomely tortured to death, another assumed to be so, and a third scheduled to be so. This 'kills off' any pretence the film has for being a comedy. The delight with which the camera voyeuristically pans over the instruments of torment is actually disturbing.
With the exception of Wilfred Hyde-white, who does a good turn as Cyrus West, none of the actors really shines. They all appear lost in this huge house. One really yearns for a likable central character like Bob Hope in the 50s version. A few good gags and less torture would go a long way to making this watchable.
To compensate for the tired plot, the makers introduce some 70s gimmicks. A pointless Lesbian couple only succeeds in making lesbianism look dull. There's also a nasty line in sadistic mutilation which unusually is inflicted only on the female guests. One woman is gruesomely tortured to death, another assumed to be so, and a third scheduled to be so. This 'kills off' any pretence the film has for being a comedy. The delight with which the camera voyeuristically pans over the instruments of torment is actually disturbing.
With the exception of Wilfred Hyde-white, who does a good turn as Cyrus West, none of the actors really shines. They all appear lost in this huge house. One really yearns for a likable central character like Bob Hope in the 50s version. A few good gags and less torture would go a long way to making this watchable.