New England, 1892. A bickering dysfunctional family gather together for the reading of a stern deceased patriarch's will. Naturally, there are strict stipulations about collecting the nasty old miser's substantial inheritance. And, of course, a mystery killer starts bumping folks off in assorted horrible ways.
Writer/director Del Tenney offers a flavorsome gloom-doom period atmosphere, presents a colorful array of despicable characters, generates a reasonable amount of suspense, and delivers several moments of brutal violence that are quite harsh and sadistic for a film made and released in the mid-1960's. Moreover, it's acted with scenery-gnashing theatrical aplomb by a game cast: Roy Scheider really hams it up in his film debut as pathetic drunk Philip, Robert Malli contributes a deliciously hateful turn as arrogant jerk Bruce, Margot Hartman likewise registers well as the snarky Vivian, and Candace Hilligoss makes a favorable impression as the sweet Deborah. Although slightly marred by occasional sluggish pacing and two comic relief cops who quickly overstay their welcome, this neat low-budget item overall still rates as a fun watch.
Writer/director Del Tenney offers a flavorsome gloom-doom period atmosphere, presents a colorful array of despicable characters, generates a reasonable amount of suspense, and delivers several moments of brutal violence that are quite harsh and sadistic for a film made and released in the mid-1960's. Moreover, it's acted with scenery-gnashing theatrical aplomb by a game cast: Roy Scheider really hams it up in his film debut as pathetic drunk Philip, Robert Malli contributes a deliciously hateful turn as arrogant jerk Bruce, Margot Hartman likewise registers well as the snarky Vivian, and Candace Hilligoss makes a favorable impression as the sweet Deborah. Although slightly marred by occasional sluggish pacing and two comic relief cops who quickly overstay their welcome, this neat low-budget item overall still rates as a fun watch.