I was put in mind when watching this, of a perverse cross between the 'Saw' films and particularly camp episodes of 60's TV Series 'The Avengers' or even 'Batman.' It's a mix that only works due to the acting, particularly Peter Jeffrey, Virginia North and Vincent Price, who manage to balance their performances between theatrical horror and knowing humour.
Phibes is an exceptional creation, but I'm not sure he's given entirely free reign here. In many ways, this foreshadows Price's character in the exemplary 'Theatre of Blood'. Similarities abound - a wronged lunatic who manages to hoodwink the law, abetted by a fearsomely loyal younger relative. Whereas 'Blood' is a glorious, sprawling mix of continual gruesome death and gallows humour, the 'Phibes' story doesn't quite command the same mood. My score is 6 out of 10.
Phibes is an exceptional creation, but I'm not sure he's given entirely free reign here. In many ways, this foreshadows Price's character in the exemplary 'Theatre of Blood'. Similarities abound - a wronged lunatic who manages to hoodwink the law, abetted by a fearsomely loyal younger relative. Whereas 'Blood' is a glorious, sprawling mix of continual gruesome death and gallows humour, the 'Phibes' story doesn't quite command the same mood. My score is 6 out of 10.