And Now The Screaming Starts [VHS Retro Style] 1973

Set in the haunting and atmospheric backdrop of the late 18th century, And Now the Screaming Starts is a visceral horror film imbued with the classic elements of an engaging gothic horror narrative. Produced by famed British horror company, Amicus Productions, this 1973 horror masterpiece which, while made in the 70's, never fails to embody the haunting and timeless charm of the 18th-century England.

Inspired by an amalgamation of different horror literature sources, the movie tells the story of Catherine Fengriffen (played by the ethereal Stephanie Beacham) a young woman of optimistic spirit and privilege. Catherine's life begins the trajectory towards a drastic change as she marries into the wealthy Fengriffen family, becoming the new lady of the vast, and somewhat labyrinthine Fengriffen estate.

The film kicks off with a sequence of enchanting yet haunting images of 18th century English countryside; foreboding, overshadowed by a veil of dark, supernatural mystery. The idyllic setting is disrupted when Catherine begins to experience a series of nightmarish visions and psychotic episodes that throw her into terrifying fits of terror, causing her and all those around her to question her sanity.

Peter Cushing and Herbert Lom, two iconic and revered actors of British cinema, play pivotal roles in the narrative. Known for his work in the Hammer horror series, Cushing's performance lends credibility and a certain gravitas to the film. He plays the role of Dr. Pope, a critical observer and man of science called on to discern the root cause of Catherine’s fits. His character in the movie brings a certain level of sympathy and understanding to Catherine's plight while maintaining his dedication to science and rationality.

Herbert Lom, known for his role in the Pink Panther series, portrays the eerie and mysterious Sir Henry Fengriffen. Lom's role in the movie elevates the suspense and suspenseful atmosphere, shrouding the film in a veil of intrigue that keeps the audience hooked till the very end.

Another notable performance comes from Patrick Magee who plays Dr. Whittle, the rather skeptical local physician. His dismissive attitude of Catherine's distress adds another layer of conflict to the overall plot, providing an interesting contrast to Cushing’s more empathetic and open-minded character.

Throughout the narrative, the audience is also introduced to a set of other characters that contribute to the eerie atmosphere of the Fengriffen estate. Elements of thwarted love, ancestral curse, spectral appearances, and deranged insanity, blend seamlessly to create a chilling sense of dread and foreboding that coats every frame of the film and steadily builds throughout its runtime.

And Now the Screaming Starts showcases a directorial hand adept at emphasising the elements that make a psychological horror film truly captivating. Filled with excellent cinematography by Denys Coop, the film effectively uses visual cues and atmospheric details to build tension and dread. The score composed by Douglas Gamley adds to the eerie and suspenseful tone, while the grandeur of the Fengriffen estate provides a perfect setting for this horror tale.

The film is marked by its firm grip on maintaining a balance between stark reality and supernatural chills. The scares do not rely on overt gore but on psychological tension and a sense of slowly encroaching horror. It manages to build a sense of terror that tests Catherine’s mental stability and the audience’s ability to differentiate between reality and hallucination.

While being heavy on the supernatural, the movie also explores the societal notions of the late 18th century, with aristocratic privilege, class struggle, and the dominion of the rich forming underlying themes. The film also critiques the patriarchal society of the time, making it not just a typical horror movie but also a piece of thoughtful social commentary.

Despite its age, And Now the Screaming Starts still stands among the cream of horror classics and offers a film experience that effortlessly blends classic horror, character drama, and social commentary into a spine-chilling auction of terror.

Amicus Productions, with 'And Now the Screaming Starts', has succeeded in creating a visually stunning, brooding and claustrophobic narrative that effortlessly weaves a chilling tale of supernatural occurrence. A true horror classic that is a must-see for any fan of British horror cinema.