Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Shanks (1974)
Director: William Castle
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
The old gimmick-master's last film, a genuine weirdie with the mime Marceau in a dual role (one speaking, one not) as a scientist working on the galvanic reanimation of dead animals, and as a downtrodden puppeteer brought in to assist with his experiments. When the old scientist dies, the puppeteer gleefully discovers that he can re-animate human corpses: some extraordinary stuff here, making macabre use of mimic talents (Clay and Chelton in addition to Marceau) to suggest the nightmarishly jerky, tortured movements of the living dead as the puppeteer deals with his immediate enemies. It gravitates into more routine territory - revenge against a gang of brutish Hell's Angels who rape and kill a sweet young girl (Eilbacher) who had become the puppeteer's only friend - but nevertheless remains a strikingly effective experiment.Author: TM
Cast & crew
Director: William Castle
Producer: Steven North
Cast: Marcel Marceau, Tsilla Chelton, Philippe Clay, Cindy Eilbacher, Helena Kallianiotes, Larry Bishop full cast
Genre(s): Horror
Duration: 93 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Has David Cronenberg turned tame?
Has director David Cronenberg veered too far from his radical and bloody roots with new film 'A Dangerous Method'?
The 10 worst date movies
Just in time for Valentine's Day, we present ten of the least romantic films ever made
Where to watch this year's Oscar-nominated films
Find out where to watch 2012's Oscar-nominated films in London cinemas
10 unlikely badboy biopics
Featuring Phil Collins, Jeremy Clarkson, Nick Clegg, David Starkey and a host of other unlikely subjects
Interview: Sean Durkin on 'Martha Marcy May Marlene'
The first-time director of the brilliant new thriller discusses religious cults and robot boxing
Pop-up cinema for Valentine's Day
Side-step romantic clichés with some alternative Valentine’s viewing






What do you think?
Post your review now