This is a little known Hammer film nicely shot in widescreen in 1971 under the title of "Blood Will Have Blood" (there is some Victorian blood-letting in it) directed by Peter Sykes ("To the Devil a Daughter") with music by Harry Robinson.

It was only briefly released in late 1972 as a supporting film (remember when there were always at least two - main and supporting?). It unexpectedly co-stars Paul Jones ("Privilege") as young hero Carl (yes that Paul Jones, vocalist with Manfred Mann, The Blues Band and current presenter of Radio 2's weekly blues programme!). You also get for good measure the beautiful Gillian Hills ("Beat Girl") as Elizabeth, Robert Hardy as her father, Patrick MaGee as Falkenberg and Michael Hordern as a mad priest. Oh and the debut of Shane Briant, who would go on to appear in three later Hammer films.

Originally an X certificate (adults only) when released, it retains that ultimate certificate, now being rated 18. It's an excellent little murder/… more »

This is a little known Hammer film nicely shot in widescreen in 1971 under the title of "Blood Will Have Blood" (there is some Victorian blood-letting in it) directed by Peter Sykes ("To the Devil a Daughter") with music by Harry Robinson.

It was only briefly released in late 1972 as a supporting film (remember when there were always at least two - main and supporting?). It unexpectedly co-stars Paul Jones ("Privilege") as young hero Carl (yes that Paul Jones, vocalist with Manfred Mann, The Blues Band and current presenter of Radio 2's weekly blues programme!). You also get for good measure the beautiful Gillian Hills ("Beat Girl") as Elizabeth, Robert Hardy as her father, Patrick MaGee as Falkenberg and Michael Hordern as a mad priest. Oh and the debut of Shane Briant, who would go on to appear in three later Hammer films.

Originally an X certificate (adults only) when released, it retains that ultimate certificate, now being rated 18. It's an excellent little murder/ psychological thriller about a somewhat mad, incestuous family. Daughter Elizabeth comes home from the mental hospital, returning to the proximity of a disturbed father and even more disturbed murderous brother, who sprinkles his victims with rose petals (sound familiar?) and who is unnaturally obsessed by and maybe a danger to her. Throw in a bit of graphic violence and the nutty priest and you have a recipe for enjoyment.

Cinematography is pretty good for its time too and there is a particularly nice, unusual psychedelic, trip-like sequence near the start, presumably more due to mental state than drugs.

Despite one opinion I have seen to the contrary this is a good and interesting film for its time. Give it a try if you want something a little out of the ordinary, especially for Hammer.

Though extras are thin on the ground, with just a commentary and trailer, the film is thoroughly recommended. You can also find it in The Hammer Collection 21 DVD box.