Cast
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Ida Galli
as Martha Clinton (as Evelin Stewart)
Analía Gadé
as Elsa (as Analia Gade)
Lisa Leonardi
as Laura (as Anna Lisa Nardi)
Andrés Resino
as Fred (as Andres Resino)
Franco Fantasia
as Mr. Porter
Alberto Dalbés
as Ernest (as Alberto Dalbes)
Yelena Samarina
as Mrs. Tremont (as Ylena Samarina)
George Rigaud
as Elsa's father (as Jorge Rigaud)
Ingrid Garbo
as Ellen
Eduardo Fajardo
as Mr. Tremont
José Luis Velasco
as Chofer / Ghost (as Jose Louis Velasco)
Saturno Cerra
as Man in the road
Emilia Rubio
as Female Hotel Guest
José Félix Montoya
as Hotel guest (as Felix Jose Montoya)
Magoya Montenegro
as Female Hotel Guest 2
Crew
Director
- Francisco Lara Polop
Writer
- Antonio Troiso
Reviews
Wuchak
**_A Mansion in the Darkness_**
A dozen miles from Milan in the mountains of northern Italy, six people have to spend the night in a creepy mansion by a cemetery. The owner of the manor shares spooky tales of vampires and ghosts, including the aged matriarch of the mansion and her lumbering chauffeur.
A Spanish/Italian production, “Murder Mansion” (1972) was originally titled “The Mansion in the Fog” (translated from Spanish). It’s a mystery/horror and could be classified as a giallo. It’s similar to “The Devil’s Nightmare” and “The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave” from the year prior, not to mention it would influence “The Vampires Night Orgy” and “Count Dracula’s Great Love,” both of which would debut the next year.
The difference is that this one’s more family friendly and smacks of a Scooby-Doo tale featuring Fred (Andrés Resino) and two Daphnes (Lisa Leonardi as Laura and Analía Gadé as Elsa), minus the other characters (Velma, Shaggy and the dog). The variance is that Fred and two Daphnes are about 12-15 years older than their doppelgangers in Scooby-Doo.
Don’t get me wrong, this is by no means a kiddie flick. It includes adult-oriented material, like tipsy Mr. Porter constantly coming-on to the various beautiful women, as well as Frad and Elsa’s intimate relationship (with the two being former strangers). There’s just no overt nudity or buckets of gore.
What works best, beyond the beauty of the two aforementioned redheads, is the spooky ambiance of the fog, the graveyard, the mysterious manor, the gothic décor, the occultic paintings and the creepy rumors spoken in hushed tones. The only problem is the highly coincidental nature of the proceedings but, if you can suspend disbelief, the flick delivers the goods.
It runs 1 hour, 26 minutes, and was shot mostly in the studio in Madrid, Spain, but also Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha (the opening), which is located 40 miles northeast of the city.
GRADE: B
Dec 22, 2024
Thematic Analysis
Murder Mansion represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Francisco Lara Polop brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1972, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Murder Mansion took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Murder Mansion shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Island of Dr. Moreau, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Murder Mansion offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Tremors and Tremors 2: Aftershocks explore similar territory, Murder Mansion stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 5, 1972
Where to Watch
