Cast
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Richard Basehart
as Dr. Leonard Chaney
Gloria Grahame
as Katherine
Lance Henriksen
as Dr. Dan Bryan
JoJo D'Amore
as Georgio
Trish Stewart
as Nancy Chaney
Al Ferrara
as Al
Donna Andresen
as Sylvia Porter
Marilyn Joi
as Miss Mathews
Katherine Fitzpatrick
as Elevator Victim
Katherine Stewart
as The Hitchhiker
Vic Tayback
as Detective Simon
Simmy Bow
as Ambulance Doctor
Arthur Space
as Wino
Del Negro
as Black Intern
Libby Chase
as Libby
Crew
Director
- Michael Pataki
Writer
- Frank Ray Perilli
Producer
- Charles Band
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Mansion of the Doomed presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Michael Pataki 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 1976, 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 Mansion of the Doomed took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1811 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1976, 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 Mansion of the Doomed shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike What Lies Beneath, which focuses more on action than character development, Mansion of the Doomed subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Hands of Orlac and Roar explore similar territory, Mansion of the Doomed stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: October 1, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 26m
Where to Watch
