Paranoiac (Blu-ray)

It’s a brave man who came between Oliver Reed and his booze. At one point in this unfairly neglected 1963 Hammer classic he orders brandy, only to be told by the butler there is no more – Olly goes absolutely berserk, of course. Earlier when asked by his aunt what he’s been doing he answers, “Drinking, which I intend to continue to do”.

If you can get past the sniggers about the references to Reed’s heroic drinking, this is actually a cracking treat from Hammer, never before released on home video. It’s directed  by the great Freddie Francis, who went on make lots of great Hammer treats before going into TV, and becoming the go-to guy for American directors for his superb cinematography, including Cape Fear and The Straight Story. Here though he’s still a young man, the British horror industry is in full flow and there are lot of actors to pick from. It has the feel of Rebecca, and occasionally lapses into cheesy melodrama but make allowances and you’ll have fun.

Reed plays a boozy cad, Simon Ashby, who drives around in his E-Type Jag and drinks his massive country estate dry, knowing that in three weeks he will inherit the estate left by his dead parents. The only problem is he has a sister he is none too keen on sharing the cash with, but Eleanor (Scott) is a nervous wreck, insisting she keeps seeing her other brother Tony on the estate. Tony committed suicide eight years ago, and Simon has employed a nurse to look after Eleanor but the plan is to have her committed so he can pocket the cash.

The plan goes horribly wrong when Tony does actually turn up, claiming he wrote a suicide note but left to explore the world. Eleanor is beside herself with joy, Simon is convinced Tony is an imposter, but who is tricking whom?

It’s classic English gothic stuff, with lots of shots of waves crashing into rocks and the wind swirling, and Reed zipping around the countryside in his sports car, drink in hand, looking threatening and dashing at the same time. It’s very typical horror of its time, the 12 certificate is revealing as to how scary it is now. But it’s still highly atmospheric and looks fantastic, Francis having a wonderful photographer’s eye for the countryside. It’s a beautiful, flaw-free transfer and Elisabeth Lutyens' music is another plus.

There are lots of Hammer films out there just dying for the Blu-ray treatment, and this will do nicely for starters. Francis was king of atmosphere and his work deserves to be recognised. I bet Olly Reed raised many a glass to him.

Overall verdict: Great example of Hammer at its peak, this gothic tale won’t give you nightmares but is a short sharp pleasure to watch.

Special Features:
Optional music and effects track
Trailer
Stills gallery

Reviewer: Mike Martin