Sound of Horror, The
Entry updated 4 April 2017. Tagged: Film.
Film (1964; US release 1966; original title El sonidode de la Muerte). Zurbana Films/Vinals Distribucion Spain/Europix Consolidated Corporation US. Produced and Directed by José Antonio Nieves Conde. Written by Sam X Abarbanel, Conde, Gregorio Sacristán de Hoyos, and Gregg C Tallas from a story by Abarbanel. Cast includes José Bódalo, Antonio Casas, Arturo Fernández, Lola Gaos, Soledad Miranda, James Philbrook, Francisco Piquer and Ingrid Pitt. 91 minutes, cut to 90 minutes for English-dubbed release. Black and white.
A group of archaeologists led by Dr Pete Asilov (Philbrook) arrives in an isolated mountainous region of Greece, supposedly for scientific research. They are actually searching for gold treasure buried there during World War Two. Using dynamite to blast a portion of the cave where the gold is reportedly buried, they accidentally release an invisible Dinosaur (see Invisibility) which kills party member Stravos (Piquer). The others believe he was killed by a rival group of treasure hunters from a village close by; but then Dorman (Bodalo) is injured by the creature. Realizing there is a Monster, the group seals off the cave with another blast; but the creature is outside. Asilov's housekeeper Calliope (Gaos) is its next victim. After seeking shelter inside the house for a time, they attempt to flee in their automobile, which fails to start. During a second attempt, the beast attacks the vehicle, inspiring Dorman to set fire to their extra fuel supply which kills it, along with himself. The rest are left to walk back to the village.
A minor film which shows the monster only briefly at the end – the title refers to its cries – The Sound of Horror is surprisingly gory for the mid-1960s. It is perhaps of most interest as the debut film of Pitt, who soon went on to become a major star for Hammer Films. [GSt]
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