DVD Review: Black Sunday aka The Mask of Satan (C+)

Black Sunday aka The Mask of Satan (1960)
Director: Mario Bava
Starring: Barbara Steele, John Richardson, Arturo Dominici, Andrea Checchi, Ivo Garrani, Enrico Olivieri, Tino Bianchi, Germana Dominici
MPAA: NR
Grade: C+ 

Review By Ellyn Elm

In 17th century Moldavia, Princess Asa (Barbara Steele) is condemned to death for witchcraft by her brother the Grand Inquisitor. She and her partner in crime, Igor Javutich (Arturo Dominici), are executed with a spiked mask – the "Mask of Satan" – hammered onto their faces.

As the executioners approach, Asa calls to Satan asking him to place a curse upon her brother’s descendants, swearing that one day she will live again. Her body is then buried in the family crypt where it remains until a bumbling scientist, Professor Kruvajan (Andrea Checchi) and his young colleague, Dr Andrej Gorobec (John Richardson), venture upon it while traveling through the countryside. Kruvajan inadvertently unleashes the spirit of Asa and she is free to take her revenge.

A classic horror film, The Mask of Satan, is probably Mario Bava’s best known work. Shot entirely in black and white, this film creates a visually striking gothic atmosphere that is rich, textured and super creepy.

The plot is muddled at times and the acting is unconvincing at best but this movie looks great. It’s easy to see how Bava earned his reputation as one of the best horror directors with The Mask of Satan. Definitely worth a look.

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