Horror Express

After two million years spent trapped in the fossilised body of an ape-like creature, a murderous alien entity is freed when geologist Sir Alexander Saxton discovers the remains and ships them from Manchuria to Russia aboard a Trans-Siberian train. Eugenio Martín's nifty slice of Euro-horror is an entertaining piece of hokum with a great international cast; UK horror icons Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing top the bill with US baldy Telly Savalas and a whole host of European stars ably filling the roles of victims. With loads of atmosphere, a smattering of reasonable gore (including the removal of the craniums of a couple of corpses), a few laughable scenes ("it's a pterodactyl!"), and even some zombies towards the end, this film is great fun from start to finish and recommended viewing for fans of 70s horror.

An intriguing idea of a "spirit" of pure evil with the ability to jump from body to body aboard a trans-siberian train. Well done considering budget constraints, and claustrophobic. Lee and Cushing are fine, but it's Telly Savales who chews the scenery to good effect. He is an unexpected treat as a bullying cossack officer and good counterpoint to Lee and Cushing as civilized gentlemen. Don't expect a slick Hollywood production and you won't be disappointed. I watched this on late night TV spookfests everytime it was on during the late 70s and saw something new each time. It's something like a cross between Hammer and Argento, and a little bit of Corman, too.

HORROR EXPRESS stars Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee as rival scientists, Dr. Wells and Sir Alexander Saxton, respectively. When Saxton uncovers a frozen specimen in China, he must transport it back to England via train. Unfortunately, said specimen is far more than just some fossil! Apparent supernatural mayhem and death ensue. Cushing and Lee are at their best, playing off each other like the twin horror icons they are! The story line is intriguing and quite original, providing an atmosphere of creeping dread to go along with its beastie! EXTRA POINTS: For the Rasputin-like Father Pujardov (Alberto del Mendoza), who adds a heavy dose of hyper-religious blather and outright madness to the proceedings. Also, Telly Savalas makes a perfectly intimidating Cossack! A unique and very influential horror film...