Though not strictly a horror film, Night Creatures offers a delightfully offbeat experience perfect for an hour and a half of spooky season enjoyment.
Nestled inside an eight Blu-ray collection of Hammer Horror movies I own is 1962’s Night Creatures. When I chose it for this year’s Halloween Fifteen, I assumed it was a horror film. Known as Captain Clegg outside the United States, Night Creatures is actually more of an action/adventure film with some horror elements. Nevertheless, I feel it works in the spirit of the annual collection of horror film reviews.
Night Creatures takes place in an English coastal village called Dymchurch. Captain Collier (Patrick Allen) and his crew from the Royal Navy land in Dymchurch to investigate a report of smugglers bringing in alcohol from France without paying proper taxes. As they look for their informant, the sailors meet the town’s notable citizens including parson Dr. Blyss (Peter Cushing,) coffin-maker, Mipps (Michael Ripper,) and alehouse keeper, Rash (Martin Benson.)
Mipps informs the sailors that their contact has been found dead in the marshes outside of town. Mipps suggests that he may have been a victim of the “marsh phantoms,” a ghoulish group of undead riders said to patrol the marshes and wreak havoc on those who travel at night. Undeterred, Captain Collier and his men search the town for evidence of the smuggling operation until it becomes impossible to ignore the marsh phantoms’ influence any longer.
Bolstered by an exceptional cast featuring a youthful Oliver Reed, the stunning Yvonne Romain, and the notable Peter Cushing and Michael Ripper, Night Creatures delivers an engaging blend of action and adventure, complemented by Hammer’s signature doses of humor, sexuality, and violence. The highlight of the picture is Cushing’s multifaceted performance as Dr. Blyss. His enjoyment of the role is palpable, and his enthusiasm shines through in every scene. His devious interplay with Patrick Allen’s Captain Collier provides a splendid exhibition of both actors’ skills.
Though not strictly a horror film, Night Creatures offers a delightfully offbeat experience perfect for an hour and a half of spooky season enjoyment.
3.5 out of 5.0 stars
