Legend Films has recently acquired a number of Paramount catalog titles to distribute on DVD, including a a handful of long-awaited genre titles. A much wanted crown jewel for horror fans (especially lovers of anything British and/or Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee), THE SKULL has mostly been viewed in badly panned and scanned transfers which totally detract from the filmmakers’ intentions. Now it’s time to toss out your old VHS copies, because THE SKULL has finally arrived on DVD in all its widescreen glory!

In 19th century France, a phrenologist (Maurice Good) acquires the skull of the Marquis de Sade, giving it a bath of acid to remove any skin or remains. Believing the skull might answer some questions about de Sade’s madness, the phrenologist is soon brutally murdered, with the same fate brought upon anyone who comes across the evil object. In present day (1965) England, researcher and collector Christopher Maitland (Peter Cushing) is sold a human skin-bound autobiography of de Sade by a shady dealer Marco (Patrick Wymark). When Marco returns the following day claiming that the skull he is trying to peddle is that of de Sade, Maitland is reluctant of its authenticity. Friend and fellow collector Sir Matthew Phillips (Christopher Lee) assures him that it is the real deal, as it was actually stolen from him, and he warns Maitland not to make the purchase. Maitland becomes more and more obsessed with the skull, and it eventually comes into his possession, but the warnings of his friend reign true; it is pure evil, bringing on a nightmare world of violence and cruelty.

Although Amicus would be best known for their series of anthologies (this was the next production they made after DR. TERROR’S HOUSE OF HORRORS), THE SKULL remains one of their finest single story outings and an exemplary 1960s genre work. Co-producer/screenwriter Milton Subotsky adapted Robert Bloch’s eight-page story “The Skull of the Marquis de Sade” effectively, and although some feel the film drags in spots, the very capable direction of Freddie Francis shines through. Francis’ experience as a cinematographer allows his imagination to flow here, with perspective shots through the skull’s head (a technique he would use in THE CREEPING FLESH years later) and several surreal nightmarish sequences being a highlight. With the help of art director Bill Constable, THE SKULL embodies a chilling sense of darkness and solitude, and though the film’s lower costs meant for limited sets, this only amplifies the aura. Another memorable asset is the appearance of the skull as a willful floating demon, though the strings holding the thing in place are at times easily visible.

As the determined collector of the unique and unusual, Peter Cushing is great as Maitland, and the film is one of his best vehicles of the 1960s, as he really is the star of the show and the story evolves around his character. Receiving “guest star” billing, Cushing’s cinematic mate Christopher Lee has a much smaller role, but thankfully he shares most of his screen time with Peter. The chemistry is undeniable, and the duo have a nice bit where they are relaxing over a game of billiards, discussing the Marquis de Sade’s deadly cranium. As usual, Amicus was able to secure a supporting cast of some of the finest British thesps of the time, even if some of them are only seen briefly. Also in the film are Jill Bennett as Maitland’s neglected wife, Nigel Green as a raincoated police inspector, Patrick Magee as a police surgeon, George Coulouris as a 19th century skull victim, Michael Gough as an auctioneer, Peter Woodthorpe as a sleazy landlord and Anna Palk (THE FROZEN DEAD) as a pretty maid.