This pathological thriller from American International Pictures deals with veteran studio make-up man Pete Dumond (Robert H Harris), the eccentric chief makeup artist at a Hollywood studio and the creator of many spine-chilling movie monsters.
Pete is working on a horror film featuring Larry Drake (Gary Clarke) and Tony Mantell (Gary Conway) as a teenage werewolf and a teenage Frankenstein when he is dismissed because the new studio management decides to switch to musicals.
He takes revenge by using a special foundation cream on Larry and Tony and hypnotising them into strangling the people who had fired him.
Pete then invites his jittery assistant Rivero (Paul Brinegar), Larry and Tony to a farewell party at his home, stabs Rivero and intends to add the boys’ beads to a collection in his trophy room.
There is a struggle, and a fire breaks out, the police arrive in time to rescue Larry and Tony. Needless to say, Pete perishes in the conflagration.
Robert H Harris earns some sympathy as Pete, sorely tried and the victim of ingratitude, Gary Conway and Gary Clarke are effectively dolled up as the teenage Frankenstein and werewolf, respectively, and Paul Brinegar registers as the frightened Rivero.
The film’s supporting types also impress. There is no love interest and little light relief, but the competent acting and direction and smooth dialogue strengthen its human angle without insulating essential shocks.
The final fire sequence – effective in colour (the rest of the film is in black & white) – offers the scriptwriters an easy and hair-raising way out.
It’s an unusual and gripping story with an outstanding performance by Robert H. Harris.
Pete Dumond
Robert H Harris Rivero
Paul Brinegar Tony Mantell (Teenage Frankenstein)
Gary Conway Larry Drake (Teenage Werewolf)
Gary Clarke Richards
Malcolm Atterbury Monahan
Dennis Cross Captain Hancock
Morris Ankrum Detective Thompson
Walter Reed Jeff Clayton
Paul Maxwell John Nixon
Eddie Marr Arlene Dow
Heather Ames Gary Droz
Robert Shayne Lab Technician
Rodd Dana Jane
Jaclyn Hellman (as Jacqueline Ebeier) Marilyn
Joan Chandler Martin Brace
Thomas Browne Henry Detective Jones
John Phillips Millie
Paulene Myers John Ashley
Himself
Director
Herbert L Strock
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There is a struggle, and a fire breaks out, the police arrive in time to rescue Larry and Tony. Needless to say, Pete perishes in the conflagration.
