This macabre thriller is based on characters created in the classic 1920 German horror film The Golem. Director Herbert J. Leder wanted the film to have the style and characteristics of the Hammer horror films that were popular during the ’60s and directed the camera work and audio effects accordingly.
Roddy McDowall, soon to become world-famous as the star of the Planet of the Apes franchise, features here as Arthur Pimm, an introspective young man who works at a London museum.
One night, Pimm steals the famous Star of the Nile diamond from the museum to lend to his mother with whom he lives.
His mother, however, is dead – and has been for some time . . .
After one of their storehouses burns down, museum director Grove (Ernest Clark) and his assistant Pimm find everything destroyed except for one statue which mysteriously withstood the fire undamaged.
It transpires the cursed statue was created by Rabbi Loew in the 16th century and will withstand every human attempt to destroy it. Pimm decides to use it to his own advantage and everyone is in for a frightening time.
Although shot in colour, US theatrical release prints were in black and white.
Arthur Pimm
Roddy McDowall Ellen Grove
Jill Haworth Jim Perkins
Paul Maxwell Professor Weal
Aubrey Richards Harold Grove
Ernest Clark Curator Trimingham
Oliver Johnston Inspector White
Noel Trevarthen Detective Wayne
Ian McCulloch Old Rabbi
Richard Goolden Miss Swanson
Dorothy Frere Young Captain
Tom Chatto Ellis
Steve Kirby Boss
Russell Napier Museum Guard
Brian Haines Museum Guard
John Baker The Golem
Alan Sellers
Director
Herbert J. Leder
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Roddy McDowall, soon to become world-famous as the star of the Planet of the Apes franchise, features here as Arthur Pimm, an introspective young man who works at a London museum.
