This film comes a little after the Fifties but it does seem to be in the Hammer style of that era.

The film satrs Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee and the very lovely Lorne Heilbron.

The story goes – In the late 19th century, scientist Emmanuel Hildern (Peter Cushing) returns home to London with a prehistoric skeleton that he acquired in Papua New Guinea. While cleaning the skeleton, he learns that water triggers a horrific reaction – reanimation. He slices off the finger, now covered in flesh, and preserves it for later experiments.

While having breakfast with his daughter, Penelope (the lovely Lorna Heilbron), Emmanuel reads a letter informing him of his wife’s death.

Penelope has no idea that her mother has been in an insane asylum since she was a little girl. Fearful that his wife’s mental illness may be hereditary, Emmanuel has sheltered his daughter at their estate with only the servants to keep her company. She’s not allowed outside, except for short walks within the gated premises.

Emmanuel travels to the institution where his wife died. He meets up with his half-brother, James (Christopher Lee), who happens to be the insane asylum’s director and a competing scientist. Emmanuel was always the favorite of the two siblings, the one destined to achieve greatness, so it’s with great pleasure that James tells him that he is in the running for the prestigious Richter Award. In addition, he will no longer fund Emmanuel’s transcontinental trips.

The climax is truly a frightening one full of suspense. Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing are great but it’s the beautiful Heilbron who steals the show. I want to watch more films she stars in.