Sean Jump While not exactly a classic in the true sense that many of Vincent Price's films are, MADHOUSE is still a lot of fun and a worthy tribute to the genre of horror filmmaking. Price is to some degree playing himself here--or at least essaying the stereotypical version of himself that most fans probably consider the real thing--in the role of a veteran actor whose signature role is the wicked "Dr. Death." Naturally, Price does a great job, although it's fairly obvious he doesn't take the part altogether seriously--which, after all, is only appropriate. While it might not be completely accurate to label MADHOUSE all-out camp, it's close in the sense that the script has tongue firmly in cheek throughout and this is one of those horror movies that works best as a tribute to the genre that can be enjoyed by longtime fans. Price has a couple of excellent guest stars to work with, including Robert Quarry, Peter Cushing, and the radiant Linda Hayden in a small bit as a vampish aspiring actress who wants to manipulate Price for the good of her own career. Production values are good for a 70s horror film and direction is solid if unremarkable. Overall a fun flick for horror enthusiasts and fans of the strong cast.

TJMBuddlake Madhouse with Vincent Price was actually pretty good. There were some moments where I think the story went dry but everything else was OK. The acting was good, the sets were cool looking, and the eerie music just had me on edge for the most part of the movie. But lets add something else awesome to the pot, Peter Cushing! What can I say about Cushing, he's a terrific actor. From his roles as Van Helsing in Dracula to Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars. Now take that and add Vincent Price and what do you get, the greatest acting duo in a movie. Despite some mediocre moments, the movie was well worth it. I got this movie in the Vince Price 5 movie pack and that's saying something. Its an average horror, and replay value for me is average as well. Overall this gets a 6 out of 10.

gavin6942 A horror movie star (Vincent Price) returns to his famous role after years in a mental institution. But the character seems to be committing murders independent of his will.This is a great cast! Vincent Price as horror star Paul Toombes, Peter Cushing as his friend Herbert Flay. And even throw in Robert Quarry as Oliver Quayle. Cushing and Price alone sell a film, but Quarry (known to horror fans as Count Yorba) is a welcome addition.This is probably the sexiest Price film. While he has had his share of female co-stars, and some of them even sort of foxy (see the Phibes films), here is the first time I know of where women are practically throwing themselves at him. Sure, he is past 60 at this point, but still a handsome man in his own right.I also have to give credit to whoever joined Amicus and AIP together. AIP has consistently made Price a star in their films, and Amicus is a powerhouse in Britain (second only to Hammer). By combining them, that was a work of genius (and I presume why we see Cushing and Price share a screen).Some critics have bashed the film saying "it could have been written during a lunch break", but I think it is a very touching homage to Price's career in horror, particularly with the showing of some of his past work. Howard Maxford hesitantly approves, saying it has "a fairly successful mixture of chills and humour." I concur.There are, of course, other Price films to see first. But do not rule this one out -- it is better than some of his other work (I thought it easily topped "Cry of the Banshee") and a real treat to see him alongside Cushing. For as little exposure as this one gets, it is much better than you might think (though, the most overlooked Price film is still probably "Mad Magician").

ShadeGrenade Horror cinema changed dramatically in 1968 with the release of George A.Romero's 'Night Of The Living Dead', before taking another turn with 'The Exorcist' in 1973. Out went the cobwebbed castles, bats and torch-wielding villagers in favour of gory tales based in the modern world. The old guard of Hammer, Amicus and American International continued to plug away, however. Having starred in the magnificent 'Theater of Blood' the year before, Price stayed in England for his next picture. Loosely based on the novel 'Deathday' by Angus Hall, the Jim Clark-directed movie cast him as horror movie star Paul Toombes ( great name! ). At a Hollywood bash to celebrate the release of his latest 'Dr.Death' movie, he announces his engagement to the lovely Ellen ( Julie Crosthwait ). Then a seedy producer named Oliver Quayle ( Robert Quarry ) tells him Ellen was once the star of his porn movies. Paul is furious, and after a row, she flees upstairs. A mysterious figure in a cloak enters the room. Some time later, Paul goes looking for her. He finds her sitting before a mirror. When he goes to touch her, her head falls off! Paul is blamed for her death, and sent to an institution. On release years later, he travels to England to star in a television series based on the 'Dr.Death' movies. The killings start up again. First to go is Liz ( Linda Hayden ), an aspiring actress keen to get into Paul's new series. So is he the killer? Or could it be someone else? Similar to William Castle's 'Strait-Jacket' ( 1964 ), at no time does this come anywhere near the quality of 'Theater Of Blood'. In fact its a lot less gruesome than your average 'Hammer House Of Horror' episode, but worth watching because of Mad Vince and the great Peter Cushing as screenwriter 'Herbert Flay' with Adriennce Corri as his insane, spider-loving wife. Natasha Pyne was known for her role in the Patrick Cargill sitcom 'Father Dear Father'. Michael Parkinson puts in an appearance as a television interviewer ( which probably served him in good stead for his later skirmishes with Emu and Meg Ryan! ). Robert Quarry was 'Count Yorga' in two A.I.P. movies. Rather interestingly, Basil Rathbone and Boris Karloff are credited even though the former died in 1966 and the latter in 1968. Toombes' career is illustrated using clips from old Price movies such as 'The Haunted Palace' and 'Tales Of Terror'.The final twist is not particularly surprising. To tie-in with this movie's release, B.B.C.-1 ran a season of Price movies late on Friday nights, mostly drawn from Roger Corman's adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe. Cushing and Price would later reunite - with Christopher Lee - in 1983 for Pete Walker's 'Night Of The Long Shadows'.