bsmith5552 The title, "Chamber of Horrors" is a bit misleading as it is more of a mystery than a horror film. It does have a bargain basement chamber of horrors with an Iron Maiden but is incidental to the plot. However, since there IS an Iron Maiden, you have to believe that someone is bound to be caught within its clutches at some point.The film opens with Lord Selford (Aubrey Mallenlieu) on his deathbed describing his final wishes. He is to be entombed with the family jewels ad enclosed in a crypt sealed by a door with seven locks. His son is to inherit the estate. A distant cousin, June Lansdowne (Lili Palmer) will inherit the estate should evil befall the young Lord. Lawyer Edward Havelock (David Horne), the executor, is appointed keeper of the seven keys. Interested parties are Dr. Manetto (Leslie Banks) and servants Bevan and Ann Cody (Harry Hutchinson, Kathleen Nesbitt), the chauffeur Cawler (Philip Ray), Silva (J.H. Roberts) and the butler Craig (a sinister looking Robert Montgomery)(not THAT Robert Montgomery).Silva, dying in a nursing home, sends a letter to June containing one of the keys and asking her to come and see him a.s.a.p. During their meeting, Silva is murdered by an unseen assailant. June goes to Scotland Yard for help. Recently resigned detective Dick Martin (Romilly Lunge) and Inspector Sneed (Richard Bird) take an interest. On returning to the nursing home they find that there is no trace of Silva's body or the "nurse" Ann Cody.The scene then shifts to an old dark house in the country where Dr. Manetto has taken up residence. We know right away that he is up to no good. Martin and June visit Havelock with June's key only to find out that all seven keys in the lawyer's care have disappeared. Then Martin decides to investigate further. Dr. Manetto is revealed to be the leader of the group but with his own agenda. It turns out that behind the door with seven locks there may be secrets other than the priceless jewels. The door is opened and...............................Lili Palmer was at the outset of a very long and prosperous. Kathleen Nesbitt too, went on to many years of success. Leslie Banks is probably best remembered for his role in "The Most Dangerous Game" (1932). He also appeared in some Alfred Hitchcock films in the 30s as well. Gina Milo is along for comedy relief as Glenda, June's room mate.The story is based on an Edgar Wallace novel entitled "The Door with Seven Keys". It is never explains why there are seven keys since they were left in the keeping of one person. And. how did Silva know where to find June? Anyway, Edgar Wallace is given the producer's credit even though he had been dead since 1932.

J. Spurlin Ignore the way this old clunker is marketed on DVD and disregard the American title, "Chamber of Horrors." There's nothing supernatural here and there are no Poe-like thrills. The "horrors" are a collection of old torture devices owned by the main villain, and they don't get much play. The English title gives you a better sense of the movie. You see, there's a door with seven locks which requires seven different keys. An heiress possesses the seventh key, and several unsavory characters will stop at nothing to get it from her.The trappings of this mystery "thriller" are familiar nowadays mainly from comedies, parodies and cartoons. I especially liked that portrait with the real eyes peering out. I've seen that countless times on "Scooby Doo." Then there's the spooky tomb, secret panels in the wall, sinister servants and so on. Leslie Banks (probably best known for the original "The Man Who Knew Too Much") plays a flamboyant villain, sophisticated yet evil, complete with goatee, cape, a foreign accent of some kind and a pet monkey. This is one of the rare times I've seen this stuff played straight – more or less.Fortunately, this movie is no more self-serious than "The Lady Vanishes." But don't expect any Hitchcockian suspense here. We have an excellent cast, headed by the beautiful Lilli Palmer and the amusing Banks. Lots of droll dialogue. ("I love frolicking in morgues.") Lots of the aforementioned mystery trappings. But no suspense. The writers haven't the slightest idea how to grab our interest, much less keep it. The director betrays absolutely no flair for this kind of thing. It's all a leaden bore. Go watch "Scooby Doo."

sbibb1 This British made film is highly enjoyable. Excellent performances by the cast, spectacular sets, good script, all things about this film I found enjoyable.Lilli Palmer was excellent in the role, she is also a joy to watch as she is breathtakingly beautiful. Leslie Banks is back in a role similar to his role in "Most Dangerous Game," a man who lives in a castle, and collects torture devices.At 80 minutes in length this film really needs to be watched and enjoyed. Very clever.

BaronBl00d A wealthy man dies leaving a huge treasure in his personal tomb with seven interlocking doors and keys to be used to get into the tomb after a period of time after his death. Chamber of Horrors tells the story of avarice, murder, and intrigue that happens as a result of this tomb and treasure. This is a fun film with lots of suspense, classic hokey comedy, and some stellar character acting. The evil guy, named Dr. Manetta, needs one more key in order to get the treasure, and one Lili Palmer stands in his way as the real heiress to the fortune and possessor of the last key. Dr. Manetta dresses in capes, has a great aristocratic "foreign" accent, has a trained monkey perch on his shoulder and follow him on a leash, and collects horrific hardware, devices used for torture. He utters great one-liners left and right, saying to his henchmen about the shame in killing the young heiress,"She played Chopin delightfully." The actor playing this role in none other than Leslie Banks, General Zaroff from The Most Dangerous game. He is in just as fine form here and really breathes what life this film has in gale strength. Banks puts on an acting seminar as he waltzes through this role of sadism and wit. The other actors are all capable and seem to have some talent. The torture room is very impressive. A neat little, seldom seen film. Try it as a second feature after The Most Dangerous Game. Every time I watch Banks I wish he had done more films. He is just incredibly good at playing incredibly bad men!