Such a frustrating disappointment

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

William Castle did a publicity stunt with this one that can make you forget that there is gothic horror wrapped up in the plot. Was there really another ending? If I were running a fim writing class, I'd ask students to write one.The acting is at times a bit over the top but then the parallels to the 1930's monster film Frankenstein are a bit in show here. The difference here is that there are fewer dead bodys used and plenty of leeches to go around.There is some sort of introverted sexuality in a few scenes but that is to be expected when the conversion of a novel by a writer for Playboy Magazine is involved. It is obvious when the Baron's face is finally revealed that the make up department leaves something to be desired but a William Castle fim is more about fun, and less about big film budgets. All of that is here, with a eye to the fun. This film inspired John Goodman's Matinee years later.

Marek Toleslawski went searching for a lottery ticket in his dead father's grave. From shock, Marek's face became frozen with a permanent evil grin - he became Mr. Sardonicus. Sardonicus bought a mask and the title Baron. He also bought a large home with the winning lottery money. He took a beautiful wife and a few servants. He ends up finding a doctor who tries to help him with his affliction but it did not help... Sardonicus ends up trying to force the doctor into fixing his face.My ballot vote: Thumbs down - no mercy on Mr. Sardonicus.This is a pretty good classic horror film. Good for late night watching.8/10

William Castle directed this gimmick thriller that stars Guy Rolfe as Baron Sardonicus, a wealthy but disfigured man who enlists the help of a surgeon(played by Ronald Lewis) to repair his damaged face. Audrey Dalton plays his beautiful wife, who hates and fears him, and falls for the doctor, and he for her. Oscar Homolka plays a loyal and hulking servant. It turns out that Sardonicus became disfigured after rifling the grave of his father, who was mistakenly buried with a winning lottery ticket, the one that made him rich. Will Sardonicus be punished by the audience vote, as instructed by director Castle? Good cast can't save misfired film that never amounts to much, though does have an effective ending, if you can make it that far!

William Castle Movies, today, almost always have the term "Fun" attached as Reviewers and Fans try to point Newbies in His direction. However, appropriate for the most part, it is possible to say that this Movie is anything but. The Punishment Poll Gimmick notwithstanding this is one creepy, horrifying Film. There is absolutely no Fun to be found here.From the Gothic atmosphere to the inherent cruelty and tragic situations the Movie sucks you in with a heavy dose of Melodrama and Terror. The Writing and the Cast all play this perfectly straight, and the Movie is better for it. Containing one of the most remarkable and memorable, shocking and traumatizing Make-Up effects ever in a Horror Movie.There is not a Boomer out there that saw this Movie in the Theatre that does not, could not, forget it. For the most part it is an Icon that they carry to this day. It is a Film that is sharply constructed as an entry into Nineteenth Century Medical Procedures, Myths, and Folklore.The Director's most serious Film has stood the test of time and is His only Period Piece, but what a Piece it is. Stands along side Corman's Poe adaptations, Hammer, and anything else that was the Contemporary of this fondly remembered Director.Note...What a Title!