Captain Clegg (1962)

"Night Creatures" is in many ways an interesting Hammer entry, because it's unlike most of their other movies. There is no real monster in the movie, with the title referring to a man-made thing instead. It's also interesting due to the fact that there is only one real character in the movie who is sympathetic (the pub woman, who is a secondary character), with the primary characters either being ruthless pirates and smugglers, or agents of the king who are pretty ruthless in their own right as well. Despite the fact that there really isn't any up front character to care about, the movie remains entertaining. Naturally, actor Peter Cushing gives the movie a lot of spark. And the rest of the movie certainly isn't dull, and it does get you wondering how exactly things will be wrapped up in the end, despite the Production Code still being in effect when the movie was made. If you sit down to watch the movie knowing beforehand that it's a quite different Hammer movie than usual, you should find a good deal to enjoy about it.

Fun Hammer variation on the Dr. Syn story has Peter Cushing playing a reverend in a coastal village who is also a pirate named Captain Clegg, believed dead for years. Rigid naval officer Captain Collier (Patrick Allen) is sent to investigate smuggling and reports about "marsh phantoms" that have been terrorizing people at night. The rest of the cast includes Oliver Reed, Michael Ripper, and voluptuous Yvonne Romain, who could ignite the libido of any man. Not a horror movie but some spooky atmosphere that you might expect to find in a horror movie. It's an enjoyable film, thanks in large part to the Gothic horror touches and the always-exceptional performance of Cushing.

Peter Graham Scott directed this period costume adventure that stars Patrick Allen as Captain Collier from English Customs Service, who arrives in a coastal English town to investigate reports of "Marsh Phantoms", which have been seen riding the land, but he believes them to be an elaborate cover for illegal smuggling activities involving the local Reverend named Dr. Blyss(played by Peter Cushing) who seems to be hiding something, despite his accommodating nature toward the investigation. Indeed there is much subterfuge, as Dr. Blyss is well-known to Collier, who doesn't realize it yet... Entertaining film with an unusual but effective role for Peter Cushing, who is both sympathetic and cunning. Exciting and colorful, with fine atmosphere.

Of course being a Hammer fan I am completely biased. How anyone can not fall in love with Hammer films is beyond me (unless of course they watched the wretched 'Dracula AD 1972.' That however is a different review...). The colorized films are gorgeous to look at and 'Captain Clegg,' or 'Night Creatures' as it as also known is no different. Starkly contrasted visual sets make this film a joy to watch.And then there is Peter Cushing. Cushing is always a joy to watch in any role, but I can't help but feel he must have enjoyed 'Captain Clegg' greatly. No vampires. No Frankensteins. No slime creatures. No creeping flesh. Peter Cushing acts in about as mainstream of a role as there was. Clearly he is enjoying himself and that only helps to make it a better film for the rest of us.I won't get into plot details other than to say the film is about a group of late 18th Century smugglers in a village trying to outwit a patrol of the King's Revenue collectors. The film is far too short and you'll find yourself crying out for more. It runs at an extremely quick pace from open to close.Something else remarkable in this film are the vivid characterizations. Hammer often skimps on those and proceeds directly to the monster. This is not the case here. You get to sink your teeth into several of the characters as this is very much as ensemble piece. Oliver Reed is strong, Cushing is magnificent, Michael Ripper is very good, and even Yvonne Romain is given some material to work with. Speaking of her, she turns in a very good performance. There is a fine balance of sweetness and menace she lives in. There are characters who love and seek to protect her and there are other characters with lustier, earthier goals. One particular scene has her working in the tavern serving drinks surrounded by rowdy, lecherous and leering sailors. Her character wants to be anywhere else -- it is hard to miss. She creates such empathy that its a shame as an actress her career wasn't longer. I think this film demonstrates that she great when given the chance to shine.The most pleasant surprise is the philosophical depth that the film offers. It is in many ways is a meditation on life, on our past and how we may or may not be able to escape from it. The film asks if we are defined not only by what we do, but if the deeds we do can be erased or if we're to wear them forever like chains.This is a special film which, until recently, was virtually impossible to see. Newly released on DVD, it can finally get the attention it deserves. WATCH THIS FILM. Treat yourself. You won't be disappointed.