Sound of Horror (1967)

From the opening credits introducing the cast members scampering across the wilderness, pursued by an unknown assailant, you know you're going to get something a little different and that promise lives up to expectation in this Spanish thriller. A trio of treasure hunters converge on a haunted cave searching for an elusive cache of rare antiquities that has evaded them since their first brush when they were soldiers in WWII. But after discovering what may have been the long lost chest, they inadvertently release a terrible, shrieking creature that also happens to be invisible.More than meets the eye to this cast, with Amercian James Philbrook cast as the stoic, unofficial leader of the trio (the other two Casas and Bodalo), his girlfriend Polish bombshell Ingrid Pitt in her film debut, while the ill-fated Soledad Miranda is the leading lady, a rising star who died prematurely in a car accident only a few years following this film. All the cast discharge themselves with professionalism and tact, no hysterics or over-zealous rants, very measured, solid performances. I thought Lola Gaos as the superstitious Greek housekeeper - whose frequent warnings go ignored until too late, - was a highlight, the scene in which she fetches the water, suspenseful and exceptionally well photographed.There's plenty of atmosphere in the black and white cinematography, decent sets and calculated suspense, the film's multi-pronged climax is engaging and leads to an unexpected conclusion that won't disappoint. Perhaps the only faux pas is the fictitious Greek setting and characters, all of which looks and sounds very Spanish. Better than expected, worth a look.

I liked this movie although its not really scary at all, potentially it should have been. In some ways this movie reminded me a bit of the Kurt Russel version of the Thing. It has some of the same "what the heck is going on?" vibe that gradually overwhelms the characters. I really liked the originality of the screaming yet invisible monster. You hear it coming as it stomp stomp stomps along, then it makes these weird grunting noises and finally screams like a banshee...cool! There are some ideas here that could have really pushed this movie over the top...unfortunately the direction is really pretty weak and the cast brings nothing to their roles with the exception of hottie horror honey Ingrid Pitt, looking all sexy and sassy in her teased up hair and short shorts.It still manages to be interesting despite the shortcomings. One wonders though what might have been with more skillful direction, a little more money, and a couple of well known stars. Still, I'm not really complaining, I was digging this offbeat movie anyhow. I give it a six for the nice writing and Ingrid Pitt!! Lots of blood for an early sixties movie.

If you are a fan of vintage, cult horror movies like I am then you will absolutely love this movie. I cannot believe that it has no cult following! I can't even find a movie poster for it. Although it is a low budget, dubbed, Spanish movie it has a great story with very good acting and the effects are as cool as can be. Overall it is made in the typical fashion of horror movies of this period but has some real surprises along the way. The acting and dubbing is far superior than most. The sets are good. The camera work is average or a little above. But the story is very good and interesting with many scenes that I do not want to give away. The black and white make it moody and pretty scary. There are some rather gory effects especially for the time. The monster is invisible for the most part yet you can really imagine it from some cool footprints and the blood curdling noise that it makes. You really worry for the people in this movie. It also has one of the most surprise endings that I have ever seen in a movie of this era. Another reason that I can't understand why this movie is not out there is that it is Ingrid Pitt's first movie role. She is lovely as ever but looks a lot different than her 1970's roles.This movie is a must for vintage horror fans.

I fully expected to snore through this film. It is made on an obviously low budget. When you realize that the monster is invisible you know it is because they couldn't afford to show it to us.Why make a dinosaur movie? Why not get a guy in a suit to play the monster if it will be cheaper? However, I did find myself getting caught up in the action. Credit for this must be given to director J.A. Nieves Conde. The film moves at a fun, brisk pace and there are a few effective suspenseful moments. This is no small feat. The screeches produced by this creature are ridiculous in that they are clearly made by a man, but somehow it sorta works. Go figure. Jess Franco regular Soledad Miranda and Hammer goddess Ingrid Pitt look great in early roles, by the way.