The Creeping Flesh

1973
PG
1h 32m

IMDb RATING

6.1/10

4.6K

YOUR RATING

Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Lorna Heilbron in The Creeping Flesh (1973)

A Victorian-age scientist returns to London with his paleontological bag-of-bones discovery from Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, when exposed to water, flesh returns to the bones unleashing a malevolent being on the scientist's family and friends.

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Horror Sci-Fi

A Victorian-age scientist returns to London with his paleontological bag-of-bones discovery from Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, when exposed to water, flesh returns to the bones unleashing... Read allA Victorian-age scientist returns to London with his paleontological bag-of-bones discovery from Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, when exposed to water, flesh returns to the bones unleashing a malevolent being on the scientist's family and friends.A Victorian-age scientist returns to London with his paleontological bag-of-bones discovery from Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, when exposed to water, flesh returns to the bones unleashing a malevolent being on the scientist's family and friends.

Director
- Freddie Francis
Writers
- Peter Spenceley
- Jonathan Rumbold
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.1/10

4.6K

YOUR RATING

Director
- Freddie Francis
Writers
- Peter Spenceley
- Jonathan Rumbold
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
Like certain films from other producers, this is often mistaken for a "Hammer" production. This was caused by the participation of "Hammer" veteran lead actors Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, supporting players Duncan Lamont and Michael Ripper, make-up artist Roy Ashton, and cinematographer turned director Freddie Francis.

Goofs
Towards the end of the film, when the creature is approaching Emmanuel Hildern's house, the creature's shadow is cast on the front of the house, meaning the creature is between the house and a source of light. However, its shadow grows larger as the creature moves, which suggests that the creature is actually walking towards the source of light and away from the house, rather than the other way round.

Quotes
James Hildern: I've got to get hold of that skeleton somehow.
Doctor Perry: Oh I don't know... There is the question of professional ethics.
James Hildern: Oh indeed, indeed... that is why I shall have to employ someone for whom ethics have no significance.

Alternate versions
Early UK cinema versions were cut by the BBFC to remove a shot of a sailor's slashed throat. All later releases were uncut.

Connections
Featured in Cinemacabre TV Trailers (1993)

User reviews87

Review

Featured review

6/10

A bit of a let down considering my expectations...

I want to start off by saying that I thoroughly enjoy most of Freddie Francis' films, especially those he made with Hammer. But...I was expecting so much more from THE CREEPING FLESH. With the recent passing of Christopher Lee (RIP), I wanted to go back and re-watch his films that I loved and also to find some that I hadn't previously viewed. So I stumbled upon THE CREEPING FLESH and immediately sought it out. Maybe my expectations were too high going in, but I was a bit let down. As I said, I really like Freddie Francis. I also love Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. So it was a no-brainer that I would like this film. And I did like it...just not as much as I thought I would going in to it.

The Victorian age set pieces were fantastic. The subject matter of the story (though not scientifically accurate) was interesting. The acting was great. The atmosphere was pretty good. It was the lack of the horror element that I was expecting and it just didn't seem to show up until the final 15 minutes or so of the film. When it did show up it was great. I just wish the movie would have used it sooner.

I also disagree with the many people who feel THE CREEPING FLESH is Freddie Francis' best film. TORTURE GARDEN, TALES FROM THE CRYPT, LEGEND OF THE WEREWOLF and maybe even THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS and THE SKULL were all better in my opinion. I especially loved LEGEND OF THE WEREWOLF...but I am partial to werewolves.

All in all, THE CREEPING FLESH is a good movie worth watching, especially if you are a Christopher Lee or Peter Cushing fan (or a fan of Hammer films even though this is not a Hammer production). It's a good, solid 6 out of 10.