Creeping Flesh (1972)
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80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews) -
55% of users liked it
(1,716 ratings)
Peter Cushing delivers one of his finest hand-wringing performances as Emmanuel Hildern, a Victorian man of science who relates a mad tale of horror to his half-brother and professional rival James (Christopher Lee). His tale begins with the discovery of the weird skeletal remains of a large unknown… More Peter Cushing delivers one of his finest hand-wringing performances as Emmanuel Hildern, a Victorian man of science who relates a mad tale of horror to his half-brother and professional rival James (Christopher Lee). His tale begins with the discovery of the weird skeletal remains of a large unknown humanoid in Papua, new Guinea, which he carts back to England for study. Even more unusual than the skeleton's ghastly appearance is its ability to grow new flesh when moistened with water. Further research reveals that the creature may actually be instilled with the very essence of malevolence (basically freeze-dried, instant evil), indicating that it would be best kept out of the rain. Despite an incongruous subplot involving the doctor's insane daughter, whom he believes can be cured by injections of serum derived from the creature's reanimated tissue, this is an effectively creepy period piece with heady Gothic atmosphere (and a neat twist ending) that ranks among director Freddie Francis's finest work. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi
- Directed By
- Freddie Francis
- Written By
- Peter Spenceley
- Genres
- Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Classics
PG,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1973 Wide
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
This 'Flesh' has little a-peel.
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Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Tepid horror with two British icons as its only draw.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Peter Cushing in a hand-wringing performance is Professor Emmanuel Hildern.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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Cast
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George Benson
as Waterlow
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Peter Cushing
as Emmanuel Hildern
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Alexandra Dane
as Whore
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Lorna Heilbron
as Penelope
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Duncan Lamont
as Inspector
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Christopher Lee
as James Hildern
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Harry Locke
as Barman
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Michael Ripper
as Carter
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Jenny Runacre
as Marguerite
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Marianne Stone
as Female Assistant
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Hedger Wallace
as Dr. Perry
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Kenneth J. Warren
as Lenny
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Tony Wright
as Sailor
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Catherine Finn
as Emily
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Robert Swann
as Young Aristocrat
