Malpertuis: The Legend of Doom House (1972)

53% of users liked it
(443 ratings)

The story centers on a sailor who returns to shore to discover that his uncle has been capturing dying Greek gods and sewing them into human flesh. He then holds them hostage on an Ionian isle. Trouble ensues when the sailor falls in love with the Gorgon. Unfortunately, she turns him into stone. ~… More The story centers on a sailor who returns to shore to discover that his uncle has been capturing dying Greek gods and sewing them into human flesh. He then holds them hostage on an Ionian isle. Trouble ensues when the sailor falls in love with the Gorgon. Unfortunately, she turns him into stone. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Harry Kümel
Genres: Drama, Horror, Art House & International, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jun 28, 1971 Wide
On DVD: Jul 24, 2007

Critic Reviews

Sean Axmaker, MSN.com
... a gorgeous film and a mysterious curiosity.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Greg S

A sailor is taken to Malpertuis, a strange estate ruled by a sickly Cassavius (Orson Welles) from his bed; when Cassavius dies, the odd provisions of his will prod the bizarre residents into conflict. A collection of sometimes brilliant scenes that appears to be building to some kind… More
A sailor is taken to Malpertuis, a strange estate ruled by a sickly Cassavius (Orson Welles) from his bed; when Cassavius dies, the odd provisions of his will prod the bizarre residents into conflict. A collection of sometimes brilliant scenes that appears to be building to some kind of mystical revelation, but always pulls back just when things start to get interesting, and ends with a frustrating "dream inside a dream" climax. It was a flop that cut Harry Kumel's promising directorial career short; he claims that the problem was editorial butchering by United Artists, but the 120 minute director's cut is unsatisfying on its own.