Originally released in 1959, The Man Who Could Cheat Death is a classic Hammer Horror film starring Anton Diffring, Hazel Court and Hammer Regular, Christopher Lee. The story centers around Dr. Georges Bonnet (Diffring), a psychiatrist and aspiring sculptor. Dr. Bonnet has solved the riddle to immortality without physically showing any signs of aging. The one catch, though (there’s always a catch!) is that every 10 years he must have an operation where some of his glands are removed and replaced with those from other humans. Inititially, Dr Diffring uses glands of the recently deceased but, unfortunately, sometimes he does not have access to them so he has to resort to other, more deadly options to maintain his youth.

The Man Who Could Cheat Death is another film owned by Paramount that is just now seeing a dvd release courtesy of Legend Films. It has all of the trappings of other Hammer films, especially the eerie atmosphere and, of course, Horror icon, Christopher Lee. This is one rare occasion where Lee does not steal the show. He plays the supporting role of Pierre Gerard a surgeon who uncovers Bonnet’s plot and ultimately leads the charge to thwart the evil Doctor. I have to say that Anton Diffring, as the main character, Dr. Georges Bonnet, was excellent and provided the strongest performance in the film. His portrayal of a doctor that is slowly going mad due to the chemicals and proceedures he has submitted his body to in order to stay young is very memorable. Hazel Court rounds out the main trio of characters as the woman that both Doctors love. The cinematography is classic Hammer. I really like the feel of these older films. Although it did not have the vibrant colors of some of the films of the 60s and 70s, the bleak setting of the labratory and houses that the film takes place in goes a long way in establishing a spooky mood that enhances the movie. The soundtrack is minimal and does not really lend much to a dialogue driven movie.

There are minimal special effects on the film, with the exception of Dr. Bonnet’s rapid aging when he is late in taking the elixir to maintain his visage. The practical makeup around Anton Diffring’s eyes and with his hands to show an accellerated aging process. Another scene that stood out occurred when the Doctor touches one of his model’s face in a fit of madness and his touch burns her skin. Although this is not an effects heavy movie, the ones that were employed were very well done and kept the movie plot rolling.

In the age of remakes and torture films, I sometimes like to step back and watch those films from the past such as The Man Who Could Cheat Death. The storyline, although not 100% original and groundbreaking was different and well paced. I enjoyed the film and recommend it to those who enjoy films in the vein of the Hammer films like the Abominal Dr. Phibes as well as the older Roger Corman movies such as Wasp Woman and The Terror. In a side bit of trivia, I did notice that a few clips from this film were sampled by Rob Zombie on his excellent Sinister Urge album.

The Man Who Could Cheat Death is available courtesy of Legend Films exclusively at Best Buy beginning on July 8th, 2008