Anoraks Assemble

Horror Express is a 1972 sci-fi horror film directed by Eugenio Martín and starring horror legends Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.

Set in 1906, we meet Lee’s Alexander Saxton, an eminent anthropologist, returning to Europe via the Trans-Siberian Railway with the frozen remains of a humanoid discovered on one of his expeditions – potentially the Missing Link.

Cushing is Dr. Wells, Saxton’s friendly rival, who is determined to discover what exactly the famous anthropologist is transporting in a mysterious crate. Before long, passengers and crew are being stalked by a mysterious alien creature which has the ability to inhabit the bodies of its human victims.

Throw in a random Polish count and countess, a monk who acts as their spiritual adviser, and a bunch of terrified passengers, and the scene is set for a fun 90 minutes.

And if that wasn’t enough, Telly Savalas turns up near the end as a Cossack captain.

Films set on board trains always have a nice sense of claustrophobia and atmosphere, and this one is no exception.

Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing have never been better as the bickering rivals, so much so that it is my favourite Lee / Cushing movie.

The makeup and effects work well. The white eyeballs and blood streaks on the face of the victims is nicely done. Talking of eyeballs, there are a few suitably bloody moments – say no more!

It is not particularly frightening although there is a moment near the end when the dead all begin to rise up, zombie like, and I found that moment particularly chilling and highly effective.

This is such a fun film which I could watch again and again.

Highly recommended!