The She Beast (1966) – Horror Film Review

 

Also known as La Sorella Di Satana and Revenge of the Blood Beast, The She Beast is a black comedy starring Barbara Steele and Ian Ogilvy. They play newly married couple Philip and Veronica, who have left their native Britain to honeymoon in Transylvania. Unfortunately, the area they find themselves travelling through has a troubled history.

Two hundred years before their visit, the local people executed a monstrous-looking witch named Vardella. In addition to looking like a creature from hell, Vadella was also uncommonly strong. The film begins by showing her execution and it takes most of the men in the local village to overcome her and transport her to the lake where she is to be killed. Before her death, Vardella swears she will have her revenge on the villagers and their descendants.

Philip and Veronica, who are travelling in a Volkswagen Beetle, need a place to stay for the night and book into a rundown hotel owned by an alcoholic peeping tom called Ladislave Groper.

Shortly after their arrival, the newlyweds meet Count Von Helsing (John Karlsen), who joins them at their table. His ancestors were responsible for ridding Transylvania of vampires. Presently living in a cave, he stays in the area in case evil returns.

Neither Philip nor Veronica have much interest in the old man’s tales so Veronica makes the excuse they are tired and need to go to bed. And they do go to bed only to find Mr Groper peering in through the window. Philip goes out and gives the pervy hotel manager quite a beating, then returns to bed.

He and Veronica leave the next morning but the steering of their car malfunctions as they are passing the lake and, after a near collision with a truck, the vehicle sinks beneath the murky water.

Philip manages to swim to shore. There is no sign of Veronica, so the driver jumps in to rescue her. Shortly after, the driver arrives at Groper’s hotel, tells Groper what has happened and asks him to take care of the bodies. He tells him the man is only unconscious but the woman is dead, stating how ugly she is, much to Groper’s surprise. However, her body is wrapped up and Groper does not take the time to peel back the covers and look at her face.

When Philip regains consciousness, he does uncover the face. It’s not his wife. It’s Vardella, who has magically swapped places with her.

When he hears of the incident, Von Helsing is the only one who knows what has happened. He’s also the only one who knows how to get Veronica back but Philip takes some convincing. Until he sees some of the she beast’s handiwork, he thinks the old man is mad.

The She Beast is a reasonably entertaining film that has some amusing moments but is not likely to scare too many viewers. Certain scenes are reminiscent of the car chases in old black and white films, with policemen hanging out of cars as they give chase. The rural country roads also have an abundance of mopeds darting around. Younger viewers may not be able to appreciate the comparison but these scenes may still help initiate a few smiles.

Fans of Barbara Steele will be disappointed to learn you don’t get to see much of her in the film, just a few scenes at the beginning and a couple more at the end. However, unlike many of her better films, The She Beast was filmed in English so when you hear her speak, it’s her voice.

Overall, this is not a great film. I’m glad I watched it but don’t plan to watch it again. It’s okay, nothing more, but could be worth watching if you have nothing better to do on a rainy day.