Classic horror movie from a story by the Russian novelist Nikolay Gogol , set in 1630, involving the nasty witch named Asa : Barbara Steele, who also happens to be a vampire , being detained and executed along with her lover : Arturo Dominici, by her own brother , but she swears eternal vendetta . As a resurrected witch who was burned to death at a small medieval town seeks revenge on her pursuers . That's why two hundred years after , they are accidentally brought to life , being resurrected at a crypt by two doctors played by Andrea Checchi and John Richardson . In vengeance , Asa goes after her descendants , including her lookalike , Katia : Barbara Steele, playing a dual role .
Great fun late at night , it is full of thrills , chills , surprises and creepy atmosphere .
Based on a story by Nikolay Gogol , in fact Bava also adapted other Russian writers on the anthology horror movie : Black Sabbath in the episode Wurdalak with Boris Karloff . It contains exquisitely realised expressionit frames of sexual suggestion and cruelty that shocked spectators in the early Sixties. Gorgeous , brilliant and foggy cinematography in black and white by Mario Bava himself and assisted by Ubaldo Terzano. The cinematographic visual style still impresses and it retains its original power . Adding a thrilling and mysterious musical score by Les Baxter , Roger Corman's regular .
This astonishing motion picture titled Black Sunday or The Demon's Mask , House of Fright , Revenge of the Vampire or Mask of Satan was competently directed by horror maestro Mario Bava . He was a prestigious cameraman who turned into a notorious filmmaker, directing all kinds of genres with penchant for the terror, such as : Blood and black lace , Black Sabbath , Hatchet for the Honeymoon , House of Exorcism , Planet of of the Vampires , The Girl who knew too much, Torture Chamber of Baron Blood , Beyond the Door II . A must watch for terror fans , first important film with Steele as star and Mario Bava as director. Rating : 7.5/10 . Better than average . The picture will appeal to horror aficionados and Mario Bava/Barbara Steele enthusiasts . Essentian and indispensable seeing .
