About

A vividly rendered gothic thriller from master of Italian horror Mario Bava (directing under the pseudonym John M Old). Christopher Lee stars as the menacing nobleman Kurt Menliff, whose affair with a servant led to his banishment and the collapse of his engagement with Nevenka (Daliah Lavi). Years later, he returns to his castle to ostensibly pay respects to Nevenka's impending marriage to his younger brother — however, his intentions are far more sinister. Soon a mysterious murder takes place and it seems like the victim's ghost may be seeking revenge from beyond the grave.

Often censored (or banned, as was the case in Bava's native Italy) due to its provocative sadomasochistic undertones,The Whip and the Body is presented here in the film's full original cut. Bava's repertoire of stylistic flourishes are made even more vivid by this digital restoration, bringing new life to this visually extravagant, Poe-inspired tale.

MA15+ | Violence and themes