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IMDb > The Pit and the Pendulum (1991) (V)

The Pit and the Pendulum (1991) (V) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
6.2/10   991 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 1% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Stuart Gordon
Writers:
Edgar Allan Poe (story)
Dennis Paoli (screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Pit and the Pendulum on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
27 June 1991 (USA) more
Genre:
Horror more
Tagline:
A bizarre descent into hell from the creator of re-animator.
Plot:
It is the time of the Spanish Inquisition. Maria does not like what is going on during the "Auto De Fe"... more | add synopsis
Awards:
1 win & 2 nominations more
User Comments:
Much better than you would expect more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Lance Henriksen ... Torquemada

Stephen Lee ... Gomez
William J. Norris ... Dr. Huesos

Mark Margolis ... Mendoza
Carolyn Purdy-Gordon ... Contessa D'Alba Molina
Barbara Bocci ... Contessa's Son
Benito Stefanelli ... Executioner
Jeffrey Combs ... Francisco
Tom Towles ... Don Carlos
Rona De Ricci ... Maria
Jonathan Fuller ... Antonio
Geoffrey Copleston ... Butcher
Larry Dolgin ... Sergeant of the Guards
Tunny Piras ... Guard
Fabio Carfora ... Beggar
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
The Inquisitor (USA) (DVD title)
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Runtime:
97 min | Spain:93 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Sound Mix:
Ultra Stereo

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Stuart Gordon had intended to film this for some time with Peter O'Toole in the role of Torquemada, but the original production was canceled. more
Quotes:
Torquemada: Surely Rome understands that public executions discourage sin?
Cardinal: The good Lord, you know, padre, he want us to love our neighbor, no roast him, mmm? No roast him ...
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Zombie Cop (1991) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
7 out of 8 people found the following comment useful:-
Much better than you would expect, 15 May 2005
8/10
Author: The_Void from Beverley Hills, England

Because it's a newer version of a classic horror movie (and it went directly to video), I have been putting off watching Stuart Gordon's take on Edgar Allen Poe's classic story, but after finally catching it; I can honestly say that I don't know why I didn't see it earlier! While the Roger Corman/Vincent Price version of the tale is far better, this update still has a lot in store for the horror fan, most notably it's superb European styled atmosphere, and a fine performance by Lance Henriksen, which may even be the best of his career. While these elements are contributors to the film's success, the main reason why the film works is the story behind it. Of course, it's based (albeit loosely) on Poe's classic tale, so the story is bound to be solid; but it doesn't take all of it's influence from Poe, and so Dennis Paoli can take a lot of credit for the screenplay he wrote for the movie. The idea of 'the pendulum', along with a 'pit' can conjure up many feelings of dread and pain, and this film adequately capitalises on that with it's excellent torture filled finale!

As mentioned, Lance Henriksen gives what is maybe his best performance in this film. He is both powerful and frightening in his role as Torquemada, the head witchfinder of the Spanish Inquisition. When he says "I am the inquisition", it's enough to make your hairs stand on end. Henriksen is a criminally underrated actor and one that certainly deserves more praise...it's just unfortunate that he tends to shine in movies that don't get noticed. Also in the cast is 'Re-Animator' himself, Jeffrey Combs, who shines in a small role as someone in the inquisition. The film isn't wholly serious, and Stuart Gordon has seen fit to add some comic relief to the proceedings, which is OK but I feel that the movie would be better off without any 'relief'. Certain elements from other Poe stories appear, such as a man being bricked in behind a wall, and this film seems to treat it's subject material with respect. The European horror style is a major plus factor in my opinion, and should please fans of movies from the sixties and seventies. On the whole; surprisingly good!

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Recent Posts (updated daily)User
rat sliced in half? xxxocrystaloxxx
the painting in the opening of the movie hunk-6
Looking for a copy on DVD metaledbxxiv
This film's a stomach jolter/sizzler/twis ter/whatever you call it IciclePlum
Rona De Ricci PunchB
Is this the movie,spoiler Ism960
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