Castle of the Living Dead

Castle of the Living Dead is a 1964 horror film directed by Warren Kiefer. It was released in English under the title Crypt of Horror. It was Kiefer's first film as a director. Since its release, a number of contradictory production histories concerning Castle of the Living Dead have surfaced, with the film's direction being variously attributed to Kiefer (who was credited with the alias "Lorenzo Sabatini" on Italian prints), Riccardo Freda, or Luciano Ricci (credited as "Herbert Wise"). Other mysteries include the extent of assistant director Michael Reeves' involvement in the production, and whether or not Mario Bava provided special effects for the film. Plot The film is set in France in the early 19th century, after the Napoleonic Wars (1803 – 1815). The voiceover reports that banditry and violence rule the roadways. An ill-fated theatrical troupe of commedia dell'arte performers on tour visits the castle of Count Drago (Christopher Lee). Drago is an embalmer of both animals and humans. He is pre-occupied with creating his "eternal theatre." In his research, Drago discovers a chemical formula that instantly kills and embalms any living creature, forever preserving them at the moment of death. Drago's habit of experimenting on animals is revealed, and the visitors are about to become unwilling participants before a dwarf rescues them.