Rasputin: The Mad Monk is a 1966 UK drama by Don Sharp.
With Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley and Richard Pasco. See IMDb
UK: Unconfirmed BBFC details for:
- UK 2012 Studio Canal RB Blu-ray/R2 DVD Combo at UK Amazon released on 22nd October 2012
Summary Review: Pretty Good
The movie chronicles the events of history’s man of mystery, Rasputin. Although not quite historically accurate and little emphasis is put on the politics of the day, Rasputin’s rise to power and eventual assassination are depicted in an attempt to explain his extraordinary power and influence.
Noted for stunning visuals on a small budget and a good score but otherwise an average Hammer horror. Entertaining enough but won’t stand up to repeated viewing.
Censorship History
Passed X (16) then 15 after BBFC cuts for:
- UK 1999 15 rated Warner VHS
- UK 1995 15 rated Lumiere VHS
- UK 1991 15 rated Castle VHS
- UK 1966 X rated cinema release
From IMDB. The BBFC cuts were:
- the Rasputin/Sonia love scene was shortened to end on the shot of Rasputin tearing open the back of Sonia’s dress. The uncut version continues the scene for another 20s climaxing as she gets into bed and Rasputin pulls the blanket off her (unseen) naked body.
- Two shots were shortened in the scene in which Peter is disfigured by acid in order to remove close shots of Peter’s scarred face.
Hammer films in 2012 are appealing for information about lost footage from:
- an extended fight scene, saying that it was definitely filmed, but there is no known surviving materials. Film restorers have noted a burning log, that suddenly appears on the stone floor toward the end of the fight between Rasputin and Ivan (Francis Matthews), a clear indication that there is definitely footage missing from this final fight
- Also for footage from a scene depicting the suicide of Sonia, if it was ever filmed.
Promotional Material
The Beware his deathly gaze for it will render you powerless! Beware his mystic touch for you will never be free from his evil grasp!
In pre-revolution St Petersburg, Russia, sinister monk Grigori Rasputin proves that he has the unearthly power to ease the deranged and heal the sick, but at what price? Aided by his hypnotic powers Rasputin begins his ruthless and depraved pursuit of power and wealth, determined to give God sins worth forgiving. He must be stopped, but how do you rid the world of a man who defies death?
Horror legends Christopher Lee (Dracula Prince Of Darkness) and Barbara Shelley (Quatermass And The Pit) star in a controversial film about one of history’s most notorious figures.
