Rasputin: The Mad Monk (1966)

Description

Hammer Films' dual reputation for screen shock and flamboyant costume adventure meld in this tale of the real-life "holy man" whose evil charm held the fate of an entire nation in its grip. In the early twentieth century Czarist Russia, Rasputin (CHRISTOPHER LEE), a wild-eyed peasant monk, mysteriously demonstrates his healing powers by saving a woman's life and asking only for wine and Bacchanalian celebration in return. Soon Rasputin uses his evil charm and powers to become increasingly manipulative and violent. Ferocious, devious, sensous and other-worldly, this uncouth peasant ingratiated himself into the lives of the sophisticated royal class. Christopher Lee's multi-layered performance as the monk rates as one of the best portrayals in any film.