I don't know what it is, but for some reason I'm drawn to the circus theme. I'm especially drawn in when there's the threat of some kind of terror. The circus is disturbing entertainment, enough on its own, but even more so when there's the threat of something going wrong. Circus of Horrors is no exception in that it's a sick and disturbing film from the early sixties. Circus of Horrors is guaranteed to be unlike any other circus themed opus you have ever set your eyes on.

Dr. Rossiter (the devilishly evil Anton Diffring) is forced to flee England in the mid 40's after a botched plastic surgery attempt. With the help of his assistant, Angela (Jane Hylton) he sets his sights on a bankrupt circus in France. The owner's (Donald Pleasance) daughter, Nicole (Yvonne Monlaur) catches Dr. Rossiter's eye (newly renamed Dr. Bernard Schueler) with a prominent disfigurement on her face. Dr Schueler successfully operates on the young Nicole, and makes her "beautiful" again. In an unfortunate "accident" , the circus owner is mauled by one of the circus bears, as the good doctor watches. Flash forward ten years.

Dr Schueler now runs the circus and it has become a booming success. Schueler has taken the female lowlifes of the town, whores, thieves, etc, with horrible disfigurements, and once again, makes them beautiful. He then contracts them to work in the circus, allowing them to become respectable citizens. Threatening blackmail if they ever try to leave, eventually, the girls become fed up and want out. As you'd suspect, one by one terrible accidents start to occur, each time one of these ladies expresses her disdain and it seems that the only way out of this circus, is fatal.

Circus of Horrors is truly disturbing fun on many levels. Devoid of any sex, and only minimal amounts of gore, it's the subject matter and ideas presented that sneak into your psyche and make you feel really uncomfortable. Directed by Sideny Hayers (who later went on to direct such TV shows as Magnum PI, TJ Hooker, A Team, Knight Rider, and my personal favorite, 87's Werewolf), Circus of Horrors is bound to leave you scratching your head, and wondering, how did they get away with such subject matter? Ahhhh, the 60's what a glorious time. All promotional material states the film was "Adults Only" and Rated X, truly bizarre. This is serious stuff and some sick minds were involved in its creation, god bless'em.

Anchor Bay's presentation of Circus of Horrors is top notch. The print used is immaculate. Colors are so vibrant, they leap off the screen, and you'd be hard pressed to find any scratches or speckles, truly a breathtaking transfer. The Mono sound is also pleasing, the circus music under the big top will make you forget that this is just mono sound. The dialogue is distortion free, and crystal clear.

Extras include a trailer, in nice shape, and some TV spots, in B&W. There are 2 sections of stills. a general gallery and a promotional gallery with some very cool poster artwork. We are also treated to a brief text Anton Diffring Bio.

Overall, Anchor Bay has done an outstanding job with this unexpected title. The transfer is out of this world and the film itself is a rare treat. Not completely unlike anything else made at the time, Circus of Horrors is unapologetic and unflinching in its disturbing and upsetting content. It's a shame that they don't make brave films like this anymore.