THE FLESH AND BLOOD SHOW

Just begging to die?

THE FLESH AND BLOOD SHOW (1972). Director: Pete Walker.

A group of young British actors are invited to appear in an avant garde production that will hopefully make its way to the east end. The rehearsals take place in a nearly condemned theater on an off-season seaside pier way outside London. Gathered together in the creepy building are the director, Mike (Ray Brooks), handsome Tony (Tristan Rogers), budding starlet Julia (Jenny Hanley), gregarious Simon (Robin Askwith), and several others. Other characters include Mrs. Saunders (Elizabeth Bradley), who runs the local boarding house, and Major Bell (Patrick Barr), a lonely old man with takes an interest in the players from a younger generation. Naturally, an unseen somebody begins killing off the cast ... The Flesh and Blood Show is not without interest and intriguing plot developments, although its relatively tasteful murders are mostly off-screen, and there's a dearth of real suspects. Brooks and especially Barr give the best performances, with the latter actor proving he can do Shakespeare quite well.  Barr also appeared in Walker's House of Whipcord. Walker's films, such as The Comeback, always just miss being really notable horror items. Australian actor Tristan Rogers later became a very well-known soap star on General Hospital and other afternoon serials.

Verdict: Modestly entertaining Pete Walker horror movie. **1/2.