Tombs Of The Blind Dead

Tombs of the Blind Dead (La Noche Del Terror Ciego) (1972)

Runtime: I saw the full 102 minute version

Directed by: Armando de Ossario

Starring: Lone Fleming, Cesar Burner, Maria Elena Alpon, Jose Thelman, Rufino Ingles

From: Interfilme/Plata Films S.A.

Many moons ago I viewed this movie along with its first sequel Return of the Blind Dead, although they were the edited American versions that took out some material... for this movie it was almost 20 minutes worth of footage. The sequels-all three of them-are leaving Amazon Prime mere hours after I post this, but one day in the future I'll get to them somehow. I stumbled upon the unedited version of Tombs so last night this was viewed for the initial time. It was a revelation that among the moments taken out were a lesbian scene and a sexual assault scene.

In this cult favorite Spanish/Portuguese movie, there is a love triangle between Virginia, Betty, and Roger. Virginia acts rather dramatic & literally jumps off a moving train to get away from the other two. Apparently, as late as the early 70's Portugal still uses steam locomotives as if it was still Wild West times. Anyhow, she spends the night in a village abandoned for what looked to be centuries. The titular Blind Dead rise at night and their backstory: they are Knights Templar from the Middle Ages who became evil and via “Egyptian black magic” become immortal. They are hanged and their eyes plucked out by crows but they still rise at night if someone dares visit the village. Like with the aliens in A Quiet Place, they hunt only by sound, so of course all their victims do plenty of screaming and otherwise make plenty of noise.


Say what you will about aspects of the story, mood and atmosphere do carry the film. It is a chilling tale and the soundtrack plays a critical role in creating this feeling. It is just creepy-especially so when there are brief flourishes of chanting. The abandoned village was perfect aesthetically, especially when the sun set. The undead knights never looked not frightening, but when they are on their undead horses (that's right) and are shown riding in slow motion... that will be something I won't forget in the future. Then again, I say that and the only moment I had recalled beforehand from the first two movies was how this ended... and it's still a striking ending. However, my movie tastes are improved now and as I've written all this down, I shan't forget this pretty good example of Eurohorror.