It is time to take a look at the last film in Powerhouse Films Hammer Volume 3 boxset with The Terror of the Tongs starring Christopher Lee. So without further ado here’s my The Terror of the Tongs blu-ray review.
- The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
- Part of the Hammer Volume 3 Boxset
- Genre: Adventure
- Directed by Anthony Bushell
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 1
- Released By Powerhouse Films aka Indicator
- Blu-ray Released: 30 July 2018
Plot
The year is 1910, the place is Hong Kong this is where the Tong’s, a kind of organised criminal empire spread fear into the locals taking a large percentage of the wealth. But no one dare cross the Tong’s as the consequences are often fatal.
However when Mr Ming arrives in Hong Kong he does so with some vital information that may bring an end to the Tong’s criminal activities.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Anthony Bushell with the cinematography handled by Arthur Grant. Overall the film works ok from a filmmaking point of view without being outstanding. The sets are pretty good and are well shot and lit.
Music / Audio Effects
The music comes from Hammer legend James Bernard and the score works is suitably well.
Acting / Characters
Christopher Lee plays Chung King Leader of the Red Dragon Tong’s Hong Kong branch. He plays the role well enough but this is not Lee at his best.
Geoffrey Toone play Captain Jackson Sale a man that finds himself caught up with the Tong’s following the loss of his daughter. That said he never really shows much emotion considering the events that have just happened. I guess you could say he does just enough to keep the audience sufficiently invested in his characters plight.
There are some odd Chinese characters that are obviously made up to be so, but one in particular stands out quite badly. Roger Delgado is also present this time playing Tang Hao, Chung King’s right hand man. Meanwhile Burt Kwouk plays a key if short role in the films story.
Cast
- Christopher Lee as Chung King
- Geoffrey Toone as Captain Jackson Sale
- Yvonne Monlaur as Lee
- Burt Kwouk as Mr. Ming
- Marne Maitland as the Beggar
- Roger Delgado as Tang Hao
- Brian Worth as District Commissioner Harcourt
- Ewen Solon as Tang How
- Richard Leech as Inspector Bob Dean
- Charles Lloyd-Pack as Dr. Fu Chao
- Marie Burke as Maya
- Barbara Brown as Helena Sale
Conclusion: The Terror of the Tongs (1961) Film Review
The Terror of the Tongs is an enjoyable enough film that delivers a compelling story at a good pace. It’s more than worth a look especially if you happen to be either a Hammer or Christopher Lee fan like I am.
One thing you need to realise when watching older films is it’s easy to criticise them for being politically incorrect but they are a product of their time and deserve to be seen even if you dislike their portrayals of different cultures.
If you like my The Terror of the Tongs blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
Conclusion: The Terror of the Tongs Blu-ray Review
So to the picture quality and as you might expect it’s flawless, not a mark anywhere to be seen. Now on to the extras and again Powerhouse Films delivers an outstanding collection with “Hatchet Men: Inside The Terror of the Tongs” the must see one.
Extras
- Audio Commentary
- Hatchet Men: Inside The Terror of the Tongs (22 mins)
- Hammer’s Women: Yvonne Monlaur (6 mins)
- Stepen Laws Introduces The Terror of the Tongs (8 mins)
- Hammer and Tongs (11 mins)
- Shear Terror (3 mins)
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Image Gallery
- Reversible Sleeve
- 40 Page Booklet
The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Purchase The Terror of the Tongs (1961) On Blu-ray
The Terror of the Tongs (1961) is available now on blu-ray as part of the Hammer Volume 3 boxset
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The Terror of the Tongs (1961) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip not be representative of the blu-ray version
That’s The Terror of the Tongs blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them in the comment section below:
Summary: The Terror of the Tongs (1961) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
Duration: 76 mins
Director(s): Anthony Bushell
Actor(s): Christopher Lee, Geoffrey Toone, Yvonne Monlaur, Burt Kwouk, Marne Maitland, Brian Worth, Roger Delgado
Genre: Crime, Adventure
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
An enjoyable enough film that delivers a compelling story and of course stars Christopher Lee.
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