Let Sleeping Corpses Lie(1974)Non si deve profanare il sonno dei morti(original title).A cop chases two young people visiting the English countryside, suspecting them of a local murder; unbeknownst to him, the real culprits are the living dead, brought to life with a thirst for human flesh by radiation being used by area farmers as a pesticide alternative. Written byJojo Mac... Synopsis Let Sleeping Corpses Lie(1974)Non si deve profanare il sonno dei morti(original title)
Movie Title: Let Sleeping Corpses Lie(1974)Non si deve profanare il sonno dei morti(original title)
Run Time: 85 min
Rating: 6.8 / 10
Genres: Horror |Sci-Fi
Release Date: 1 June 1975 (USA)
Director: Jorge Grau
Writer: Sandro Continenza,Marcello Coscia, ... and other credits
Actor: Cristina Galbó,Ray Lovelock,Arthur Kennedy
"Let Sleeping Corpses Lie" isn't a zombie classic, but fans of pre-"Dawn of the Dead" examples of the subgenre will find plenty to enjoy. Despite featuring a bit of gore, there's more emphasis placed on suspense than anything by Fulci. Also, this is much more technically competent than most other European schlock of the time. The direction by Jorge Grau keeps everything moving at just the right pace, and there's moments when the film looks absolutely beautiful (love the views of the countryside). Also, this film has a sense of humor, which helps a lot.
The acting isn't exactly Oscar caliber, but its still pretty good. The two stars Cristina Galbó and the ultra-cool Ray Lovelock create interesting and sympathetic characters. The real scene-stealer though is Arthur Kennedy playing a conservative police inspector who blames the couple for the living dead's activities. His character has a lot of great lines just screaming to be sampled by anti-authoritarian punk bands. Also, the parts with the zombies are quite suspenseful. The film manages to overcome the fact thats its hardly a zombie army (theres only about ten) with the help of a great Gothic atmosphere. Also, the downbeat ending is unexpected but works very well. "Let Sleeping Corpses Lie" isn't on the level of Romero, but than again not too many things are. Zombie fans are recommended to check out this overlooked gem. (7/10)
