The 9th "Hammer House of Horror" episode, "Carpathian Eagle" is an intelligent and highly original tale about serial murder, and so far my second-favorite entry to the series after the brilliant "The Silent Scream". Homicide Inspector Cliff Clifford (Anthony Valentine) is investigating a series of murders obviously committed by a beautiful woman. Last seen in the company of a seductive lady, the victims are men found with their hearts ripped out. When listening to a radio programme, Cliff hears an author named Natalie (Suzanne Danielle) talk about her newest book in which she writes about a murderous Eastern European Countess who, centuries ago, used to murder her lovers in an identical fashion. He decides to consult the author, who happens to be a hot young woman... "Carpathian Eagle" tells an intriguing story in a highly effective and suspenseful manner. The atmospheric film has highly creepy moments as well as some very funny ones, and, and furthermore presents a variety of eccentric characters - such as a sleazy guy called 'Randy Andy' or a transvestite with an anger issue. Suzanne Danielle is a beauty and delivers a very good performance, and Anthony Valentine is very good as the likable investigating detective. The supporting performances are also very good, a young Pierce Brosnan can be seen in a small role. "Carpathian Eagle" is has several intelligent twists and is suspenseful from the beginning to the end. Overall, this is an excellent entry to the series, and a must-see for Hammer fans.
Review of Carpathian Eagle
