I guess nothing with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee should ever really be considered a "pleasant surprise," but I think Nothing but the Night would count as one for me. I hadn't heard much about it, and had passed on it more than once because of the PG rating, and the synopsis didn't sound all that interesting. (Although reading it now, it TOTALLY spoils the whole effing thing!) But Nothing is a pretty interesting and well done mystery/thriller. I'd say it eventually ends up in the horror category, but it takes it's sweet time getting there. But it's got a good enough story and has solid enough performances that it manages to be a good time. And I'd imagine there was a little extra effort from Lee and his friend Cushing - this was the first (and unfortunately only) film from Lee's Charlemagne production company.
Anyhow, there's this orphanage out on a Scottish island (I think?). It's the sort of deal where there are a dozen or so fabulously wealthy trustees supporting the whole outfit - and they are being murdered one by one. When a tour bus crashes with three trustees onboard, as well as many orphans (thankfully there are no fatalities), Colonel Charles Bingham (Lee) is called to investigate the crash along with the recent string of murders. One of the victims of the crash (a young orphan girl) is being treated at a local hospital and is having strange - and quite terrifying - hallucinations/flashbacks. With the help of Doctor Ashley (Cushing), Bingham ends up heading to the Scottish Isle where they can be closer to the orphanage and get a better idea of just what the H. is going on. Also involved? A half-competent local police for, a nosy reporter, and the birth mother of the hospitalized orphan - a former prostitute who will stop at nothing to get her daughter back.
It's hard to get too much into without spoiling things, so I'll leave it at that. More than anything, the whole vibe of Nothing But the Night reminded me a bit of The Wicker Man. Now, that's bearing in mind that it's not nearly as effective and doesn't even try for the same bizarre atmospherics as that classic film. But it's similar in the respect that you're not really sure what kind of film you're dealing with for much of the runtime. It's just an odd little mystery with some gloomy scenery and some solid performances.
I'd say Nothing But the Night delivers when it's all said and done. It's a good watch and has got some teeth to it. While it's never outright gory or mean-spirited or anything, there are a couple of shocking surprises here and there. It doesn't move at a breakneck pace by any means, but the story is engaging enough that you're never bored. And it's got the charisma of Lee and Cushing to carry it through any rough patches (they share a good chunk of screentime). I'd argue that it would still work with unknown actors, but there's not doubt that these two heavyweights help immensely. Also, fair warning: there's a pretty large cast of kids here. Luckily, they aren't the main focus, and you're mostly dealing with the one young hospitalized girl, who is a decent enough (i.e. non-annoying) presence.
Overall, the film looks good and is well-shot. It's got a slightly gloomy vibe to it (a lot of it takes place outdoors, and it always looks cool and overcast), but it fits the story well. I'm not sure how well known Nothing But the Night is, but if you're a fan of early 70s British horror, it's worth checking out.
I would recommend this film.
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