A man of evil... with a face that could stop a heart!

Mr. Sardonicus
1661 | PG | 1 Hr 29 Min | Horror | Castle Productions

Director: William Castle

Writers: 

Ray Russell (screenplay)

Ray Russell (novel)

Stars: 

Ronald Lewis

Audrey Dalton

Guy Rolfe

A search for a winning lottery ticket in his dead father's grave causes Sardonicus' face to freeze in a horrible grimace until he forces a doctor to treat his affliction--with even more grotesque results! The audience gets an opportunity to vote--via the "Punishment Poll"--for the penalty, Sardonicus must pay for his deeds...

Not my favorite of the William Castle collection but still a fun movie. During its initial theatrical release, attendees were given small white cards with luminous thumbs with which to vote thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Although the audience could vote on whether the main character could be pardoned or receive further punishment, technology to "choose" an ending did not exist at the time. William Castle filmed only one ending for the movie, and the "vote" was rigged by planting speakers in the theatre to vote for punishment. Watch 'Mr. Sardonicus' at 8PM | 7C, Saturday, November 24, on MeTV.