Sweeney Todd - Demon Barber Of Fleet Street [1936]

I will admit that it was a bit of a treat finding this film on here quite by accident, as I have not seen it in years. I should point out that this is old, 1936 to be precise, and so there is speckling on the screen and thus hissing on the soundtrack. For a period, such films as this became rather less known than they should arguably be, because they fall into that section of over-the-top villains, and camp melodramas.This film is inspired by that famous penny dreadful, A String of Pearls by James Malcolm Rymer. A tale of a barber, Sweeney Todd, who killed certain customers for financial gain, so their bodies were used next door in Mrs Lovatt’s pie shop, which did a roaring trade in meat pies. Over the years this tale has spawned various urban legends, not only in this country, and indeed I can think of one from Paris. Here we have the well-known actor of over-the-top villains, Tod Slaughter, in probably nowadays his most famous remembered role.We see Mr Todd firstly take in a new apprentice, as he gets through them quite quickly if he thinks they are onto his and Mrs Lovatt’s criminal enterprise. We then see a customer quickly dispatched, or as Todd says, ‘Polished off.’ As we see him inveigle his way into a wealthy family with ideas of making more money through trade, so we see him taking a keen interest in the daughter of this home. As we follow him, so we see him making plans to dispatch the man she loves, and here the problems start.It is of course Tod Slaughter who makes this film so much fun to watch, which is slightly macabre. Made on a tight budget with a quick turnaround this fell under the Cinematograph Films Act 1927 and is what came to be referred to as ‘quota quickies’, and so quality and content was not of importance, so perhaps for modern viewers, consider this as a B movie. Still fun to watch, and entertaining please do not expect anything exceptional here, but if you are looking for something to pass some time and enjoy a good old movie, then this may be one worth viewing.

Probably Tod Slaughter`s most memorable role and only his second film, “Sweeny Todd” was released in 1936.Slaughter pretty much chews the scenery delivering his best, over-the-top, villainous performance; the plot is largely based on the first stage-play versions of the tale and is subsequently set in the 1830`s with some embellishments to enable a romantic sub-plot involving a heroic sailor and a rich merchant's daughter – the object of Todd's nefarious scheming – when he isn't “polishing off “ his victims.The transfer is pretty decent for a film of this age; the picture has a fair degree of blemishes, graininess and variable tone, while the sound quality is a bit hissy and weak, but it is quite acceptable – probably the best one can expect without extensive restoration.The film is presented in 4:3 format with a run-time of 65 minutes; there are no subtitles and the only extras on the DVD is a trailer reel for other Odeon Best of British releases.A minor classic of British cinema, certainly worth seeing and a welcome release on DVD.

Tod Slaughter is fantastic as Sweeney Todd & the film looks great, even after all these years. It's the classic tale of the Demon Barber Of Fleet Street cutting the throats of the wealthy gentry who he convinces to have a shave before meeting loved one's etc. Sweeney Todd is a forgotten classic (1936 vintage) & is a great masterpiece of filmaking. I appreciate that it will not appeal to everybody & all generations. The younger fans will want to see the cutting of throats in all their glory, but this movie represents a time almost forgotten, when even audiance's of the 30's found themselves looking away at the site of the blade & the 'thought' of the throat cutting. This film is not horrific, nor is it gory with amples of blood letting. But what it does represent is the British Cinema at its best. sit back & enjoy - But keep your high collars on. :O)

Todd slaughters most famous movie it is really good but you need to be a fan of vintage horror.Melodramatic acting from slaughter as always the unsung hero of vintage horror.

Had a blast watching this creaky old music hall type melodrama.The pace is torturous , the sub-plots are totally stupid , mostly boring to watch , the acting is awful but....Tod Slaughter's cowardly , snivelling, face-pulling , hand-wringing , wretched performance is hilariously over the top and worthy watching if your a hard core movie buff .Hee hee hee, ho ho ho ,narf narf !!!!!

Much has been said about Tod Slaughter and of his films... I will not elaborate on the quality of the production, for if you appreciate melodrama red, raw, and ripe you will want this movie in your collection. However! These films are available in quite a few editions at a range of prices..... I can heartily recommend this recent "British Collection" edition for the care taken in giving us such an excellent print despite the age of the original. Definitely worth springing a little extra for!

If you're not a fan of the musical, this is the film for you! the cast, plot and script is wonderful!

got and in good order