Peter Cushing plays a guy who researches demonology or devil-worship or some such. He manages to get his hands on the skull of the Marquis de Sade, despite warnings from the skull's previous owner (Christopher Lee) that it's cursed. Sure enough, the skull starts controlling Cushing and making him do evil things. It's been my experience that people never listen when you try to warn them about owning the skull of an 18th century sadist. After the success of Dr. Terror's House of Horrors, director Freddie Francis reunites with Cushing and Lee for this, Amicus' second horror movie. Francis makes the most of a rather flimsy story, crafting a nice little atmospheric horror film. Good score by Elisabeth Lutyens helps. It's not the best from Francis, Cushing, or Lee, but it is enjoyable and under-appreciated.