Detective Inspector Cliff investigates a series of vicious crimes, in which a series of young men have been killed, their hearts torn out, the only link, an elderly authoress, who wrote a book about a killer, The Carpathian Eagle.
It's pretty much a straight up thriller on the outside, The Carpathian Eagle is a well paced mystery, one with a series of brutal crimes, and some interesting possible suspects.
It's a plot that would work as well today as it did back then. There is a horror element to it, but I'd place if more in the psychological thriller bracket.
It looks great, it's very well produced, and it motors on by at a good pace. They definitely go for the sexual element here, and why not, it actually fits the plot incredibly well, it doesn't feel shoehorned in for no reason.
This one features a terrific cast, Anthony Valentine is great as Cliff, he's smart and dogged, but he's somewhat forward thinking. The Countess, played by the wonderful Sian Phillips provides interest with her bizarre story. Suzanne Daniel dazzles throughout.
Watch out for a young Piers Brosnan, he doesn't last very long (he's no James Bond here.)
8/10.