Hammer House of Horror (TV Series) Carpathian Eagle (1980) User Reviews

Jog On Mister Bond

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 9 September 2013]

After a couple of murders of men who have had their hearts cut out DI Clifford is lost for a lead until he hears of a best selling novel featuring murders with the same modus operandi . He contacts the author a young woman called Natalie who explains that the cutting out of hearts is an old legend involving The Carpathian Eagle

This seems to have split the audience very evenly . It's not necessarily a horror story per se but does give a subtle hint that perhaps the legend involving immortality does actually exist and it's up to the audience to make up their own minds on this . If you don't buy in to this scenario fair enough but also features the age old horror convention that lust filled sex must be punished by death and it is rather amusing watching a number of men out on the sexual prowl get their come uppance and in this respect The Carpathian Eagle is enjoyably mean . It doesn't work as a whodunit because it's revealed very early on who the murderer is but does move at a very brisk pace and does share a lot of common ground with the infamous early 90s thriller BASIC INSTINCT but this episode is a lot more understated and less explicit which is a good thing

The cast work very well and you can believe Anthony Valentine as a conscientious affable detective inspector . Suzanne Danille was an actress being touted as the next big thing and sex symbol when this episode was produced who promptly disappeared as quick as she arrived but she does make a sultry serial klller especially when he dons a wig and put on a daft phony accent . Perhaps most enjoyable of all is seeing Peirce Brosnan in a small role as a jogger and who'd have thought watching this scene he'd be playing James Bond many years later

Suavely, Pussycat - Kill! Kill!

[Witchfinder-General-666 · 7/10 · 22 August 2009]

The 9th "Hammer House of Horror" episode, "Carpathian Eagle" is an intelligent and highly original tale about serial murder, and so far my second-favorite entry to the series after the brilliant "The Silent Scream". Homicide Inspector Cliff Clifford (Anthony Valentine) is investigating a series of murders obviously committed by a beautiful woman. Last seen in the company of a seductive lady, the victims are men found with their hearts ripped out. When listening to a radio programme, Cliff hears an author named Natalie (Suzanne Danielle) talk about her newest book in which she writes about a murderous Eastern European Countess who, centuries ago, used to murder her lovers in an identical fashion. He decides to consult the author, who happens to be a hot young woman... "Carpathian Eagle" tells an intriguing story in a highly effective and suspenseful manner. The atmospheric film has highly creepy moments as well as some very funny ones, and, and furthermore presents a variety of eccentric characters - such as a sleazy guy called 'Randy Andy' or a transvestite with an anger issue. Suzanne Danielle is a beauty and delivers a very good performance, and Anthony Valentine is very good as the likable investigating detective. The supporting performances are also very good, a young Pierce Brosnan can be seen in a small role. "Carpathian Eagle" is has several intelligent twists and is suspenseful from the beginning to the end. Overall, this is an excellent entry to the series, and a must-see for Hammer fans.

Hammer House Of Horror: Carpathian Eagle (Francis Megahy, 1980) (TV) ***

[Bunuel1976 · 7/10 · 27 October 2007]

This is one of the more original and intriguing entries (with a serial killer following the modus operandi of notorious, albeit fictitious, past criminals) – despite a bland title and some definite camp elements (silly Hungarian accent, transvestite cabaret act, outrageous production design). Actually, it would probably have worked even better stretched out to feature-length – as a lot of time is taken up here by the police procedural and the romantic complications at the expense of the central character's psychology. Still, I feel it was pointless to introduce a red herring after having already revealed the killer's identity! Besides, the series in general shows rather a lack of variety with its propensity for downbeat endings. There's a good performance by the attractive, statuesque leading lady – while "guest star" Sian Philips appears as the ageing last descendant of the Hungarian killer to which the title refers; future James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, also features in a smallish role as one of the lustful victims! Unfortunately, I experienced a few audio/video problems during playback of this particular episode – where the audio was slightly (if continually) out-of-synch and the image even skipped at one point; bafflingly, then, no glitches came up when I tried the disc on my other DVD player model!

Many Years Before Catherine Tramell and "Basic Instinct"

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 15 July 2006]

A serial killer rips out the heart of his victims, and Detective Inspector Clifford (Anthony Valentine) is in charge of the investigation without any lead. While listening to the radio, he becomes aware of a best-seller, in which the killer also removes the heart of his victims, and Clifford meets the writer, Natalie (Suzanne Danielle), and she tells that the character was based on a countess that lived centuries ago. Clifford asks for an appointment with the descendant, Mrs. Henska (Siân Phillips), who becomes his suspect number one. Although under investigation, the murders do not stop and Clifford tries to find other clue.

"The Carpathian Eagle" is actually a thriller, not an horror movie, with some points that recalled me Catherine Tramell and "Basic Instinct". Suzanne Danielle is very beautiful with her long body, and the acting of the cast is good. Pierce Brosnan, in the beginning of his career, has a short and minor participation in the role of a jogger that becomes one of the victims of the criminal. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Casa do Terror 3: Águia de Cárpatos" ("The Houses of Terror 3: The Carpathian Eagle")

Note: On 05 Aug 2020, I saw this film again.

Pierce the ribcage

[southdavid · 6/10 · 13 August 2020]

If titillation was cut from the previous episode of Hammer House of Horror, or at least, from the version I saw, it's back in abundance in "Carpathian Eagle".

Police detective Cliff (Anthony Valentine) is investigating a series of gruesome murders where the victim has had their heart cut from their body. He chances upon author Natalie (Suzanne Danielle) who has written a book about a Countess from several hundred years previous, whose story shares similarities with the present case. Natalie introduces him to the Countesses only living relative, Mrs. Henska (Sian Phillips).

Hard to write this without spoiling the episode, so for once I will. I doubt it'll be a surprise to anyone who's watching the episode for even a few minutes that Natalie is behind the murders - due to a personality disorder that makes her adapt her methodology to the story that she's researched. Though the make up isn't bad, it's clearly her - so you'll understand at least one murder before the episode makes it clear. There is one misdirection, with the Countess having a secret nephew, who operates as a drag singer - which for 1980 I thought was reasonably well handled, with Cliff being far less dismissive of the lifestyle than I figured most 1980's policemen would have been.

The episode though is largely an excuse for Danielle to wear a series of revealing outfits (and leave us in no doubt that Sam Torrance is a lucky man). That is not to say that she isn't good in a chameleonic role, just that the story beyond that is lacking in bite. The gore and violence are pretty minimal and there's no underlying twist or anything that might have elevated a fairly mundane story. Seeing Pierce Brosnan show up for a tiny role was a highlight though and there are some horrific interior design choices that you're exposed too.

Ultimately, it doesn't add up to anything particularly interesting though.

combination of basic instinct and dressed to kill

[trashgang · 7/10 · 7 May 2010]

this is for me one of the better parts of the Hammer series. Oh yes, it all works, there's not too much of talking, the blood flows in a way as it did in series from that time being. There is nudity, and suspense. It did remind me, like some other reviewers said, of Basic Instinct were the killer is also hiding in disguise, or Dressed To Kill were being transformed in someone else is the main business. You will stay watching as the killer takes many forms of beauty. Although the killings are suggested by not showing for example the knife going into the flesh, it all is very good edited. And of course, the acting is sublime as is the directing. Worth checking out.

Some nice ideas but could have been better

[Red-Barracuda · 6/10 · 19 February 2015]

'Carpathian Eagle' is the ninth instalment of the Hammer House of Horror TV series. This one goes down a murder-mystery, thriller-oriented route, while retaining a definite horror underpinning. It focuses on a series of murders in which various men are killed by a mysterious woman whose modus operandi is similar to an infamous Eastern European countess who, centuries ago, bumped off numerous men with the help of a deadly pet eagle.

This episode feels a little more original in approach compared to several of the others in the series. It combines a police procedural detective format with a supernatural angle. And I have to confess to being a bit of a sucker for any film involving a sexy murderess. Yet, the material here isn't as well executed as it could be. I cannot help but think that revealing the killer's identity half way through was a silly move and more tension would have been generated by keeping the mystery side of things intact until the end. Still, it benefits from having the very attractive Suzanne Danielle star in the central role, while it was somewhat amusing to see future James Bond Pierce Brosnan pop up in a hilariously minor an inconsequential role as a randy jogger.

Spread your wings and KILL!

[Coventry · 9/10 · 13 December 2006]

Another fabulous H.H.H installment, "Carpathian Eagle" presents a truly original and twisted murder story with a great amount of tension, some highly effective red herrings and very likable characters. The script, which is possibly the most imaginative and progressive of ALL the Hammer short movies, introduces sinister Eastern European myths, confused police detectives and one major hot female serial killer! Police forces are stunned after discovering the leftovers of two male bodies of which the hearts are clean ripped out. They're looking for a male culprit until inspector Clifford overhears a radio show where a female novelist explains about her new book revolving on an Eastern European countess whose pet eagle ripped out the heart of 107 of her lovers. He teams up with the author and learns that the killer's modus operandi was indeed inspired by Nathalie's book and the last descendant of the Countess becomes the main suspect. "Carpathian Eagle" is a fast-paced tale of terror that'll certainly keep you on the edge of your seat for 50 minutes. The on screen murders are fascinating, especially the first two, since we only get to see the female culprit's gorgeous long legs and never her face. Her choice of targets even results in some comical moments! One guy repeatedly refers to himself as 'Randy Andy' and owns a bed shaped like a naked body, complete with breasts and over-sized feet. Another victim opens with the line: "I'm rich…and I want to have you". Pierce Brosnan stars in a tiny role as the last victim. I guess the future James Bond wasn't clever enough yet to escape the lusts of a horny serial killer… A nearly brilliant series of end-twists eventually made "Carpathian Eagle" my personal second favorite H.H.H episode, right after "The Silent Scream". Highly recommended!

"Are you ready for this?"

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 31 December 2021]

Not for anything, but how is it that serial murderess Natalie (Suzanne Danielle) never came away bloody from the victims she did away with? That seemed like a bit of an oversight. Detective Clifford's (Anthony Valentine) instincts were good on this one, but he failed to follow through. He allowed the gorgeous Natalie to seduce him for her final, fatal target. Natalie actually could have been caught when she strayed from her script with the guy who saw her attack him with the blade. He could have easily identified her to authorities but was thinking of his reputation. I have to say, the nephew Tadek (Jonathan Kent) looked marvelous as the cross dressing lounge singer. You would never know he was a guy unless he stripped his makeup on camera the way he did. For the finale, Natalie proves just how versatile a murderess she could be by changing her modus operandi. On a dime, she was able to transition from the Carpathian Eagle killer to a fancy scarf strangler.

The worst episode I've seen so far.

[poolandrews · 5/10 · 25 June 2007]

Hammer House of Horror: Carpathian Eagle starts as Detective Inspector Clifford (Anthony Valentine) has two almost identical murders on his hands, two men have had their hearts removed in a vicious seemingly motiveless ritualistic attack. By chance Clifford hears an interview on the morning radio where an author named Natalie (Suzanne Danielle) talks about her new book which focuses on a 100's of years old legend regarding a local Countess who used to remove the hearts of her lovers in identical fashion to the current crimes being committed. Clifford contacts Natalie because he thinks the book has become inspiration for a killer, can Clifford catch the maniac before they strike again?

Carpathian Eagle was episode 9 from the one & only season of this generally high quality British made-for-TV horror anthology series produced by Hammer studios, this originally aired during November 1980 here in the UK & was the third of three Hammer House of Horror episodes to be directed by Francis Megahy (Growing Pains & The House that Bled to Death were the other two) & I personally thought it was the worst instalment of the series I have seen so far. The script by Bernie Cooper & director Megahy feels more like a police detective show rather than a sinister horror flick, take out the ancient legend about the Countess & this could have been any 70's or 80's TV cop show, there's a decent enough twist at the end which sort of saves it but the preceding 45 odd minutes were too predictable & stale for my liking. There is the interesting notion of trying to get into a killer's head to understand their psyche & thoughts & taking it to ridiculous extremes but it's sort of lost in the overall feel of a dull crime drama. The script makes the huge mistake of revealing it's main secret & biggest potential twist less than halfway into itself & from that moment on it became a bit of a boring precession to the end, to be honest Carpathian Eagle isn't that bad I suppose but considering the excellence of the other episodes I've seen this comes across as a definite disappointment & a wasted opportunity.

Obviously shot on a tight TV budget the experience at Hammer helped a lot, shot on proper 35mm film this series really does look like a collection of short films that could have been released to cinemas they look so good. This episode was well made but has dated quite badly, just check out the killer's monstrous over-sized sunglasses in the bar! There is zero gore in this episode & just doesn't have any atmosphere or scares either. The acting is pretty good & a young future James Bond in the shape of Pierce Brosnan makes an appearance as one of the victims.

Carpathian Eagle is one of the weaker Hammer House of Horror episodes as far as I'm concerned, I'm sorry but it didn't really feel like horror at all & didn't really do anything for me.

Alter-eagle...

[canndyman · 9/10 · 18 October 2020]

I have to admit it took me a while to warm to this episode - back in 1980 I was a little young to appreciate the eroticisms & subtleties of the plot - not to mention the not-inconsiderable charms of Suzanne Danielle!

But on seeing the episode's re-run in 1987, the experience was completely different. This really is an outstanding episode of this wonderful (but short-lived) TV series, and definitely one of the very best.

Suzanne plays Natalie - a writer/researcher who has now finished writing a book on the legend of a Carpathian countess who exacted revenge for her husband's cruel treatment of her by luring young males to her boudoir - and then ritually killing them by cutting out their hearts.

At the same time as she's publicizing the book, there appears to be a copycat serial killer in Suzanne's neck of the woods who is doing just that - it seems to be that the legend has become a reality.

Cliff, a local detective (Anthony Valentine) investigates, and soon befriends Natalie. She introduces him to the mysterious Mrs Henska, who it seems is the last descendant of the murderous countess.

Natalie and Cliff become quite romantically close as she helps him on his quest - but will he ever track down this crazed-but clever killer?

The whole deception of this story builds nicely, & Suzanne puts in a wonderful & believable performance as the seemingly demure Natalie.

There are some wonderful set-pieces of the killer luring and devouring her unsuspecting victims - and of course at one point we get the now-famous scene where we see a young Piers Brosnan as her latest one.

This is an intriguing and clever episode that adds a nice air of glamorous eroticism into the horror mix, & where we as the viewer are in-the-know long before the police!

Lots of memorable and beautifully-mounted scenes, & of course a very likeable & charming (but schizophrenic) killer who we are somehow hopIng might evade justice...

A hideous blemish on a great series

[cyndi_fan247 · 1/10 · 29 November 2022]

One of the worst plot lines I've ever seen. I was honestly dumbfounded.

There was 0 suspense. For a few moments in the beginning of the episode you were unsure who the killer was. But it was glaringly obvious very quickly because they show her.

Halfway through it is confirmed that she is the killer. And I kept waiting for the twist, which never came. I think the writers were trying to show that not everything was as it seemed, but they must have "forgotten" to include that part which would have cast any sort of doubt.

The absolute worst part of all was the last act of the episode, where they try to catch her in the act, but are unable to do so, (with the only possible intention of trying to make the viewer question what they already saw) but it was so poorly and clumsily done that any viewer with half a brain would have put the pieces together that she just didn't have the opportunity in that instance.

Then, we are put through the most painstakingly dull 15 minutes to get to the banal ending that everyone already knew was coming.

Not a fun watch, not interesting, not exciting, not scary, not creepy, just irritating.

Dreadful by any standards, but even more so when compared to the other installments in this otherwise delightful series.

She'll rip your heart out!

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 2 February 2017]

Detective Cliff gets assigned to catch a lovely, yet lethal female serial killer who rips the hearts out of her victims. Cliff seeks assistance from writer Natalie (an appealing portrayal by the sultry Suzanne Danielle), whose latest book has startling similarities to the murders.

Director Francis Megahy keeps the engrossing story moving along at a brisk pace, generates a good deal of tension, and grounds the absorbing premise in a believable everyday reality. The solid acting from the capable cast holds this episode together: Sian Phillips as the helpful Mrs. Henska, Barry Stanton as Cliff's scruffy partner Tony, Jonathan Kent as temperamental crossdresser Tadek, and Matthew Long as amorous creep Andy. Pierce Brosnan has a small part as the killer's last victim. Moreover, writers Megahy and Bernie Cooper deserve praise for their clever gender role reversal with the serial killer; it's both fun and refreshing to see a seductive femme fatale butchering unsuspecting horny fellows who pick her up under the pretense that they are going to score big time. A worthy show.

Only to be considered as late night viewing when there is nothing else on TV!

[korppoolainen · 5/10 · 2 November 2008]

I don't think that having a beautiful actress saves this film. It is patchy at best. I believe it was filmed in 1980 however I was sure it was 1960's due to the production values! Although, maybe I am being unduly harsh as most films from the 80's were poor so this fits right in. This movie has been done to death (exuse the pun) a thousand times over and there is nothing new or different here.

I'm not sure if they were cashing in on the hammer name on this one. Which is a shame because all it is doing is making a mockery out of the original Hammer series.

Funny to see a young Piers Brosnan though!

A macabre, grizzly thriller.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 12 June 2023]

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.

Shades of Basic instinct

[coltras35 · 4/10 · 17 September 2022]

Detective Inspector Clifford is called to the scene of the latest murder where the victims die from having their hearts cut out with a carved tool. He enlists the help from the author of a book on a 300 year old Carpathian countess who murdered her lovers by the same means. Surely this timid and plain woman couldn't possibly be the same seductive temptress who murders these men, could she ?

Apart from Suzanne Danielle's good performance and the appearance of future 007 Pierce Brosnan as a jogger and a victim to the femme-fatale, this is a rather flat episode that just has a series of killings, then some detection, then some more killings. Rather monotonous, though an idea of a female serial killer makes an interesting change.