Rasputin, the Mad Monk
Rasputín
1966 · United Kingdom · 91 min
- Director
- Don Sharp
- Screenplay
- Anthony Hinds
- Producer
- Anthony Nelson Keys
- Music
- Don Banks
- Cinematography
- Michael Reed
- Production company
- Hammer Film Productions, Seven Arts Productions
Cast
What it is about
In rural Russia, a intense-eyed monk with a reputation as a healer wins the trust of a small community, but his behaviour stirs suspicion and hostility among those around him. Over time, his ambition carries him toward the imperial court, where mysticism blends with intrigue and the struggle for power.
How it was made
The film was shot in 1965 at Bray Studios, sharing sets with Dracula: Prince of Darkness, and several actors appeared in both. It was the third collaboration between Christopher Lee and director Don Sharp. Sharp later recalled that the budget was cut during filming, forcing the loss of key scenes, and an original ending was dropped over religious controversy. The script was also rewritten at the last minute due to legal pressure linked to Prince Yusupov, whose character was replaced by Ivan.
Reception and legacy
Critical response was mixed. The Monthly Film Bulletin called it an undistinguished melodrama, though it praised Lee's commanding presence, and Rotten Tomatoes lists a 50% approval rating. Slant Magazine admired Lee's performance as something worth watching. Over time, the film is remembered mainly as one of the actor's most notable roles within Hammer's output.
Stills
Trailer
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Trivia
Same sets
It was filmed back-to-back with Dracula: Prince of Darkness and used the same sets at Hammer's Bray Studios.
Dropped ending
An original ending, showing Rasputin lying on the ice with his hands raised to his forehead, was removed because it was considered controversial for religious reasons.
More films by Don Sharp
The Face of Fu Manchu
Bear Island
The Brides of Fu Manchu
The Kiss of the Vampire
The Devil-Ship Pirates
The Thirty Nine StepsOriginal Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (es) and Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.