Death Line (1972)

Death Line Poster

There's something pretty grisly going on under London in the Tube tunnels between Holborn and Russell Square. When a top civil servant becomes the latest to disappear down there Scotland Yard start to take the matter seriously. Helping them are a young couple who get nearer to the horrors underground than they would wish.

Overview
"Death Line" is a British scary movie released in 1972, directed by Gary Sherman. The plot combines cooling scary with social commentary. The movie is likewise understood under the title "Raw Meat" in the US. The exceptional movie features the talents of stars Donald Pleasence, Norman Rossington, David Ladd, Sharon Gurney, and James Cossins.

Facility
Set in the London underground, the film focuses on a remarkable situation. During a tube tunnel construction in 1892, numerous employees got trapped after a cave-in and presumed dead. Nevertheless, the descendants of these workers are believed to have survived in the London Underground system, turning to cannibalism. Fast forward to the 70s, these beings start assaulting tube tourists.

Main Plot
The movie begins when a high-ranking government official disappears in the train tunnel near Russell Square Station. An American trainee called Patricia (Sharon Gurney) and her British partner Alex (David Ladd), discovers the main lying unconscious in the station. They report this to the authorities who do not pay much observe as the official soon vanishes.

Inspector Calhoun (Donald Pleasence), nevertheless, takes the case seriously. With his sergeant, Rogers (Norman Rossington), he investigates the disappearance. They reveal stories of previous building and construction failures and subsequent disappearances that happened in the exact same area, leading them to think a human animal might be residing in the underground system.

Scary Unfolds
As the film unfolds, the strange creature, "the Man" (Hugh Armstrong), begins to venture above ground in desperate search for food. He abducts Patricia and takes her into the subterranean world. The subsequent scenes reveal the horrifying cannibalistic lifestyle of the animal. The fear and horror are intensified by the filthy and dark underground sprawl depicted brilliantly on the screen.

Climax
Inspector Calhoun and Alex separately descend into the underground to save Patricia. Confronted with the terrifying truth, they witness the gruesome horrors endured by the animal, raising concerns of human compassion versus survival impulses. The climax intensifies into a frightening fight between human beings and the Man, lastly revealing the monstrous reality of the underground.

Reception and Legacy
"Death Line" got blended reviews upon its release but has collected a strong cult following in time. It is applauded for its distinct plot and atmospheric scary, combined with the exceptional efficiency of Donald Pleasence. Despite its graphic material, it deals with the styles of commercial disregard, human survival, and societal class problems in a thought-provoking way.

Conclusion
"Death Line" stays an unforgettable piece of British scary cinema. Its distinct plot, powerful social commentary, and atmospheric scary make it a noteworthy movie. While not initially well-received, it has accomplished cult status amongst scary movie aficionados, standing as a testament to gruesome yet engaging storytelling.

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