Tombs of the Blind Dead (1971)

Who are these unholy savages who hunt out their victims by sound alone?

In the early 13th century the Knights Templar, a Christian military order deeply involved in the crusades, was falling from grace with the church and the powers that be. Accused of witchcraft, the Knights are executed by hanging. Their bodies are left limp and lifeless while crows feast upon their eyes.

Now fast-forward to the modern day Portugal. Virginia, Roger, and Betty are off to the country side for a vacation via a picturesque train ride. It sounds great, except tension and emotions between former lovers Betty and Virginia result in Virginia jumping the train and being left behind, far from any nearby towns.

Virginia finds her way to the ruins of a monastery where the Knights Templar were buried. After searching the premises, she finds them abandoned and decides to stay the night before beginning her journey back to civilization. But that night the Knights rise from the dead with a vengeance.

When Betty and Roger realize that their friend is still missing, they go to look for her and soon they find themselves up against the blind dead; a gang of zombified knights who can only hunt their prey by sound.

Tombs of the Blind dead suffers from some major downsides, but also contains many excellent aspects that explain why it has managed to survive the test of time. First and foremost, it is deeply sexist in its portrayal of women characters. The violence against female characters, particularly in the flashback scene of the Templar's sacrificing a virgin, comes off as a glorification and sexualization of violence against women that stands as this movies primary failing point. Secondly, at times the special effects are pretty laughable. But it was the early 70's, so in fairness it was not bad for its time. Really its sort of quaint. There are also some aspects of the movie that just don't make sense. For example, why can the Templar's hear if they are in an advanced state of decay and have no ears. One would expect them to be actually be blind, deaf, and dumb rather than just blind. Where did they get those horses? And where did that horse that Virginia escaped the ruins on come from?

There  are some upsides though. The completely perfect setting, scenery, and atmosphere, for example. Also the Templar's themselves are super cool looking. Costume and make up were definitely good for the era and for a B movie. The cinematography was good as well. Over-all this is a potentially awesome movie that just happens to carry with it the unfortunate black mark of misogyny, and the odd plot hole and goof-up. Otherwise, well worth a look.

3.5 Templar's out of 5
Rated R for violence, sexual content, nudity, frightening scenes.

Watch the Tombs of the Blind Dead trailer.