Again, as this film is nowhere near as good as, to name a few: the early Hammer gothics, Corman's early Poe films, Bava's gothic masterpieces, or Antonio Margheriti's minor gothic masterpieces, I would have a hard time rating this film anywhere near masterpiece status.

Overall, it is a watchable and enjoyable film if you're a fan of the genre. If you are a major fan of this genre and era of horror, it is a must-see, as you will definitely find enjoyment in the small qualities it has. However, for those yet to familiarize themselves with the gothic horror genre, "The Black Torment" is no place to start and will probably come off as a bore.

Considering my taste for classic and gothic horror, it is very exciting to see this film finally given a proper DVD release.

The movie opens with a young woman desperately running for her life through the dark woods, while a man methodically stalks her. Only his boots are shown. The camera lingers frequently on the girl's heaving bosoms, bursting through her tight bodice, her nice skin gleaming in the darkness. None the less, it's clear this lovely damsel was meant to die.

The next scene is of a carriage passing through the English countryside. Sir Richard Fordyke is bringing home his second wife, Lady Elizabeth. His first wife, Anne, died 4 years earlier by suicide, distraught at being unable to bear offspring. Sir Richard is obviously happy he now has a second chance, but the recent murder clouds his homecoming.

The servants and tenants suspect him of many foul deeds, many will even swear they've seen him ride about in the woods at night. Moreover, his father is bound to a wheelchair and mute, unable to speak after suffering a stroke, so things are certainly unsettled.

Sir Richard protests his innocence regarding the murder, after all, he's been in London getting married and was away for months. None the less, soon after his arrival mysterious events and more murders continue to happen. His wife Elizabeth struggles not to doubt him. Both seem on the brink of losing their sanity as the movie masterfully builds up suspense with eerie imagery and music.

Who is the real murderer? What is his motive? I can say that it didn't take me long to figure out it's a conspiracy to frame Sir Richard and seize his family fortune, but it was still very entertaining to watch how it all ends with Sir Richard finally outwitting his enemies.