Corruption (1963 film)

Corruption is a 1963 British science fiction horror film directed by Robert Hartford-Davis, starring Peter Cushing and Sue Lloyd. The film is known for its graphic depictions of violence and gore, particularly for its time, and is considered a cult classic.

The plot revolves around Sir John Rowan (Cushing), a brilliant plastic surgeon whose model fiancée, Lynn Nolan (Lloyd), is horrifically scarred in an accident. Driven by guilt and a desperate desire to restore her beauty, Rowan embarks on a series of increasingly gruesome experiments to find a way to repair the damage. He resorts to murdering young women and harvesting their skin to use in skin grafts for Lynn.

As Rowan's methods become more extreme, Lynn becomes increasingly dependent on the skin grafts, requiring more and more to maintain her appearance. This leads to a spiral of violence and paranoia, as Rowan attempts to conceal his crimes and Lynn descends into madness. The film explores themes of obsession, vanity, the ethics of scientific experimentation, and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.

"Corruption" was initially released in the UK with significant cuts due to its graphic content. Despite the controversy surrounding its violence, it has garnered a reputation as a noteworthy entry in the horror genre, largely due to Cushing's compelling performance and its exploration of morally complex themes. It is considered a significant early example of the "splatter" subgenre.