Masque of the Red Death (1989 film)

Masque of the Red Death is a 1989 horror film directed by Larry Brand. It is a loose adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's 1842 short story of the same name. Unlike some other adaptations, this version blends Poe's story with elements from his tale "Hop-Frog," resulting in a narrative that combines the plague-ridden isolation and decadence of Prince Prospero's court with a revenge plot involving a disfigured jester.

The film stars Patrick Macnee as the villainous Prince Prospero and Adrian Paul as the protagonist, Gino. The plot revolves around Prince Prospero's cruel reign and his attempts to escape the Red Death, a deadly plague sweeping the countryside. He gathers a group of nobles to his castle, sealing it off to avoid infection, and engages in lavish parties and decadent pursuits while the plague ravages the population outside.

Gino, a peasant who witnesses the Prince's cruelty, infiltrates the castle seeking revenge for the wrongs Prospero has committed against his family and the people. He joins forces with a disfigured jester to exact his retribution. The film diverges significantly from the original Poe story, adding a more straightforward narrative of revenge and action.

The 1989 film is generally considered a low-budget production and is not as highly regarded as some other adaptations of Poe's work, such as Roger Corman's 1964 version. Its reception was mixed, with criticisms aimed at the acting, special effects, and deviations from the source material.