_**Peter Cushing is stuck on an Island of Dull**_

Cancer experiments on a remote island off the coast of Ireland have unleashed something that is turning people into lifeless, boneless masses of flesh.

“Island of Terror” (1966) was made by the same short-lived company that released the similar “Island of the Burning Damned” a year later (also known as “Night of the Big Heat”), both featuring Peter Cushing and directed by Terence Fisher. It walks the balance beam between sci-fi and horror and should be appreciated by fans of Cushing, Hammer, Amicus, Tigon and American International.

Unfortunately, unlike that sister film, it lacks much human interest and the creatures are shown too early and too much in the light of day. I suppose it doesn’t help that Carole Gray isn’t on the level of Jane Merrow in the feminine department, but she’s a’right.

Still, if you must see every Cushing flick, this one starts with a compelling first act and is solid mid-60’s Brit sci-fi/horror. It just gets dull by the second half.

The film runs about 1 hour, 27 minutes, and was shot at Pinewood Studios, England, and other points nearby in Buckinghamshire.

GRADE: C/C-