I first read about the golem in a list of all the monsters from popular culture. The main ones were the likes of Dracula and Frankenstein (as well as title characters from 1950s sci-fi/horror flicks), but it included the golem, and listed the golem's origin as Prague. I later learned the story of the golem from a book about how a rabbi supposedly animated one to protect the Jews from pogroms in Central and Eastern Europe. A "Simpsons" Halloween episode even had a segment about a golem.Well, it should come as no surprise that there have been a couple of movies about golems. The first one that I've seen is the corny but enjoyable "It!". Roddy McDowall - with his name misspelled in the credits - plays an assistant to a museum curator in London. When they find a mysterious statue, the assistant realizes that he can animate it and make it obey him. But power has a price.Mostly a silly movie with one element ripped off from "Psycho", it's nonetheless fun. And damned if Jill Haworth isn't a babe! Basically, it's a nice way to spend an hour and a half. I suspect that they had fun making it.

Disturbed assistant curator McDowall and his boss Ernest Clark discover an unscathed stone statue while surveying almost complete fire destruction of one of their warehouses. Clark is killed while McDowell is running an errand and he suspects the statue of foul play. McDowell is frustrated that he is passed over for the promotion to the boss's job and that quintessential 60's beauty Jill Haworth doesn't return his affections. Following a death in the museum involving the statue, the decision is made to sell it to a New York museum. Enter Jim Perkins, an expert from the New York museum to assess the authenticity of the statue. He and Haworth are attracted and he believes the statue is genuine. McDowell investigates the statue himself and discovers the secrets to its power and how to control it. He uses it destructively to address his frustrations and then becomes conflicted about his use of it. This is a well-done and acted British production. As the story progresses, it gets a little silly. Perkins would not have been my first choice for his role as the chemistry between he and Haworth isn't believable. This is still recommended for those who enjoy a fairly well-made horror flick.

*Spoiler/plot- IT! (Golem) 1967 In England, a museum gets a large like- size medieval era statue. A corrupt young and aggressive museum clerk finds the statue's amazing secret power. the clerk uses it to murder his supervisor's to gain a higher position. Tragic endings occur to all involved.*Special Stars- Roddy McDowell*Theme- Dark occult magic should not be played with to further selfish ends.*Trivia/location/goofs- B & W, British, European. a remake of a many re- made film from the silent era.*Emotion- I wonderfully watchable and intriguing plot. Very spooky and memorable scenes showing the magic stature in all it's evilness. The leads performers play their parts very well. And McDowell's museum clerk has a 'Hitchockian' death mother's 'twist' ala Hitchcock's 'Psycho' in this film. Good and entertaining film and would like to own a copy of it. *Based On- The Hebrew Golem Medieval legends.

Disturbed museum curator is haunted by a hideous hulking stone statue, but when he discovers the power to control the indestructible thing he seeks out harsh vengeance.Well-made British horror film is an engaging and unique treat for those that enjoy clever and untraditional genre films. The story is solidly engulfing and nicely paced, pulling the viewer into the mystery of the Golem statue and its deranged master. The late great Roddy McDowall does a splendid performance, as usual, as our lead who's on the verge of madness. The supporting cast isn't half bad either, though they admittedly pale compared to McDowell. The other big star of this film is the Golem statue itself. The makeup work on the imposing statue is quite good and the image of that statue is something that's stayed with me for over 10 years.All around, a solid genre film that's definitely worth tracking down for both fans of British horror and fans of McDowell.*** out of ****