The Pit and the Pendulum

Overview

Set during the height of Spanish Inquisition. The beautiful and kind-hearted Maria is arrested as a witch when she inadvertently cries out in horror at the public whipping of a child. As Maria’s husband Antonio tries to save her, Torquemada, the Grand Inquisitor, determines to punish Maria with torture for the desire she inflames in him. Loosely based on Edgar Allen Poe's classic short story.

Directed by Stuart Gordon

Top cast

Lance Henriksen

Torquemada

Stephen Lee

Gomez

W

William Norris

Dr. Huesos

Mark Margolis

Mendoza

Carolyn Purdy-Gordon

Contessa D'Alba Molina

B

Barbara Bocci

Contessa's Son

Benito Stefanelli

Executioner

Jeffrey Combs

Francisco

Tom Towles

Don Carlos

R

Rona De Ricci

Maria

Jonathan Fuller

Antonio

Oliver Reed

Cardinal

Larry Dolgin

Sergeant of the Guards

Frances Bay

Esmeralda

Fabio Carfora

Beggar

Michael Deak

Guard (uncredited)

Details