Curse of the Doll People, The (1961)

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CURSE OF THE DOLL PEOPLE

Come in, Doctor.

You are not ready.

That's not a way to greet me.

They are waiting for us.

Don't get upset. While you go
and get a drink, I will finish.

Hurry up. Those men
must be impatient.

They insisted that I should bring
you along. They want advice on. . .

on native rituals.

I won't be long, dear.

Whisky?

With soda?

Don't you know yet?

To you, Sir!

I'd like to congratulate you
on your daughter.

- What did you say?
- Nothing !

Doctor, you are beautiful.

And you are very courteous, doctor.

- Double congratulations, Sir.
- What are you saying?

It's a private conversation
between your father and me.

- You dance very well, doctor.
- It's my partner, doctor.

I just follow my partner's lead.

I would lead you all my life.

Let's get married, Karina.

Our families
wouldn't spend on doctors.

You are so silly.

We must wait. I've known you
for such a short time.

Three months aren't enough for you?

My father met my mom one day
and the next, they got married.

- He was a very daring man.
- Yes. And so?

We could marry in November.
What do you think?

I think it's horrible.
But, whatever you say.

We'll be late
to your friends' house.

Who said so? it's early.
There's still time.

- Can I have my drink?
- Sure.

Tell me Karina, how did you
learn so much about. . .

occult sciences,
native rituals and so on.

It was my father's influence.

He was a well-known scientist. . .

and since I was a child, I became
fond of archeology and medicine.

Specially, ancient
rituals and beliefs. . .

that vanish into the mist of time.

I travelled around most of the world.

In every country we learnt
their ancient and modern customs.

I guess we will have
an extraordinary family. Cheers!

It's late! Come on, hurry up!

We can't trust women!
I should have known!

Our recent journey to Antilles. . .

was very pleasant and interesting.

Did you purchase a new
piece for your collection?

That's exactly what we wanted
to talk to you about.

You, who have studied
in depth occult sciences. . .

and learned about
native rituals. . .

will be able to judge
what I'm about to tell.

Juan, Gilberto, Daniel and myself. . .

stopped in Haiti. . .

where we witnessed
several voodoo ceremonies.

Voodoo?

You can also find
zombies there, right?

Yes. The idea comes from Africa
where the voodoo cult started.

They worship a god that can make
the dead come to life again.

Turning them
into what you call a zombie.

Walking corpses?

We haven't seen that anywhere.

That is just superstition.

It's religion for the natives.

The voodoo rituals we witnessed
were prepared for tourists.

Go on, Luis.

When we were about
to head back home. . .

we met an old native. . .

and with a considerable
amount of dollars. . .

we managed to break
his resistance. . .

and persuaded him to take us
to a secret meeting.

We hid and watched it.

But that is forbidden for strangers.

That's right.

- That's very dangerous.
- Why?

There are secret criminal
societies of witch doctors. . .

with horrendous names
Matanga, Zobob. . .

that instead of
a c*ck or a pigeon. . .

a goat, a dog or a pig. . .

like the normal voodoo rituals. . .

they ask for human sacrifices.
Did you see that?

In the Voodoo temple. . .

the sound of drums was deafening.

The torches illuminated
a conglomerate. . .

of sweaty black bodies. . .

engaging in terrible contortions.

Jumping and screaming.

Aroused by the feeling
of blood sacrifice. . .

dancing a frenzied dance. . .

throwing their heads, backwards. . .

with eyes and teeth
that shone in the dark.

But this didn't attract our attention.

We were staring
at an idol. . .

to which it appeared,
they were paying homage.

A perfect idol.

The dream of a collector.

After a while we decided to go,
fearing to be discovered.

Did you go back?

The following night, as we were
unable to buy that work of art. . .

we decided to steal it.

I was always against such action.

The place was dark. . .

and the silence was striking.

We got near.

I grabbed it.

I felt such happiness.

When we were leaving. . .

the place suddenly lit
with a brilliant light. . .

and in front of us stood
the high voodoo priest.

And what happened?

We ran as the angry
priest shouted. . .

reprimanding us
in a terrible tone.

What did he say?

He shouted curses
at us and our family members. . .

for this sacrilege.

It's terrible!

The Voodoo priests,
Gans or Houngans as they are called. . .

have powers which
we cannot perceive.

Why?

The Houngans mix their voodoo
practices with Bangag.

Bangag?

Black magic.

The voodoo apologists
say both things are different.

Those that practice bangag
are called Bokos.

But usually the houngans and bokos
are represented by one person.

So you can't really separate them.

What is black magic to them?

In its simplest form
it's Shamanism. . .

the use of certain leaves
with healing purposes.

The next step is
the invocation of evil spirits. . .

such as Keta, Makaulu
and Somba, with evil purposes.

And evil practices
like turning people into zombies. . .

to use them as sl*ves. . .

send evil spells. . .

or destroy their enemies.

The effect of the spell
whose external form. . .

can be a wax image of the victim. . .

a miniature coffin or a frog. . .

is aggravated by the use of poison.

That's terrible!

I'm sorry, doctor, but
I think it's all nonsense.

You shouldn't laugh at a cult
whose spells and forces are powerful.

Are you saying that the curse
of the voodoo priest. . .

will reach us here?

I hope not, for everybody's sake.

We misbehaved.
No one can desecrate a temple.

I only trust myself
to Jesus Christ. The Great Teacher.

I wish I hadn't gone.

What's done is done.
Don't regret it now.

What happened to the native
that lead you to the temple?

Two days later
he was found dead. . .

in mysterious circumstances.

I feel a hint of reproach, doctor.

We know it was dishonest
to steal that idol.

You know that a collector
is willing to pay for what he wants.

But if that's not possible. . .

I will show it to you.

The sacred idol of the Houngans!
What have you done?

I brought it back as a keepsake.

This is terrible!

You won't be able to hide. The curse
of the Houngans will follow you.

They will recover this object
when you are all dead.

Calm down, doctor.
Nothing of the sort will happen.

We invited you. . .

because the deadline
for the curse will expire tonight.

The priest said. . .

"13 moons after that day. . ."

at midnight,
one of us would die.

As you can see,
it's five to twelve. . .

and I think that all four
of us are perfectly well.

- What's that?
- Relax!

The light has gone out.
It will come back in a moment.

- Do you want candles, Sir?
- Yes, please.

- Our child woke up.
- I'll go and see.

What's wrong, my love?
Has the thunder frightened you?

Yes, Daddy, I want my doll !

You had it with you in bed, Paquita.

Yes, I was hugging it. . .

but it hopped off the bed
and walked over there.

- Alone?
- Yes.

Don't say that.
You are nervous.

You must have dreamt it.

Dolls don't walk.

Yes, Daddy! I saw it!

Don't worry.

We will find it tomorrow,
or I'll buy you another one.

No! I want my doll !

Listen, love. There is no light
and it's time to sleep.

I'll stay with you.

Luis!

Luis!

Call the hospital and ask them
to send an ambulance!

You did your work well
and I will reward you.

Your soul will rest
for a long time.

Very soon,
those that desecrated our god. . .

will die.

All of them and their damned
descendants, too.

I'm very sorry, Maria,
nothing could be done.

He fractured his spine.

Try and be strong, sister.

What are you thinking, Karina?

That poor man who left
his wife and daughter heartbroken.

It was a real disaster.

Did you notice the small
wound on Luis' left leg?

It could have been a splinter
from the stairs as he fell.

We would have then found
a piece. It was deep.

Do you see something unusual?

It was just an accident.

Is this the start
of the voodoo curse?

I don't believe it!

Science is sometimes presumptuous.

There are supernatural things
which haven't been yet explored.

Excuse me, doctor Valdés?

Doctor, Juan needs
immediate attention.

Take him over there.

What happened to him?

That's what I would
like to know, doctor.

He has a dreadful look in his face.

Exactly.

What has Juan seen or
what have they given him?

Doctor Valdés. I am prepared
to spend what is necessary. . .

- to help explain this.
- Wait outside.

Is it a drug?

Might be, but I don't know which.

Look at his eyes.

We need to have
some blood tests done.

- Get the syringe ready.
- Yes, doctor.

Turn off the light.

What happened, doctor.

I examined the patient. . .

and I haven't found
the least trace of life.

The tests were fruitless.

I haven't got the slightest clue.

I don't know what illness or toxic
drug can produce these symptoms.

Has Juan been ill lately?

- Has he felt pain?
- No, doctor.

- Where were you when this happened?
- Having dinner.

Juan was cheerful.

I had to go to my room
for a moment. . .

I heard a noise. When I went back,
he was lying on the floor.

I brought him here immediately.

Doctor.

I've got enemies.

Juan was my right hand.

If this is the work of my enemies. . .

they did this to weaken me. . .

or because they
weren't able to hit me.

I look at Juan and for
the first time in my life. . .

I am scared, doctor.

I don't want to be
the next victim.

I wouldn't like to see hell.

Doctor. Hurry up, doctor!

His heart stopped


He should be dead, but. . . look.

I'm sorry I had to call you.

I want you to know what I think
with regards to Juan's case.

Madam, we deeply
regret what happened.

First it was my husband
and now my brother. This is terrible.

Mr. Molinar. You liked the boy. . .

and would like to know
the cause of death.

More than anything.

Have you got any clues?

Yes, I think he was m*rder*d.

How's that possible?

Karina, that's unfounded.
What proof have you got?

As I examined Juan's body. . .

I reached the conclusion that
the problem resided in his brain.

His nerves, his body, his brain
were not the problem.

It's his will.

I haven't seen anybody die
because he lacked the will to live.

I didn't mean that.
That is a passive state.

And this is an active state.

When he had what I think
was a horrible vision. . .

he tried to recoil from it
even if that meant dying.

Sorry, Karina but. . .

And there have been
two murders, not only one.

What did you say?

Have you forgotten Luis' death?

That was an accident.

Maybe deliberate.

You link the two deaths?

Yes. Because they both have
a point in common.

Examining Luis' body. . .

didn't you see the same expression
of terror that Juan had?

Yes, you're right.

But what motive
did the hypothetical k*ller have?

A very powerful one.

Two of the men that went to Haiti
are no longer here.

The voodoo curse?

Yes, what else?

Money, love, jealousy,
hatred, vengeance.

None or these motives
are convincing.

You know each other well
and have become good friends.

What is there left? Just vengeance.

Come on, Doctor.

Do you want us to believe that
the priest is fulfilling the curse?

And furthermore, do you think
the priest has come to our country. . .

to exert his hatred?

We are about 1500 miles
from Haiti !

There is no distance for vengeance.

The four cursed men. . .

desecrated a voodoo temple
watching their forbidden rituals. . .

and furthermore, stole an idol
which means everything to them.

Their body, soul and mind.
They have to pay for this offense.

We could never go
to the police with this story. . .

because they would laugh at us.

What do you suggest
that I should do, doctor?

Molinar, you've got the means.

Investigate what has Juan
been doing these past days.

Okay.

Let's hope you find a way
that leads us to a clue.

I guess this is the beginning
of a series of misfortunes.

What do you mean?

After the remaining
two men are k*lled. . .

their families will follow.

With our wives?
With our children?

I'm afraid so.

And who do you think is next?

You, Gilberto or Daniel.

Or maybe one of your children.

The m*rder*r may strike
against anyone.

And now, time to sleep.
It is very late.

- Alright, Ana, good night.
- Good night, baby.

Sweet dreams.

Don't worry, nothing
will happen to me.

- And our baby?
- Don't say that.

- Good night.
- Is she asleep?

- Yes. Anything else?
- No, that's all for today.

I almost forgot.

A present for the child
arrived earlier, sent by your sister.

- What is it?
- A beautiful doll.

She is thrilled with it.

She took it to bed with her.

Tomorrow you will have
to talk to her.

She is very kind.

- Good night.
- Good night.

- Have you got a headache?
- Yes, it hurts a lot.

I will bring you aspirin.

Anita, what is this?

I don't know.

Maybe it belongs to the doll.

Where are you going?

To drink a glass of water, Mom.

Yes. You will soon have
a new partner.

The aggressors of my race will see

She, too, will be
punished with death.

The one in charge of k*lling you. . .

will be your own fiance.

You will soon get life.

Molinar, have you discovered
anything about Juan?

Nothing.

Yes?

Yes, Marta. He is here with me.

Anything wrong?

What?

Marta says someone sent her a doll
that looks just like Daniel.

He looks exactly the same, doctor!

No, I haven't got the faintest idea.

I thought it was very strange!

That is why I wanted you to know.

Yes, doctor.
Do you want me to. . .

For your soulless body. . .

this soil.

Did Marta tell you she
wasn't feeling well?

No, doctor.

Look!

Hurry!

For your sightless eyes. . .

this flame.

She died.

This heart will be yours.

For your withered body. . .

this blood.

Spirit, you that wander
in the darkness. . .

come and occupy this body.

Come and occupy this body I

You think that the doll had
something to do with the nurse's death?

Yes, I do.

You must have heard
that some evil people. . .

make dolls that represent
the person they want to harm.

They prick them with needles. . .

and the person feels the pain.

That's no more than superstition.

Armando, this is extra clinical and
has nothing to do with our science.

If we don't admit this
we won't make any progress.

Then tell me where's the doll
that Marta said she got.

I don't know.

We found this box
that must have contained it.

Did it evaporate?

I don't know, either.

But this shows
that the nurse didn't lie.

She didn't have to.

I told you about these dolls
pierced by pins. . .

because they play
a significant role in black magic.

In Ancient Egypt these dolls
were used for vengeance purposes.

- How?
- Giving them orders to k*ll.

The dolls received orders?

But what makes them move?

What gives them life?

Exactly.

The spirits.

When the sorcerer
kills a mortal. . .

by means of a gloomy exorcism. . .

he sends the incorporeal spirit
to inhabit the body of the doll.

This activates them
and they obey.

- All of them?
- Some are reluctant to do so.

There are forces that fight us. . .

but God in his Wisdom
allows them to exist.

These forces come out
into the open in many ways. . .

and show themselves
through witch doctors. . .

that walk arm in arm with evil.

But at times, there are forces
which benefit us. . .

and manifest
in selected individuals. . .

who refuse to carry out orders.

They are an instrument
of celestial powers.

What do you think
we could do, Doctor?

Amid the encompassing darkness. . .

this may well be
the first ray of hope.

Have you got something in mind?

Molinar.

Put one of your men in every house
of the families of the deceased.

Why?

I suppose that one of them
will get one of those dolls.

The person that delivers it. . .

should be followed
without being disturbed.

We will later see
how to proceed.

I hope I'm not mistaken.

I understand.

I will myself guard
one of the houses.

See you soon.

Boss. Look!

This is what
we were waiting for, Maria.

I'll get in touch with you later.

To Karina's house and k*ll
the demon when you get to the lights!

Hurry up!

Pablo! Something's wrong
with the boss!

Only the three of you
were in the car?

And the doll.

Then you will have to explain
what happened.

Molinar has been stabbed.

- I'll have to call the police.
- I told you it was the doll.

- Do you expect me to believe that?
- One moment.

Why would I want to k*ll him?

He knew I would have gone
to the end of the world for him.

Nobody would believe
that a doll did this!

- Bring it.
- I will.

He looks like Mr. Luis,
don't you think so?

Do you think this doll's mechanism
will enable it to stab someone?

No, I don't know.

- It can drive you crazy.
- Tomás, what do you want me to do?

Give me two weeks and
if I don't bring the m*rder*r back. . .

you can hand us over to the police.

- He is breathing !
- Thanks goodness! Will he live?

Most likely if there is no infection.

Molinar has been injured.

Punctured on the side
and probably in the heart.

He is coming out of a comatose state.

I'll go to the operating room.
Watch him till I come back.

Molinar will tell us
what happened. Meanwhile. . .

you're free to go.

I'll go to the shack
and force that man to talk.

Watch him
but don't scare him.

I don't want him to be watchful
until Molinar tells us what happened.

- All right.
- Don't tell anyone about this.

The police will find it difficult
to believe the story of the doll.

Molinar is getting better.

He is still sleepy but. . .

Where did you get this from?

It was inside the doll's box.

It's the "Sorcerer's Ladder".
It's witchcraft.

A sorcerer plants this in your pocket
and can manifest great power over you.

Yes, it's the sorcerer's ladder.
Woman's hair and nine knots.

- Hold it and take a better look.
- No! I told you it's witchcraft!

Yes?

Tell him to call later. I'm busy.

Armando.

Blood stains!

Wait!

- Will you cut it in pieces?
- Yes.

- Why did you do that?
- It was necessary.

Karina.

Karina!

He had control over me!

Yes?

Mr. Molinar has come out
of his comatose state.

Yes, he's awake.

Molinar has recovered.

Sure. When the knots burned
he was set free.

They leave no evidence behind.

Don't make any noise.

Your boss will recover
if there is absolute silence.

Yes? Yes, it's me.

Great, Tomas. Keep on watching.

I'm confused Karina.

It seems natural to me.

You are watching the fall
of the marvelous structure of science.

I don't know what to say.

I'll sleep in the Emergency Room.

The nurse will tell you
if Molinar wakes up.

- Try and rest.
- Thanks.

I like you a lot, Doctor.

I like you too, Doctor.

Good night.

Help me put him on the bed!

Do you call this watching?

What kind of guards are you?

What happened is too serious
for you to say such a thing.

What happened?

We heard a noise.

We found the boss
lying on the floor. . .

and the nurse as she is now.

We rang the alarm bell
and that was all.

Yes, I guess.

What do you mean?

- You won't believe me.
- Nobody will, but tell him.

We burst into the room. . .

and we saw like two cats
fighting outside the window.

We drew our g*ns. . .

and we didn't pull the trigger
because of what you told us.

Then we saw a flute.

Those two things moved away. . .

and disappeared.

I ran to the window
but saw nothing.

Did you take a look at those things?

- Yes.
- What did they look like?

Dolls.

- What kind of dolls?
- The usual kind.

About this size.

- They look like child's glasses.
- Or a doll's.

- Find Tomás, tell him to call me.
- Yes, Doctor.

- That is very dangerous, Doctor.
- I don't think so.

I will call Dr. Valdés.

Do whatever you want, Tomás.

But I will go into that house
and you can't stop me.

- I will go with you.
- No, I want to go alone.

But I would like you
to stay and watch.

- But Doctor, you can't. . .
- Tomás.

I would like to remind you that
Molinar told you to obey our orders.

- That's the way I want it.
- All right.

Stop it!

I'm honoured with your visit.

- Do you know me?
- Of course.

I was expecting you.

Sit down. We will talk.

- That face. . . !
- Staloon?

He is weird but very helpful.

He is the one in charge
of taking the dolls to my clients.

This is very peaceful.

You look tired.

Yes, you are very tired.

Aren't you?

Here you will find calm. . .

tranquility, peace.

My movements give you peace.

Peace.

That monster. . .

is a zombie.

Exactly.

He is a soulless dead being,
pulled out of his tomb.

But don't be afraid.

He won't harm you
if I don't order him to do so.

And tonight,
I don't feel like hypnotizing. . .

the dead.

Relax.

It's good to take refuge. . .

in a calm and peaceful place.

Life is so tiring.

So heavy.

So oppressive.

And you are so tired.

So tired.

I will show you my dolls.

I am sure you will like them.

This is one of my best dolls.

He is good and very obedient.

This one hasn't behaved well.

He has been disobedient.

And the dolls that don't behave. . .

I see that you are distressed, Doctor.

Well, I think
he has been punished enough.

I would like to give it to you.

But before we part. . .

he must learn his lesson.

Now, listen to me, Doctor.

You all need a lesson, too.

Your fiance, who ignores. . .

what can't be measured
or placed under a microscope. . .

is a fool.

But nevertheless. . .

he, you and that savage Molinar. . .

try to prevent my fair revenge!

And dare to threaten me. . .

master of the ancient science. . .

that makes your own science
look like child's play.

You're ignorant!

Only I know who commands
the dark forces of evil!

And all those forces respond
when I invoke them!

Do you still want to confront
your science with mine?

How stupid! Talk!

Sorcerer from hell. m*rder*r.

You will surely go to jail
for all your crimes.

Will you give me away?

Who would believe you?

No one!

Listen carefully, Doctor.

If you and your friends want to live. . .

tell your fiance
to take his spies off my back.

You won't be able
to save Molinar.

He is mine.

But you and Doctor Valdés
don't ever think of me again.

I warn you! Stop
interfering in my affairs!

I don't fear your spies!
I'm offended by them.

If you don't take your spies
away, at once. . . !

Go away!

That poor devil is asking for help
but you can do nothing.

Go away. Remember
what I have told you.

I was growing impatient.
I was about to go in.

Take me to the hospital.

Get more men and come back
to watch the place.

That woman thinks she is safe.

She thinks she is safe from our fury.

But she must die
far away from this place. . .

so that there won't be
blood stains when she dies.

You go first.

Doctor, are you all right?

- The dolls!
- Calm down !

If all your men keep their
promise like Tomás. . .

it's a miracle
that you are still alive.

He is intelligent and loyal.

I can't blame him without hearing
what he has to say.

When he comes back. . .

I will go away.

What are you planning to do?

Get rid of the sorcerer. . .

and the zombie before dawn.
We have waited enough. . .

and I don't want
to wait any longer!

We have to put an end
to these crimes.

What happened, Tomás?

We tried to stop
the man with the boxes. . .

but we failed.

I emptied my g*n on him. . .

and he did not fall.

Please, boss, tell me. . .

- what is this man?
- He is a zombie.

A walking corpse.

The b*ll*ts don't harm him.

Let's go, Tomás.

What will you do?

k*ll the sorcerer and the zombie.

Don't you agree?

No. That's not my idea
of administration of justice.

That would be m*rder.

And the deaths of our friends?

You know as well as I do. . .

that our laws cannot
harm the sorcerer.

I have to do it.

I wouldn't be a m*rder*r.

I would be doing justice.

But boss, how do you k*ll a man. . .

when the b*ll*ts
don't work on him?

Only with fire.

The purifying element.

Zombies are diabolic creatures. . .

and fire reminds them
of their inexorable destiny.

Good evening, gentlemen.

I was waiting for you.

Leave him to me.

Don't look at him, Molinar!
Don't look at his eyes!

Don't you want to look at me?

Fools!

What else can you do?

You want to k*ll me.
Don't you, Molinar?

I will give you a chance.

Try it.

Try it, Molinar.

Try it.

Enough!

You can't.

You are all under my hypnotic spell.

Yes! They are yours
and yours too, Staloon!

Because you know
too much and too little. . .

my little ones
and Staloon will k*ll you.

Get them!

Walking dead, destroy them!

Throw the torches!

Throw them backwards!

I've noticed
that you are trying. . .

to take something
out of your bag.

Haven't you seen my power?

Don't you know that you
can't do anything against my will?

Take it out. . .

and I'll show you that there
isn't greater power than mine.

Take it out, Doctor.

Take it out.

Christ in us!

You too will die. . .

with me!

T H E E N D