Vincent Price goes up against Robert Quarry, guaranteeing a large smile on my stupid face for the runtime, as Phibes returns at a predetermined moment some three years after his first reign of terror. Unfortunately his house has been demolished and the desperate Darrus Beiderbeck (Quarry, naturally) has managed to get his hands on the “Scrolls of Life”. Something the not-so-good doctor needs to find the Egyptian River of Life and resurrect his dead wife. Vulnavia joins him again, played by Valli Kemp this time out, and looking a lot better than you’d think following her acid bath from the prior outing. It doesn’t take long for Phibes to get his hands back on the papyrus and carry out his plan for his beloved’s resurrection. Beiderbeck and his crew proceed to Egypt and have to deal with some more delightfully ridiculous (and fatal) traps laid out by Phibes. Inspector Trout returns to be just as befuddled as last time as the silly deaths start up again and he anxiously comes to realize Phibes has returned. Caroline Munro reprises her uncredited role as the late Victoria Phibes and Peter Cushing cameos as the captain of the steamer all the parties take to Egypt. The sequel leans harder into camp humor but it doesn’t take much away from the enjoyment factor and Quarry is a nice addition to everything. It’s does meander somewhat and seems a bit too knowing for it’s own good but it’s still a hell of a fun time and I’m always thankful when Price is given the chance to chew some scenery… he also sings Over the Rainbow and that’s just wonderful. It’s a pity we never got the planned third outing.
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