The Black Sleep
1956, English. Directed by Reginald Le Borg.
The Terror Drug That Wakes the Dead!
In 19th century England, a noted brain surgeon rescues a former student from being hanged on a false conviction for murder, and spirits him away to an ancient, repurposed abbey far in the countryside. There, he connives his pupil into assisting him in mapping the functions of the various parts of the human brain, using living subjects who are under a terrible animation-suspending drug called "black sleep". Subsequently, the student, along with the daughter of one of the subjects, discover that most of these subjects have survived but are being kept in a dungeon-like cellar, in various stages of physical and mental derangement...
- Runtime
- 1h 22m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.2/10 from 45 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Black Sleep
The Black Sleep is streaming on Cultpix in India.
Stream
CultpixAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Reginald Le BorgDirector
- Basil RathboneSir Joel Cadman
- Herbert RudleyDr. Gordon Ramsay
- Patricia BlairLaurie Munroe
- Akim TamiroffOdo the Gypsy
- Phyllis StanleyDaphne
- Lon Chaney Jr.Dr. Munroe, aka Mungo
- Bela LugosiCasimir
- John CarradineBohemund
- George SawayaSailor-Subject
- Tor JohnsonMr. Curry
- Sally YarnellFemale Subject
- Peter GordonSgt. Steele
Details
- Released
- 15 June 1956
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- John C. Higgins, Gerald Drayson Adams
- Budget
- $225K
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Black Sleep: quick answers
Is The Black Sleep worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.2/10 from 45 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Black Sleep?
The Black Sleep runs 82 minutes (1h 22m).
Does The Black Sleep have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Black Sleep. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Black Sleep parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Black Sleep is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Black Sleep on?
The Black Sleep is streaming on Cultpix in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Black Sleep?
If you liked The Black Sleep, try Blood of the Vampire, The Curse of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man.
Who directed The Black Sleep?
The Black Sleep (1956) was directed by Reginald Le Borg and stars Basil Rathbone, Herbert Rudley, Patricia Blair.