It had been two weeks since seeing Phantasm, and our family’s regular “Movie Date Night” continued with Magic, directed by Richard Attenborough. The film centers on Charles "Corky" Withers, played by the now iconic Anthony Hopkins, an aspiring magician and ventriloquist who, along with a foul-mouthed dummy named "Fats," achieves considerable success performing for audiences. Despite this rising popularity—which includes the possibility of his own television show—Corky remains deeply unhappy; he’s someone who can't escape his history. That past involves a woman he was intensely drawn to since high school. Ann-Margaret appears as Peggy Snow, Corky’s childhood crush. He desires her exclusively, especially now that he has gained recognition. However, Peggy is already married to one of Corky's former classmates...a fact that deeply upsets him...as does it his wooden companion, Fats. The film then descends into disturbing territory. Two things about Magic disturbed me even before its release: the unsettling radio advertisements and the original movie poster. Based on those initial impressions alone, I anticipated a genuinely frightening experience. My expectations were confirmed. Hopkins delivers an outstanding performance as both Corky and Fats, supported by a strong cast including Ann-Margaret, Ed Lauter who plays Peggy’s husband Duke, Burgess Meredith, Lillian Randolph, and David Ogden Stiers. Magic is a true classic and highly recommended for anyone interested in unusual horror films.

Source on TMDB