"Sardonicus," one of Ray Russell's earliest works, initially appeared in the January 1961 issue of Playboy. Soon after its publication, horror director William Castle purchased the rights to the story and employed Russell to write a screenplay for a film adaptation of the story, which was renamed Mr. Sardonicus. The film version was quickly produced on a low budget and was released in October of the same year. Although "Sardonicus" is set in the 19th century, the tale appealed widely to Ray Russell's contemporary popular audiences. What about this story is modern despite its distant setting?
The "Punishment Poll" advertised on the film's poster (top right) was the director's decision to involve the audience in Sardonicus' ultimate fate. Depending on how the viewers responded to Sardonicus, they could either vote to have him spared or punished according to his crimes. Audience members were given a glow-in-the-dark card with a thumbs up, signaling that Sardonicus should live, or a thumbs down, signaling death. According to the consensus the corresponding ending would be shown, although it is rumored that very few, if any, audiences voted to show Sardonicus mercy.
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