Writer/producer/director Rasovsky based this blackly humorous melodrama on the original Victorian tale, well known as a musical about a barber who kills and robs his rich customers. Their bodies supply the meat for the savory pies sold by his partner, Mrs. Lovett. The gruesome plot is played tongue-in-cheek and laced with comic and satiric elements. Performances are strong throughout. W. Morgan Sheppard is especially delectable as Todd. Accents occasionally wobble or are laid on a bit thick but are generally very good; Robertson Dean does a fine turn with a rural accent. Sound effects and music are used frequently and well, and the drama is punctuated with amusing and well-done songs, mostly traditional.