The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Lurid, pedestrian and totally unconvincing thriller whose contrived script throws up so conspicuous a red herring that the identity of the real villain is never in any doubt.

The accent throughout is on sexual deviation and sleazy thrills; which is just as well, since if the plot weren't so ludicrous, it might raise some mildly serious questions about how such an obviously psychopathic judge (black wigs and leather gear are mere incidental diversions) came to be appointed in the first place.

...The plot is a pretty heavy amalgam of false clues and values, but the identity of the mad murderer is not likely to puzzle practised audiences, in spite of contrived red herrings such as making the judge's clerk a wild-eyed, but harmless, sexual pervert.

The main story of mystery, murder and detection is unnecessarily held up by inclusion of love scenes illustrating Pete Laver's lusty habits and the ending is anticlimax.

That experienced actor Jack May gives the part of Judge Lomax all the essential melodramatic overtones and Gilbert Wynne walks competently through the role of Inspector Rowan.