It's strange you say that , K, because Fuest [Phibes] directed a few AVENGERS episodes but Hickcox [Theatre] didn't work on the show as far as I know.
I think that THEATRE is pretty in your face for a 70's horror film. The BBFC would relax every now and then, The early seventies was one of those periods.

It's as you say, a matter of taste.

Thanks, Craig, and Grant, the stereotype is fine with me too. I do enjoy that

Russ