The Naked Witch (1961)

After taking a few days off from blogging, I decided to just back into it with something a little different. My selection was The Naked Witch from Something Weird Video.

Plot/ A student researching the German settlements of Central Texas unearths the grave of a reputed witch. The witch (who happens to be both beautiful and naked) rises from her grave and embarks on a campaign of seduction and murder against the descendants of her persecutors. It's up to the student to stop her bloody reign of terror-if he can resist the seductive powers of her evil beauty.

If you have read my blog, you know that I am a fan of weird and strange B Movies, and honestly, I find that Something Weird Video is awesome. However, this entry from their catalogue left a lot to be desired. Don’t get me wrong, there were some good points (especially considering the budget) like the setting and some of the camera work, but that does little to make-up for the bad. The plot holes, acting and seriously over narrated plot/story definitely take a toll, even with a runtime of a little over an hour. If it were a documentary, I may have enjoyed it more, but it is not a documentary and it was not on the History Channel. Watch at your own risk.

Master of the World (1961)

As I searched for something to watch today in honor of the great Vincent Price, who would have turned 100 today, I wanted to watch something different. That is when I stumbled upon the Jules Verne inspired 1960s Steampunk enthused Master of the World.

Plot/ The world in the late 19th century: A scientist and his team are held as "guests" of Robur on his airship, that he want to use to ensure peace on earth. Peace with all, even if he has to bombard military targets all over the world. Can the scientist stop him?

This is a very underrated film, that actually gets very little mention when talking about Price. Richard Matheson’s fun adaptation of two Verne stories is tremendous and allows the actors to shine (especially Price, who is perfect as Robur). The cinematography, production values and set designs are wonderful and the soundtrack fits the mood, atmosphere and story perfectly. Yes, the special effects are not top notch (even for that era) and some of the costumes are laughable, but those do not impact the overall feel of this flick. As a fan of Price and the Steampunk Movement, this film truly hit the spot. Check it out if you are in the mood for an inventive Sci-Fi Adventure.

Creature from the Haunted Sea (1961)

What a great 4th of July, an antique car show, created a new zombie head for a display jar and generally just chilled. While hanging out, I decided it was time to beak into some of the low-budget flicks I have in my collection. My choice for the early afternoon was the 1961 cult classic Creature from the Haunted Sea!

Plot/ Inept government agent XK150 is on the trail of mobster Renzo Capetto, a Bogart wanna-be who is transporting General Tostada, a group of exiled Cuban nationals, and a large portion of the Cuban treasury out of Cuba. Mary-Belle Monahan (an infamous gangster moll), Happy Jack Monahan (her dim-bulb gangster-in-training brother) and Pete Peterson Jr. (a hoodlum/animal impersonator) also accompany Renzo. Agent XK150 assumes the identity of "Sparks Moran" and somehow convinces Renzo to add him to the gang. Renzo concocts a plan to "invent" a sea monster, so that the Cubans will allow him to change their course. The phony sea monster will allow him to eliminate a few of the Cubans, and get himself closer to the treasure. Unfortunately, someone else invented the monster first.

What a Corman classic! This horror/comedy blending humor and suspense is totally absurd and cheesy but has a few fine moments mixed in. The movie has storyline full of gaps, and unfathomable twists and is actually a total mess. However, the incredibly cheap special effects with the ridiculous rubber monster have to be an all-time great! In the end, this is just another Z- budget gem from Roger Corman! A playful and witty send up of horror thrillers mixing gangsters, fleeing revolutionaries and a sea monster, what else could you ask for?

The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)

As my celebration of Vincent Price comes to an end, I decided it was time to jump into his Edgar Allan Poe adaptations. For those that do not know, Poe is my favorite author of all time and have even dressed up as Poe for Halloween. My choice tonight was one of my favorites, The Pit and the Pendulum from 1961.

Plot/ Francis Barnard goes to Spain, when he hears his sister Elizabeth has died. Her husband Nicholas Medina, the son of the most renowned torturer’s of the Spanish Inquisition, tells him she has died of a blood disease, but Francis finds this hard to believe. After some investigating he finds out that it was extreme fear that was fatal to his sister and that she may have been buried alive! Strange things then start to happen in the Medina castle.

This may be one of my favorite performances of Price, He is absolutely terrific, providing this character with tremendous depth and sympathy. As a huge Poe fan, this adaptation written by Richard Matheson, is not really a faithful adaptation, it is a cleverly written story that fuses many different Poe's short stories in one. Yet, the movie comes across with such a chill and eeriness within the beautiful atmosphere created by Roger Corman, who did a masterful job at continually mounting the suspense until the climatic end. This is a great movie and another must for all Price fans to see.