From a Whisper to a Scream (1987)

Yesterday was a day full of appointments and driving in traffic,  so when I was able to relax last night I wanted something interesting for my evening movie. After some thought, I decided to visit the horror icon, Vincent Price in 1987s From a Whisper to a Scream.

Plot: Beneath the small-town exterior of Oldfield, Tenn., lies a history of shocking violence and terrifying phenomena, as recounted by local historian.

Horror anthologies have been a mixed bag through the years ranging from dark to lighthearted comic entries. This one is on the darker side and one that is a lot better than I would have expected.  The four dark macabre stories are interesting and add a creepiness the is lacking from many anthologies of the era. The cast, performances, and look of the film are good for the time of direct to VHS horror. Unfortunately, Price plays a minor part as the narrator, while it was good, his talent could have added even more to the movie with more screen time. This is a good horror film and one that should be enjoyed. 

Scream and Scream Again (1970)

Having spent many evenings working on these radio-drama scripts I have been contracted to do, I have found myself diving into many different genres over the past few weeks and it has been fun. Older movies seem to have such a wider appeal than the typical slasher or paranormal flicks that have overtaken horror and Sci-Fi in recent years. A perfect example of this is this 1970 entry, Scream and Scream Again.

Plot/ A serial killer who drains his victims' blood is on the loose in London; the police follow him to a house owned by an eccentric scientist.

It is funny, for years I thought I had already watched and reviewed this flick. For me, it was a great surprise when I decided to watch this bizarre weirdness. Starring Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing, this movie has everything you need to make a camp classic. It is truly a great mixture of horror, mystery, thriller, and Sci-Fi and most importantly, it was an easy watch considering the number of layers that are woven into the story. Honestly, you may feel lost at the start, but it is well worth watching and letting everything fall into place. The story is fun, interesting, and somewhat complex, the effects are solid (a little campy but solid), and all the performances are fun especially Price playing a mad scientist to perfection. Sure, it does have a few low budget head scratching moments and Price, Lee, and Cushing could have had larger roles (their screen time makes you want to see more), but overall the movie works on multiple levels and any flaws are easily overlooked. In the end, this is by no means the movie I expected or thought it was and that is a great thing. If you haven’t watched it, it will make great viewing as Halloween approaches. If you have seen it, check it out again.

The Masque of the Red Death (1964)

After taking a few days off to work on some things at the house and with school, I decided to continue my journey into the mind of Poe. What was the next flick I decided on, the 1964 entry The Masque of the Red Death.

Plot/ A European prince terrorizes the local peasantry while using his castle as a refuge against the Red Death plague that stalks the land.

When you think of Edgar Allan Poe and the cinema, two names should come to mind: Roger Corman and Vincent Price, and this film may be the best adaption the pair completed. Not only was this one of the most technically impressive entries in the series, it may be the most atmospheric. Price is amazing; pulling off one of his greatest and memorable performances, couple that with the memorable cinematography, vivid colors, and a remarkable script adaptation (The Masque of the Red Death and Hop Frog) and this is one of the best horror movies of that era. In the end, this may be one of the greatest and most noteworthy Poe adaptations to grace the big screen. If you have not seen it, you are missing something. Check it out!

The Fly (1958)

I have been stuck inside a very retro mood lately. Between listening to classic folk music on my drives and watching 1950s low budget Sci-Fi, I have been living in a nostalgic dream. Next up for review is another movie from that era, the 1959 Vincent Price classic, The Fly.

Plot/ A scientist has a horrific accident when he tries to use his newly invented teleportation device.

What can one say, The Fly is a classic, and one of the best insect flicks of the 1950s. Starring Vincent Price, this movie has absolutely zero scientific merit, but it is definitely one of the most entertaining and memorable of the genre. The atmosphere is amazing, the performances solid, and the special effects were quite impressive for the day. Most importantly, the ending left a lasting impression on the viewer, and one that will be etched into their minds. In the end, this movie is a true classic and a movie that should be seen. Yes, the David Cronenberg remake was good, but this classic is better.

Wax (2014)

I love low budget cinema and when I find one I have to catch it. This is especially true, when I see the poster, and it reminds me of something Vincent Price would have been in, it is even more intriguing. Next up for review is the 2014 horror flick Wax.

Plot/ Young journalist Mike gets an assignment to spend one whole evening in a spooky wax museum. Initially believing to be alone inside the place, Mike eventually finds himself being terrorized by the malevolent presence of sadistic cannibal surgeon Dr. Knox.

Honestly, I was not expecting much from this one, and was completely surprised with what I saw. This low budget entry was everything that made classic grindhouse/exploitation flicks so awesome except the grainy film stock. The storyline, while somewhat cliché was interesting and twisted, the performances solid, and there was a ton of nudity and gore. Even the cinematography and pacing worked really well and kept me entertained throughout. If there were a downfall, it would be the fact that it was somewhat predictable. In the end, this one was one of the better entries I have seen in some time and an entertaining and worthwhile movie to watch. If you have not seen it, give it a shot it was definitely one of the better ones from Full Moon in a long time.

The Last Man on Earth (1964)

Not often does a book come around that causes a stir like Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend. Not only has it spawned three movies, its influence has forever given the world a doorway into the undead. With the first and best adaptation, the 1964 Vincent Price classic The Last Man on Earth, the modern zombie tale took root. Every film, every story, has a way of giving life, and the staying power of this tale appears ready to span generations.

While this low budget film has many drawbacks like poor sets and uneasy editing, Price’s performance is masterful. His ability to transcend the unbelievable and take the viewers on a solitary journey into the world of the undead is remarkable. Price plays Dr. Robert Morgan, the only human survivor of the devastating plague that wiped out humanity, turning the victims into vile specimens of remorse. These vampire-like creatures roam the streets by night, search to crave their desire for blood. By day, Price searches the abandoned city, destroying the infected, all the while, trying to create an antivirus from the immunity of his own elixir of life. By night, he stands in his fortified house, trapped and tortured by the sounds of their constant attack.

The introduction of the female character near the end of the film does nothing more than detract from Price, and his daily outings in search of garlic and the undead. As a viewer, I felt captivated by his grim routine, the sharpening of stakes or replacing the mirror on the front door. These endeavors left a lasting impression of the doom and despair left by a life all alone.

From this film, the messages of redemption and salvation ring true amidst the unnerving backdrop of apocalypse, much the same way these messages survive in the modern works that owe their creation to this influential, yet, often overlooked horror classic. Without it, Barbara may not lose her brother in the graveyard and Night of the Living Dead may only be a dream. 

Shock (1946)

With my appetite for mindless exploitation complete, I decided to dive into something totally different with some classic cinema film noir. My selection for the evening, the 1946 entry, Shock!

Plot/ A psychologically distraught woman is committed to a private sanitarium by the man whom she witnessed commit a murder.

This early Price Thriller is a far cry from the movies that made him a Horror Icon. As usual, Price delivers a solid performance throughout this rather lackluster affair. While the premise is sound (possibly a bit cliché today), the cinematography (even for that time) leaves a bit to be desired, almost trying to imitate the great Alfred Hitchcock’s mastery and wasting an opportunity to create a tremendously dark and atmospheric film. In fact, the flick just seems to plod along even though it featured a great score which did what it could to enhance the mood.  In the end, Prices’ performance is for not in this run-of-the-mill thriller. If you are a fan of the great Vincent Price, check it out once to see young Vincent in action, everyone else, save your 70 minutes for something else.

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.

The Oblong Box (1969)

There is nothing like waking up in the morning to a movie that combined so many classic horror icons. Yesterday, I got to enjoy Edgar Allan Poe , Christopher Lee and Vincent Price  in 1969s The Oblong Box.

Plot/ Aristocrat Julian Markham keeps his disfigured brother, Sir Edward, locked in a tower of his house. Occasionally Sir Edward escapes and causes havoc around the town.

  

This was another film that was very loosely on the writings of Poe. Combine that with the talents of Price and Lee, and you should have a masterpiece. Regrettably, you do not.  This flick definitely maintains a dark, gloomy, gothic atmosphere throughout, and definitely does a great job at staying true to the period. Unfortunately, this flick was mired in bad luck from the beginning and these happenings seemed to impact the entire project. The acting, plot and scripting were constantly in flux, moving in different directions that cause constant continuity issues. Even the performances of Price and Lee were a bit uneven, almost uninspired. In the end, this movie is definitely watchable. It is not the greatest but it is not the worst.

The Tingler (1959)

Now that Cryptozoology Week is over, it is time to catch up on some of the great movies I have watched this week besides ones featuring unknown creatures. Well, some do that as well, but do not fit into the Cryptozoological realm. One such feature is William Castle’s 1959 Vincent Price Classic, The Tingler

Plot/ After years of research, a scientist discovers a caterpillar-like parasite that grows in the human spine when someone is afraid. Unless the victim screams, the parasite can grow large enough to be deadly. Soon, he names this creature the tingler.

Even after all of these years, this movie stands as one of the most interesting horror movies ever made. Yes, it is the picture of low budget B movie heaven boasting a great idea, laughable script, poor dialogue and uneven acting. However, even with Castle's signature gimmicks, the film really works. Price is in full glory, with one of his best performances (complete with an awesome acid trip).  The effects are solid and the monster itself is a classic. In the end, this film is something special and a definite Must See!

House of Long Shadows (1983)

  

After a couple of days of work taking a chunk out of my evening, it was time to get back into the swing of things. My movie selection for the evening, 1983s House of Long Shadows.

Plot/ An American writer goes to a remote Welsh manor on a $20,000 bet: can he write a classic novel like "Wuthering Heights" in twenty-four hours? Upon his arrival, however, the writer discovers that the manor, thought empty, actually has several, rather odd, inhabitants.

What a treat, four great horror actors, Peter Cushing, John Carradine, Christopher Lee and Vincent Price, come together and create an awesome film. Yes, it is far from perfect; suffering from bad pacing, soma bad acting (Desi Arnaz Jr.), and an ending that definitely leaves an unresolved feeling. However, just seeing the four great work and mesh together is more than enough to carry the flick. While not a masterpiece, it is definitely worth watching!

The Raven (1963)

After a long day, I decided to turn to something reliable to put a smile on my face. What is that? The combination of Roger Corman, Vincent Price and Edgar Allan Poe, in 1963s The Raven.

Plot/ A magician who has been turned into a raven turns to a former sorcerer for help in this film loosely based on the Edgar Allen Poe poem.

While this Roger Corman adaptation of Poe’s The Raven is far from a horror flick, it is definitely a must see for horror fans. Yes, there is not much linking the film to Poe other than the title, but what Richard Matheson’s scripting created is one of the best Corman trips into the world of Poe. Littered with comedy, the fusing of Vincent Price, Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff (with a young Jack Nicholson), really works within the confines of this often overlooked Corman masterpiece. The special effects are decent (especially on the budget), the sets are tremendous and the script is amazing. Yes, there are flaws (as there are in all of Corman’s low-budget flicks), but they are easily overlooked. Check this out, you will not be disappointed.