The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958)

Yesterday was one of the final long softball days of the season and will admit it took its toll on me. I was beaten down and just wanted to sleep. When I finally cleared my head, I decided to watch something older. After some searching, I decided on the 1958 classic film, The Revenge of Frankenstein.

Plot/ Baron Frankenstein escapes from the guillotine and goes to Germany. There, he names himself Dr. Stein and plans to restart his experiments by using parts of dead bodies.

I was in the mood for some type of classic last night and decided to turn to Hammer Studios and that decision was rewarded. This is one of the more underpublicized films from the catalog, but it offers everything you could ask for from one of the early Frankenstein films. More atmospheric and creepy, this movie looks amazing. The sets, the lighting, pacing, and the cinematography are perfect, the performances were outstanding, and the storyline was full of twists and turns and added some depth that many entries in the historic life of Frankenstein do not have. Yes, it may be more of a drama or thriller than a horror film and as usual, the story is more about the doctor than the creature, but any fan of Hammer Horror should already expect those elements. In the end, this is an entertaining movie to watch and a perfect movie for a quiet night with Doctor Frankenstein. If you have not seen it, check it out.

How to Make a Monster (1958)

Having recently signed up for a free week of Shudder from AMC, it is a refreshing trip into some of the different ages and genres they offer. Being in the mood for something different, I decided to take a trip back in time to catch the 1958 American International entry How to Make a Monster.

Plot/ When a master monster make-up artist is sacked by the new bosses of American International studios, he uses his creations to exact revenge.

This was a perfect trip back into the days of the classic creature feature, where even if a storyline was somewhat cliché, the overall quality of the film seemed to set it off. This one has everything a horror fan could ask for. There is Frankenstein’s Monster, a Wolfman, and an interesting trip into the mind of a psychopath out for revenge (I loved the hypnotic aspects of control he used). Done on a meager budget (even for that time), the scripting, performances, and overall flow of the movie make it an enjoyable flick to watch. Yes, there is a lack of suspense, the atmosphere is more comedic than horror, and it is predicable, but those factors really do nothing to bring the film down. In the end, this film is a perfect Saturday afternoon creature feature, and a great trip to the classic age of horror cinema. Give it a shot!

Terror in the Haunted House (1958)

As I creep forward transitioning from children’s writing into some of the intricacies of creative writing industry, I decided to kick back and watch something from a much simpler time. After some searching, I decided on Terror in the Haunted House  (AKA My World Dies Screaming) from 1958.

Plot/ A newlywed is terrified when her husband brings her to live in the old house that figures in her recurring nightmare.

As many know, I love going back in time and watching some of the movies that helped shape horror cinema today. While this is not truly a horror movie (yes, it does have the Psycho Rama Subliminal Messages), it is an interesting movie to watch. The acting is solid (especially for the era), the storyline is entertaining, and the soundtrack fits in perfectly. Sure, it is not scary in any way and is quite tame by today’s standards, but it is an entertaining way to revisit some of the B-movies that made the genre great. In the end, if you are searching for something to pass a few moments and love the movies of the 1950s, give it a shot. You could definitely do much worse.

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.

Fiend Without a Face (1958)

Last week was one miserable experience. Between car troubles, a trip to the hospital, and the development of some severe back pain, I was about ready to go insane. Luckily, my back seems to be clearing up and things are returning to normal and I can kick back and focus on the blog. Next up for review is the 1958 classic Fiend Without a Face.

Plot/ Invisible atomic monsters attack a U.S. Armed Forces base and the local residents.

Fiend Without a Face was exactly what the doctor ordered for the weekend, as I wanted to dive into some classic Sci-Fi with an edge. While it may seem a touch dated today, much of the movie stands the test of time considering the era. Honestly, when the invisible creatures came to life it was awesome, and the effects should be considered top tier for the age. The effects are solid, the performances were outstanding, and there were many things in this that made an entertaining watch. In the end, this was an outstanding flick and one that should be seen.

Night of the Blood Beast (1958)

After some time away from it, I decided to jump back into the Pure Terror Collection. After all, what’s better on a rainy evening than some great early Roger Corman schlock? My selection for the evening is the often overlooked 1958 Sci-Fi entry, Night of the Blood Beast.

Plot/ An astronaut is killed on re-entry to Earth, but his body is seeded with rapidly-gestating aliens.

This should be the centerpiece of classic 1950s Sci-Fi ultra low-budget campiness. While, like most movies from this era it suffers from the usual faults, uneven acting, poor lighting and horrible creature effects, those are easily overlooked in this entertaining piece of schlock. In fact, this Corman entry may be one of his best (although it is often overlooked), featuring a sound plot and a decent amount of characterization. In the end, this is a great example of the flicks that made the 1950s the greatest age of Sci-Fi matinee camp, if you get a chance, check it out!

IT! The Terror From Beyond Space (1958)

Friday night is one of the usual scary movie nights with the daughters. Last night’s selection was the 1958 minor sci-fi classic It! The Terror from Beyond Space. Coming in at a little over an hour, I should have time for something gory and sexually charged after…

Plot / In 1973, the first manned expedition to Mars is marooned; by the time a rescue mission arrives, there is only one survivor: the leader, Col. Edward Carruthers, who appears to have murdered the others! According to Carruthers, an unknown life form killed his comrades during a sandstorm. However, the skeptical rescuers little suspect that the rumored creature has stowed away for the voyage back to Earth.

Considering this is from the classic Sci-Fi / Monster era where budgets were non-existent, this is a very impressive and memorable foray into the genre. The direction and cinematography are wonderful, creating a very tense and claustrophobic atmosphere that come across in a very creepy way. The plot, script and acting are all solid and really add to the sum of the parts. Unfortunately, being a low budget flick, something had to suffer and IT (the creature in the rubber suit) definitely had its issues. Large and bulky, the creature reminded me more of something from the lagoon or swamp than Mars. However, the director did a great lob of masking the creature in the shadows and such, thus keeping the focus on the atmosphere and tension. Other than, the creature being a bit blah, the movies ending is a bit predictable (but what endings are not). If you have not seen this sci-fi classic, check it out! Especially the fan of the Alien franchise, as this flick has to be an unaccredited influence of that masterpiece.

Horror of Dracula (1958)

 October, now this is my favorite month of the year! With the winds of fall on the horizon and Halloween right around the corner, it is time to go all out inside and out. To get the mood flowing, I watched a great vampire flick, the 1958 Hammer classic Horror of Dracula starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing!

Plot / After Jonathan Harker attacks Dracula at his castle (apparently somewhere in Germany), the vampire travels to a nearby city, where he preys on the family of Harker's fiancée. The only one who may be able to protect them is Dr. van Helsing, Harker's friend and fellow-student of vampires, who is determined to destroy Dracula, whatever the cost.

This Hammer Horror interpretation was an awesome retelling of the classic Bram Stoker tale. It is funny, that while many of the more modern Hammer flicks are talked about, this first incarnation of their Dracula chain may be the best. In all, it boasts a fair amount of blood, a solid script, tremendous acting and beautiful set design. Really, it has it all (including a cool finale). Honestly, this may be the best version of Dracula I have seen. Overall, a gripping tale that is a must see for any and all horror fans!

I Bury the Living (1958)

It feels like forever since I watched and reviewed a movie, although it has only been a couple days. So, to fill my horror craving, I decided to watch the 1958 Albert Band classic I Bury the Living, to help pass the evening.

Plot / A newly appointed cemetery chairperson discovers that, merely by inserting a black pin into a wall-sized map of the cemetery, he can cause the deaths of that plot's owner.

This is a great little film! More of an episode of the Twilight Zone than “B” Movie horror, it remains a great example of what can be done on a limited budget. The musical score, tremendous direction and cinematography and solid acting do a wonderful job at setting an eerie mood. These items do a great job backing a sound script with an interesting storyline. Unfortunately, the ending is a bit disappointing, and it brings the movie down a few pegs. It is not a killer, but it definitely hurts the film. Even with that downer, this is a entertaining film and one that horror fans of that era will totally enjoy!