VeteranLight
I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.
FuzzyTagz
If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
Matylda Swan
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.
Panamint
This film might seem like it should be kind of innocuous before you actually see it, but if you do watch it you will see that in spots it grabs you and forces you to say "wow that was creepy" or "wow that was graphic for 1959". While a bit slow at times due apparently to the director's rather anemic efforts, everyone involved in this production convinces you that they set out to to make a creepy horror film, no kidding and no doubt about that. Henry Daniell fans will love it as he gives an excellent late-career horror performance. He is relentlessly creepy and funereal, and downright scary. Always a polished and accomplished actor, he really delivers and it is worth your time to view him in this film.There are some other legit actors that stay in character and elevate this otherwise low-dollar production. Eduard Franz is a very solid classy actor. Ancient Lumsden Hare is remarkably lively as a butler despite his truly old chronological age.A well-conceived story, lots of skulking around in the shadowy lighting, a sewn-together face, shrunken heads, and some ghoulish special make-up effects related to body parts towards the end will probably leave you with a memory of this creep-fest.
mark.waltz
One of the scariest classic horror movies you've never even heard of is this low-budget independent from United Artists where several classic screen actors get to do their thing, and the plot isn't anywhere near where you think it seems to be going. Henry Danielle, a veteran of some classic horrors (including the cult favorite "The Body Snatcher") gets to be downright evil here as a man bent on revenge on the descendants of a long-dead man he believes guilty of crimes against his own ancestors. A very sinister looking Amazon creature roams around, stabbing the heirs to this curse with a bamboo knife, and like the Queen of Hearts said, "Off With Their Heads!" It truly is a face worse than death as you are soon to find after the first killing shows a sinister finale to veteran character actor Paul Cavanaugh. Veteran character actor Edouard Franz is Cavauaugh's younger brother who shows up after his death with his daughter, the beautiful Valarie French, and before you know it, revenge is taking further steps as the scary native is out with his bamboo knife again and even the law is unable to stop him. Several innocent victims threaten Danielle's plot and it is a fight to the finish for good over evil, with the chills flying fast at the viewer, sometimes leaving them with no moments to breath between frights. This is one of those "keep an eye on your popcorn" movies, as some of those thrills might cause you to accidentally throw your popcorn out of its container in pure terror.
fluna1030
Aaah!! What a classic!! This movie ranks in my top 10 of scary movies. I first saw this movie WAY back in the day when Black & White TV's were the norm (mid to late 60's). Anyways, Released in 1959, this movie tells the story of the Drake Family & how it is faced with an old family curse. The two Drake brothers try to unravel why the family has such a curse upon it. The make up, visual effects and an "eeree" sounding organ give this movie that certain "umph" to scare you. Especially when your watching this late at night! Note: This movie is not for young kids......they'll get nightmares......like I did....when I first saw it. Enjoy!
Michael O'Keefe
From United Artists, a very interesting black & white horror flick. Somewhat predictable, but atmospheric and haunting...you really want to take the invitation to be chilled. Jonathan Drake(Eduard Franz), a professor specializing in the occult and the eldest male descendant of the cursed Drake family, arrives for his last living brother's funeral and it is discovered he has been decapitated right before the services. This continues the curse, and its a doozy that has lasted 200 years; the curse is the work of angry head-shrinker Dr. Emil Zurich(Henry Daniell), who survived a South American jungle massacre led by one of Jonathan's ancestors.Kudos to director Edward L. Cahn for making writer Oville H. Hampton's story put a little chill down our spine and satisfy that thing inside us that draws us to horror films. Sometimes you just can't turn away. And especially those oldies in beautiful black & white. The rest of the cast features other B-film stars you'll recognize; Paul Cavanagh, Grant Richards, Valerie French and Howard Wendell.
