The Terror

Director(s) - Roger Corman (Tales of Terror), Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather), Monte Hellman (Back Door to Hell), Jack Hill (Blood Bath), and Jack Nicholson (Goin' South)
Starring - Boris Karloff (Frankenstein), Jack Nicholson (The Shining), and Sandra Knight (Frankenstein's Daughter)
Release Date - 1963
Genre - Horror
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     The last few weeks I have noticed that I have watched and reviewed several films that were connected to King of the B-Movie, Roger Corman.  Corman has one of the most impressive careers in terms of longevity.  His career has spanned over 60 years.  This man has been producing and directing films for over 6 decades.  That is very impressive considering most can't stay in the business for one decade let alone 6.  He has produced Sorority House Massacre, Mountain Top Motel Massacre, The Slumber Party Massacre, The Raven, Tales of Terror, and so many more classics.  On top of producing he has also directed the now iconic films Tower of London, Pit and the Pendulum, and the original Little Shop of Horrors.  He career is legendary but some people have a hard time getting behind his no budget - cost saving approach to filmmaking.  Recently, I was contacted about the release of the Boris Karloff and Jack Nicholson led supernatural horror film The Terror that was original released in 1963.  The film was getting the bluray treatment and I was asked to share the press release.  I agreed and they were kind enough to send a review copy my way.  Thanks guys for allowing me the opportunity to check it out!
     The film takes in France as we follow an officer in Napoleon's army, Lt. Andre (Nicholson) who is separated from his group and is wondering the beach when he meets a lovely young woman.  The woman is strange and disappears in the surf before reappearing on the nearby hillside.  He chases after and soon finds himself weary and unable to give chase.  He is found by an older lady and her hawk where she nurses him for the night before telling him about the local baron who has ties to the lady he is now looking for.  He visits the baron (Karloff) and learns that the lady he was seeing was actually his late wife that perished 20 years before.  He suspects the baron is lying and starts to investigate his castle where learns the baron is right about her being dead but something far more sinister is at play.

     The older Corman films, circa 50s and 60s, were beautiful films that had amazing atmosphere and beautiful set designs that you just don't see in horror anymore.  Most of the sets were recycled from previous films to save cost but they were still great to look at and really added to that gothic horror vibe that we just don't see anymore.  The Terror used this to it's full advantage.  It was a fun period piece that was able to use two of the greatest actors to step in front of the camera at two ends of their career.  The acting in this one is great.  Karloff once again shines just like every role he was in before.  He goes through a range of emotions and sends chill down your spine with his dialogue delivery.  On the other side of the screen we have Nicholson who gives a commanding performance.  He demands your attention and deserves it.  He absolutely killed it.  The supporting cast is solid as well but they don't steer the scenes like Karloff and Nicholson do.  The story for this one is one you would expect to see on television on Halloween.  We have the witch using magic to bring the dead back to life along with the castle with hidden passages and great gothic atmosphere.  The story does get dry in several scenes which results in wondering viewers but for those that stick it out will really enjoy themselves with the films chocking atmosphere.  Finally, those of you looking for blood or boobs will be let down.  The film has neither but if you want a story rich film that is character driven then you will really enjoy this one.  Overall, The Terror is one of those films that makes me wish I grew up during the time films actually had sets and tried to be ominous.  The film has a great story that could use some revising and a brilliant cast.  Check it out when you can.