Nightmare

Director - Freddie Francis (Tales from the Crypt, Legend of the Werewolf)

Starring - David Knight (The Devil's Agent, Clue of the Twisted Candle), Moira Redmond (Alleyn Mysteries, A Shot in the Dark), and Jennie Linden (Dr. Who and the Daleks, Tales of the Unexpected)

Release Date - 1964

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "THREE SHOCKING MURDERS.  Did she dream them?... or do them?"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Hammer released some seriously unforgettable horror films during their years in production.  Their partnership with Universal Pictures brought their classic monsters into a whole new light that still delight fans to this day.  During their years they released so many amazing films and over time several of them have become buried or overlooked by genre fans.  In 1964 Hammer released the gothic horror tale Nightmare to audiences. It never clicked with fans like their Universal adaptations but is till a fantastic horror film.  Over the years you could find it locked away in several of the Hammer box sets as another title that was meant to boost the count in the set without receiving the treatment it truly deserved.  That changed when Scream Factory announced the blu release of this often overlooked film.  I had seen this one several times over the years and couldn't wait to revisit it so I reached out to Scream and they were kind enough to send a review copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows Janet (Linden) who is away at a private school but reoccurring nightmares force her expulsion.  She returns to her home with her maid, driver, and on occasion, her guardian Henry Baxter (Knight).  Her mother snapped when she was younger and killed her father resulting in Janet's fear that she would inherit her mother's mental disorder.  After returning home she finds herself haunted by visions of a woman with a distinctive scar on her cheek.  After several hauntings she is introduced to Baxter's bride who just happens to be the woman from her visions.  Janet snaps and kills her resulting in her incarceration.  However, the woman that she had been seeing in her visions was actually a plant from Baxter and as more murders appear he wonders if his plan to have his wife killed did push Janet over the edge or is something more supernatural happening in the estate.

     Nightmare is far from the best that Hammer had to offer.  In fact, I wouldn't include it in my top ten or even top twenty but that doesn't make it a bad film.  In fact, it's real enjoyable and the story oddly works even though it's predictable while combining elements from other films.  You have to give this one a chance but if you go into it with a negative attitude you will be very disappointed.  The acting for this one is very enjoyable.  Knight is fantastic as the loving father figure and the calculative man with greed and lust on his mind.  His performance is fantastic and even though the story is predictable his performance and character progression makes it worth watching.  Linden is great as well.  Her intensity steals the scene.  She gives the movie her all and is fantastic.  The supporting cast is great as well with so many great performances.  The story for this one blends the main plot from Strangers on a Train with Nightmare Castle which would release a year later based on a popular plot from other films before it.  It's predictable but not bad.  The film is essentially split up into two parts but it works.  You follow the story like a good book that you've read many times before.  It's a lot of fun especially when it's combined with the amazing set locations and atmosphere.  Finally, the film doesn't give us blood but does more than make up for it with great cinematography and fantastic sets.  Overall, Nightmare is a great watch especially if you are looking for something with great atmosphere to watch late at night.  Snag this release from Scream Factory because you will not be disappointed. 

Children of the Damned

Director - Anton Leader (The Twilight Zone, Star Trek)

Starring - Ian Hendry (Theater of Blood, Damien: Omen II), Alan Badel (The Agatha Christie Hour, The Medusa Touch), and Barbara Ferris (The Strauss Family, The Human Jungle)

Release Date - 1964

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Beware the eyes that paralyze!!!"

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I grew up spending a lot of time with my grandmother.  When I was little my mom abandoned me and her step-mom stepped in to help raise my little sister and myself while my dad was out of town for work.  This was a little while after I was almost adopted but that's a story for a different time.  My grandmother lived on the original incarnation of the Sci-Fi Channel.  The nights I would be with her I would snag some tapes from the local video store and if nothing sparked our interests on Sci-Fi we would toss one in.  I can't remember if it was airing on television or it was something that I had rented but it was during one of these many nights at her home that I watched the Children of the Damned.  I remember enjoying it and years later when I found a copy of it on DVD I didn't hesitate to snag a copy.  When Warner Bros. announced the release of the film on blu several weeks back I thought this was a great time to revisit it and get that wave of nostalgia flooding back.  I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows six exceptional young children who have the ability to speak with one another telepathically and other worldly powers.  Some scientists discover this connection and want to further explore their possibilities but their respective ambassadors want to return them back to their homeland to further their own causes.  However, once news breaks about how exceptional they really are they are immediately deemed a threat to national security forcing the military to act.

     Children of the Damned is scarier in theory that it is in execution.  Don't get me wrong.  I think this is a highly effective horror film from the early 60s that has atmosphere, tension, and an amazing location but is not as terrifying as it could be.  I know I often say that about films from this era but the movie definitely doesn't reach it's potential.  The acting in this one is great.  Most child actors from this time often deliver awkward and stiff performances.  However, the young cast made the film very eerie.  They are cold, chilling, and fit the film so fucking well.  The adult cast is great as well but these children really made this movie what it is.  The story for this one is works but leaves a lot on the table in my opinion.  Children with the power of these six could create so much more carnage and chaos than they do but the film paints them are misunderstood while the adults are the monsters.  That's a cool concept that they went with but it's not a chilling of a horror film than a film where kids are mercilessly killing adults who are unable to fight back.  I know it sounds like Children of the Corn and other films but could you imagine a film with that story set again the sets and atmosphere this one delivers.  Such a missed opportunity.  The movie, as it is, is still entertaining and one I could recommend to genre fans but I can't stop thinking about the "what if" aspect.  Finally, there is some deaths but don't expect to see amazing special effects and ton of blood.  I did like the contacts and the camera tricks they used to make them work but that's the extent for that.  Overall, Children of the Damned is a gorgeous horror film with a solid story, great cast, and amazing sets.  I loved the locations used.  I know it sounds like I'm bitching about the movie but I still enjoy it.  I highly recommend it.  

Death Whispers the Blues

Director - Jesus Franco (Night of Open Sex, Emmanuelle Exposed)

Starring - Condrado San Martin (The Awful Dr. Orlof, The Black Duke), Danik Patisson (Madame D, Sinners of Paris), and Perla Cristal (Condemned to Hell, The Black Pearl)

Release Date - 1964

Genre - Crime/Drama

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Jess Franco and myself have had a complicated history.  Some of his films I've really enjoyed while others were extremely difficult for me to finish.  I can vouch for his sexploitation flicks.  It seems like most of those that he has helmed have been fairly enjoyable but his other efforts are not really my cup of tea.  A few weeks ago Severin Films announced the release of Franco Noir.  This double feature included Death Whispers the Blues and Rififi in the City.  I decided to spin the first film which was originally released as La Muerte Silba un Blues.  I want to thank Severin and MVD for sending this one over.

     The film follows a two-timing gangster who sells out his two friends.  One of them dies at the hand of the police while the other is arrested.  Some time goes by and the other is released from prison with vengeance on his mind.

     Jess Franco was a very talented filmmaker but a good portion of the films he made were not for me.  In fact, I've probably seen more films of his that I didn't like than films I did.  Death Whispers the Blues is another one on the list of Franco films that was over my headed.  It was a difficult one for me to follow and the dialogue heavy scenes and awkward acting made it hard for me to finish it.  I know Franco is a fantastic filmmaker but I struggle to like his films outside of the horror and sexploitation releases.  The acting is not that enjoyable in my opinion.  The cast is very charismatic and natural in front of the camera but their dialogue doesn't feel natural.  It's forced and when you consider how dialogue heavy the film is you will find yourself very underwhelmed.  The story for this one has all the makings of a solid crime drama but the basic story is stretched far too thin.  A man turning on his cohorts is a solid set up for a gangster drama but that is pretty much the entire premise for this one.  It's stretched far too thin and the dialogue heavy scenes are dull and hardly do anything to move the story along.  A lot could be trimmed down from this one.  Finally, there is a few dead bodies but there is no blood or gore.  The deaths are gun related with no effects so those of you looking for memorable death scenes will be very disappointed.  Overall, Death Whispers the Blues is a solid premise but the film itself is too drawn out and dull.  Fans of Franco may still want to check it out but if you are looking for something new to watch this is one I can not recommend.  

The Leather Boys

Director - Sidney J. Furie (Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, Iron Eagle)

Starring - Rita Tushingham (Mysteries, Black Journal), Colin Campbell (I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes), and Dudley Sutton (Cockney's vs. Zombies, Fun at the Funeral Parlour)

Release Date - 1964

Genre - Drama/Romance

Tagline - "The frustrations of sexual conflict"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     When American Genre Film Archive announces a new film I often jump on it without a second guess.  They have released some of my favorite films over the years but sometimes they do release something that I just don't care for.  When I saw that AGFA was teaming up with Shout Factory I immediately tossed it in my cart without even reading the title.  When it finally arrived I had to work The Leather Boys into my schedule because I couldn't wait to spin it.

     The film follows a young motorcycle enthusiast who becomes a young newlywed.  His honeymoon starts off on shaky ground and after a few months the shine of marriage is quickly fading.  He finds himself falling out of love with his wife Dot who spends all her time on her looks and not enough time playing housewife.  He soon finds companionship in a fellow leather boy and when his grand-father suddenly passes away he invites his new friend in to stay with him and his grand-mother.  This friendship then blossoms into a romance that shakes the very foundations of his family and marriage.  

     I knew that The Leather Boys was an early piece of queer cinema from the mid-60s which made me really excited to check it out.  I had heard it mentioned by other cult cinema fans but after finally getting to see it I was not a fan.  Don't get me wrong because this is not a bad movie.  In fact, it's a phenomenal movie but I found myself bored through most of it.  I like bad movies and most people know my love for trashy cinema and this is not one of them.  I recommend it for fans looking for mid-60s cult flicks but if you are like me and enjoy exploitation then you will find yourself underwhelmed with it.  The acting in this one is great.  The cast is absolutely brilliant and they work so well together.  Their on screen chemistry is unmatched and the characters are perfectly portrayed.  With that being said, I found myself struggling to actually like the characters.  The cast does a fantastic job and the characters fit the film very well but they were boring to me.  I was expecting much more personality.  The story for this one does take a bit to get going but it does take risks especially for a movie in the mid-60s.  It's not often that you find a movie from this time that deals with sexuality in this manner.  Though the sixties were known as the generation of free love it was mostly meant for straight love.  Having a film take on something so taboo as homosexuality was almost unheard of at this time.  The risk does work but it takes some time to get to the meat of the story.  Finally, don't expect a blood bath with this one.  The film is character and story driven with no blood and gore for you sick fucks out there.  Overall, The Leather Boys is an important piece of cinema and some will enjoy it.  However, I was bored to tears through most of it.  I recommend it for cult movie fans but if you are like me and enjoy the sleazier side of cinema then I would skip it.  The release from AGFA and Shout Factory looks absolutely fantastic.  Collectors will want to snatch this one up.  

The Horror of Party Beach

 



Director - Del Tenney (The Curse of the Living Corpse, I Eat Your Skin)
Starring - John Scott (The Curse of the Living Corpse), Alice Lyon, and Allan Laurel
Release Date - 1964
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Weird atomic beasts who live off human blood"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      I have a big heart for horror.  There is so many sub-genres, decades, trends, and eras that I love.  From pre-Romero zombie films to modern horror porn.  I love it all.  I have a soft spot for horror and exploitation films from the drive-in era of cinema.  These cheesy and campy tales remind me of checking out movies on cable late at night or renting them on tape at the local ma and pop video store as a kid.  I own a metric ton of these films but there is always a movie from this time getting a release that I have never heard of.  A few months back Severin Films released the 1964 creature feature The Horror of Party Beach on blu.  I had never seen this one so I reached out to them for a review copy.  They were kind enough to send one my way.

     The film follows a small beach community when a string of murders pop up.  The police and a couple of twenty somethings investigate them when they uncover a severed hand from an unknown creature.  They are able to uncover that the hand belonged to a creature who needs human blood to survive.  Now they have to stop it before it kills again...but it isn't alone.

 

  

     I always go into a 1960s creature feature with high expectations and I'm rarely let down.  I don't mean high standards.  I mean that I have high expectations in regards to the cheesy factor.  Movies like The Horror of Party Beach always have that campy vibe that makes for a great late night viewing experience.  This film was no exception.  The acting in this matching the film.  The cast hams up every scene but they do it well.  They really get into their characters and have fun doing it.  The story for this one is simple but fits in perfectly with the age of the atomic and radioactive monsters.  Creatures that were born from toxic waste dumped on dead bodies in the ocean is pretty fucking awesome.  My biggest complaint is that this story would have worked very well as a serious monster movie instead of the one in the same line as The Giant Claw.  Finally, if you want blood and gore you wont find it.  If you want just a little fake blood and rubber monster suits that look like monsters have a mouth full of hot dogs then you came to the right place!  Overall, The Horror of Party Beach is a fun monster movies from the 60s that doesn't take itself seriously.  It is entertaining for what it is and the blu from Severin looks great.  Check it out. 



At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul

Director - Jose Mojica Marins (Hellish Flesh, Awakening of the Beast)
Starring - Jose Mojica Marins, Magda Mei, and Nivaldo Lima
Release Date - 1964
Genre - Horror
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     There is literally hundreds of movies I've wanted to watch over the years and have never found myself in the position to check them out.  A good bit are movies I've seen in documentaries floating around when I was in middle school or high school.  Some I had heard about from other horror fans and the movie is hard to come by.  There is a few movies that I learned about from Cinemassacre's Monster Madness that ran for several Octobers.  One set of films that really caught my eye was the Coffin Joe films and how James Rolfe described them.  I was so fascinated by them but I could never find myself with the funds to fork out for the amazing box set.  Synapse recently released the official Coffin Joe trilogy in a box set and single released the first two films At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul and This Night I'll Posses Your Corpse.  They were kind enough to send those my way for review.

     The film follows mortician Ze Do Caixo (Marins) who does not fit in with his small town.  He speaks out against religion and will cut anyone down that steps in his way.  He lives with his wife and is obsessed with having his very own son but his wife is barren.  He kills her with a spider and makes it look like an accident before raping his friends wife.  She could not live with herself over the rape and kills herself robbing Coffin Joe of his son.

    




     What really pulled me into the Coffin Joe universe was the mood and atmosphere.  The film looked like it had a story to tell and the character of Coffin Joe walked you through every minute of it.  When I finally got the movies to review I was not disappointed.  The acting in this one is no consistent.  Jose Mojica Marins absolutely killed it as Coffin Joe.  He was chilling, domineering, and controlled every scene he was in.  I have never seen an actor take center stage like Marins did with his portrayal of Coffin Joe.  Sadly, the supporting cast is nowhere near his level so most of the scenes are uneven or awkward to watch.  The story for this one is so fucking simple but leaves a lasting impact especially when you consider it was released in 1964.  The film touches on death, anti-religion, anti-Christianity, and rape which was generally not discussed in film at that time.  The story was very shocking but it had substance to go along with it.  Finally, the film does have some blood and some solid practical effects but it is not gory.  There is some blood and solid effects but that is the extent of that.  Overall, At Midnight I'll Take You Soul is a film that truly needs to be seen to be believed.  It looks great and the character of Coffin Joe should be on everyone's list for favorite villain.  Check it out.  

At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul

                                                                          By Mrpaka

-What is life? It is the beginning of death. What is death? It is the end of life! What is existence? It is the continuity of blood. What is blood? It is the reason to exist!- Zé do Caixão

                “At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul” is considered to be the first Brazilian horror film. It would go on to spawn two sequels and be responsible for creating the iconic Brazilian madman, Coffin Joe. 

                Coffin Joe is a mortician in a small town; he is known and feared for his mean streak and burning hatred of superstition. His only goal is to procreate with the perfect woman, thus creating a perfect child.  “At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul” is Brazil’s answer to the universal horror film of the 30s, 40s, and 50s while managing to be a bit edgier than its gothic American predecessors, without losing that iconic feeling the Universal monsters had. The film’s success is due in a huge part to the titular character; his long finger nails, tall hat, quotable dialogue, and menacing laugh are very memorable. It’s no surprise that the Coffin Joe character would gain popularity. José Mojica Marins, who plays the lead, manages to direct as well. The atmospheric setting of a small town is well done; the sets are cheap but effective and the town’s people come across sympathetic. It’s hard not to feel slightly bad when one decides to take a stand against Joe’s cruelty and pays dearly for it. It is apparent that “At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul” is a bit dated and cheesy by some of the scenes, but still manages to pack a punch. The religion boundaries are definitely crossed; the idea of an atheist character having so much power and making a mockery of the Christian faith seems pretty touchy in 1964. The most memorable scene of this shows Joe eating a leg of lamb from the comfort of his rocking chair, laughing hysterically, while just outside his window, a church procession marches past on their way to prayer…. for Lent. Joe’s other escapades include mocking the dead and murdering to get his way. The murder scenes are when Coffin Joe leaves its somewhat Western feel and turns into more of a horror film.  Joe’s murders lead him to being cursed by his victims and soon Joe must face the truth about life and death. This set of circumstances opens the door for a wonderful improvisation from our lead as he is attacked by the spirits of people he has wronged.

                Synapse has remastered “At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul” from its original elements; it is presented on DVD in widescreen in the best possible quality. The DVD edition includes a short film by the director, an interview about the film, and more. “At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul” is an interesting film and will be intriguing to fans of older horror, foreign horror, and/or oddball cinema.

Coffin Joe makes his film debut in AT MIDNIGHT I'LL TAKE YOUR SOUL (À Meia-Noite Levarei Sua Alma), the first installment of the Coffin Joe Trilogy. Coffin Joe (known as Zé do Caixão, and portrayed by director José Mojica Marins) is a mysterious undertaker in a small Brazilian town. He frowns upon religion and is bitter because his wife cannot bear him a child. After violently killing his wife with a venomous spider, the murder, mutilation and blasphemy escalates as Joe stops at nothing to find a new woman to continue his evil bloodline. The town's gypsy has a warning for Coffin Joe... the spirits of those he killed may return to claim his soul! Will Coffin Joe escape the wrath of the dead and finally get the child he's always wanted, or will unholy terror claim him for his hideous crimes?

AT MIDNIGHT I'LL TAKE YOUR SOUL is celebrated as the first true horror film ever made in Brazil and is extremely graphic and frightening for its time. Startling, atmospheric and incredibly gruesome, this film is followed by THIS NIGHT I'LL POSSESS YOUR CORPSE and EMBODIMENT OF EVIL (all available from Synapse Films).

Special Features:

- 35mm negative scan supervised by director José Mojica Marins

- The Making of AT MIDNIGHT I'LL TAKE YOUR SOUL (10 minutes)

- José Mojica Marins discusses his short film, REINO SANGRENTO (1952) (9 minutes)

- Interview with José Mojica Marins (6 minutes)

- New scene filmed in 2002

- Introduction to the film by Coffin Joe

- Original theatrical trailer and rare promotional trailer

http://www.cavd.com/product.php?productid=2754

Mozambique

Director - Robert Lynn (Code 7, Victim 5)
Starring - Steve Cochran (The Virginian), Hildegard Knef (The Dirty Dozen), and Paul Hubschmid (Skullduggery)
Release Date - 1964
Genre - Action/Adventure
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     My non-horror double feature continues as I finish up the second film in one of Blue Undergrounds bluray releases.  I recently checked out Code 7, Victim 5 and really enjoyed it.  It brought about an new interest in late 60s and early 70s action and spy films.  Though the action is not that impressive the characters and story still draw me in.  Mozambique is the second film in the set and looked like it had just as much fun as Code 7, Victim 5.   I want to once again thank Blue Underground for sending this over for myself an Horror Society to check out and review!

     The film follows a pilot who has been black listed after he wrecked an aircraft and was the only survivor.  He is asked to go to Mozambique for work where is tossed in the middle of a a drug ring where he is kidnapped, forced to fight off armed gunman, poisonous snacks, and beautiful women just to get a payday.  

     

     These action adventure films is a great distraction from some of the no budget horror flicks that are sent my way.  I love horror and I love indie horror but sometimes I need some mind numbing fun.  The Code 7, Victim 5 and Mozambique did their jobs.  The acting in this one is solid for the most part but no one stands out above the others.  In fact, the film could have cast anyone and it would have still flowed the way it did.  The story for this one is actually very interesting but it was roughly executed.  The editing just seemed off which made the storytelling suffer.  There was several times where I was a little confused as to what as going on.  A little tighter editing and a little better writing would have made this one so much better.  Finally, the film does have some acting but it was very lackluster for the most part but some scenes did make up for others.  Overall, Mozambique is another solid 60s action adventure flick that has a solid enough story and some action that was worth your time.  I recommend checking it out.  

Code 7, Victim 5

Director - Robert Lynn (Ghost Squad)
Starring - Lex Barker (Night Gallery), Ann Smyrner (Reptilicus), and Ronald Fraser (The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles)
Release Date - 1964
Genre - Action/Adventure
Tagline - "A very special agent with a code that means he can go all the way"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Last week I decided to take a break from my beloved horror and check out two action adventure spy films from the late 60s that was recently released by Blue Underground on a double feature bluray.  The first film in the set was surprisingly fun so I immediately checked out the second film which did not hit the spot like the first did.  I decided to wait a few days before venturing on to another Blue Underground double feature blue.  After reviewing The Witch and the novel Night Things: Undead and Kicking I decided to venture out and check out that other double feature.  The first in the set is Code 7, Victim 5.  Thanks Blue Underground for once again hooking me up.  

     The film follows a wealthy man living in South Africa who is concerned for his life when his butler is murdered along with several other former colleagues.  He hires a detective to apprehend those responsible because he does not have trust in the local police.  The detective immediately starts working the case and learns that his new employer is keeping something from him when everything keeps coming back to an old photograph that he found on one of the dead.  He then learns the history behind the photo and how history has come back to bite the wealthy man in the ass.
     Last week when I reviewed The Million Eye of Sumuru I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this film and it really inspired me to check out the other action adventure flicks from the time.  The sequel had it's moments but failed to deliver for the most part.  Code 7, Victim 5 was another great action film from the time.  It blended story, narrative, and some fun characters.  The acting in this one was decent for the most part.  Lex Barker and Ronald Fraser do a tremendous job in their roles.  They made every scene they were in fun and really made the story seem much bigger than it was.  The remainder of the cast was, sadly, not that memorable.  Anyone could have been cast in those roles and the film would have been the same.  The story for this one is actually somewhat clever for the kind of film we get.  The story almost flows like a who done it slasher from the late 70s and early 80s but set in the backdrop of an action adventure film.  I really enjoyed that angle of mystery the film delivered before dropping a Scooby-Doo ending on us.  The film does have have several slow scenes that tries the viewer's patience but the story flows very well.  Finally, those of you looking for action may be satisfied with this one.  The film has some action, car chases, and so on but they are far in between.  The action itself was fun considering the time and budget of the film.  It really brought the story on home.  Overall, Code 7, Victim 5 was a great movie.  It was fun, had some action, and the film's lead was perfectly cast.  Check it out!

Blood and Black Lace

https://youtu.be/Gg2d3GJPOS8

The Last Man on Earth

Director - Ubaldo Ragona (Una Vergine Per un Bastardo)
Starring - Vincent Price (House on Haunted Hill), Franca Bettoia (Don't Touch the White Woman!), and Emma Danieli (Guns of the Black Witch)
Release Date - 1964
Genre - Horror
Tagline(s) - "By night they leave their graves, crawling, shambling, through empty streets, whimpering, pleading, begging for his blood!" "Do you dare to imagine what it would be like to be... the last man on earth... or the last woman?" and "Alive among the lifeless... alone among the crawling creatures of evil that make the night hideous with their inhuman craving!"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (15 Horror Movies Volume 2)

Rating (out of 5):

     Growing up I missed out on a lot of Vincent Price's films.  I was able to watch House on Haunted Hill multiple times on cable and I owned Edward Scissorhands on VHS.  This was the extent of my Vincent Price filmography.  However, years later that all changed when I started collecting DVDs.  I gradually started collecting all his films over the years and with time I came across multiple box sets that contained this little film.  While I was still in high school me and a few friends decided to throw this film in and see how it faired.  Since then I have watched it over and over and, along with House on Haunted Hill, is one of my favorite Price films so far.

    The film follows Dr. Robert Morgan who is the sole survivor of a plague that wiped out the entire population of Earth.  Those infected turn in to the living dead that fear sunlight and have an insatiable appetite for the living.  Unfortunately for Morgan he is immune to the disease and is destined to live in a hellish cycle from day to day.  Every morning he must leave his home to scavenge for supplies and repair what part of his home was destroyed during the night by the infected bloodthirsty fiends.  After he has gathered supplies and repairs his home he goes out and slaughters the undead as they hide from the daylight.  This is an everyday routine for Morgan, however, one day he is thrown for a loop when he spots a young lady walking in the daylight.  He invites her in to his home and discovers that she is taking medication allowing her to walk in the daylight and not crave blood.  He quickly discovers that she is part of a group that discovered a drug  to survive and Morgan has been unknowingly killing them thinking they are the fiends.  The group sent the young girl out to distract Morgan so they can kill him...and they do.

     We owe the way we look at zombies now to George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead.  Before this movie zombies were associated with voodoo and were mindless slaves that did their master's bidding.  Post-Night of the Living Dead zombies are flesh hungry fiends that have an insatiable appetite for the living.  However, NotLD was heavily influenced by The Last Man on Earth and the book that inspired the film, Richard Matheson's I Am Legend.  Without this film film, though more related to vampires than zombies, zombies would not be as they are today.  I have seen this film more times than I care to count and every time I watch it I cant take my eyes off the screen.  The acting is slightly bad in this with the obvious exception of Vincent Price.  Price once again gives an amazing performance.  There is a reason Price is a legend among not only in the horror community but the entire film community.  The storyline is very simple but very effective.  Combine that with Price's power performance and the sky is the limit.  The film also has an amazing sense of dread and great atmosphere.  Finally, I have seen two versions of the film; the black and white version as well as the colorized version.  The film was meant to be seen in black and white, therefore, the special effects were created just for that.  Though they are nothing special they still are a bit more effective when compared to the colorized version.  Overall, this is a classic film that deserves a lot of credit in shaping the way we see zombies now-a-days.  I highly recommend this one.