The Masque of the Red Death(1964).Satan-worshiper Prince Prospero invites several dozen of the local nobility to his castle for protection against an oncoming plague, the Red Death. Prospero orders his guests to attend a masked ball and, amidst a general atmosphere of debauchery and depravity, notices the entry of a mysterious hooded stranger dressed all in red. Believing the figure to be his master, Satan, Prospero is horrified at the revelation of his true identity. Written byDoug Sederberg <vornoff@sonic.net>... Synopsis The Masque of the Red Death(1964)
Movie Title: The Masque of the Red Death(1964)
Run Time: 89 min
Rating: 7.0 / 10
Genres: Horror
Release Date: 24 June 1964 (USA)
Director: Roger Corman
Writer: Charles Beaumont ,R. Wright Campbell , more credit ... and other credits
Actor: Vincent Price,Hazel Court,Jane Asher
One of my favorite horror movies of all time -- and one of Roger Corman's best films, if not his best. The plot adaption from the original Poe story is fantastic, expanding on the plot to make it into a full length film without taking it out of the bounds of Poe's vision. The cast is great too. Price adds a sadistic, morbid class to the film, perfectly believable as the devil-worshipping Prospero. It reminded me of the days when he used to appear in history/literature films, like Elizabeth and Essex or the Three Musketeers. Jane Asher is great as the distressed peasant with a good heart, slowly being corroded by Prospero.
The wardrobe is another plus -- the ballroom outfits and masquerade attire does have one glaring mistake, but is fitting overall. The final scene is absolutely great film-making. The low budget of the film doesn't impede a true romantically creepy climax.
Unique and done very well.
No comments:
Post a Comment