Tales of Terror (1962)

 

Vincent Price stars in this collection of stories inspired by the works of Edgar Allen Poe and directed by Roger Corman.  First we have a story called Morella where a young woman returns home to try and make amends with the father that she never knew.  Not long after she was born the woman’s mother died, having never fully recovered from the delivery.  Distraught with grief and angry with the infant her father sent her away to be raised by others.  But is it her father she needs to worry about or her deceased mother?  In the second story, The Black Cat we are introduced to a drunk portrayed by Peter Lorre.  He is a burden on his wife and takes all of her money to the bar each night.  After stumbling into a wine tasting contest and showing up a snooty wine taster, played by Price, things go from bad to worse.  The third and final story is called The Case of Mr. Valdemar also stars Price as well as Basil Rathbone.  Price’s character is dying and consents to being mesmerized (hypnotized) while on his death bead.  This traps him in a state between life and death as his unscrupulous doctor keeps him in the not dead, but not alive state of being.  Only the love he has for his wife can free him.

 

I always like to let the readers know something’s right away.  First of all I’m a huge mark for Roger Corman flicks.  Second I’m also a big fan of the work of Vincent Price.  But that being said I think that this is a wonderful movie that kept me entertained.  Not once was I bored or watching the clock and in fact was surprised when the movie ended. I liked all three of the stories, but for me the real treat was The Black Cat.  Peter Lorre is great to watch as he stumbles around the screen slurring his speech.  His wonderful performance is only exceeded by that of Price, who is clearly having a blast in the role.  The play between the two of them, especially in the wine tasting scene, is classic.  Sometimes all you have to do with a movie is put a couple of great actors together and let them work.  Morella is also decent, but is much more serious and melodramatic.  The Case of Mr. Valdemar is the weakest of the bunch, but is still fun.  Though there isn’t any chemistry between Rathbone and Price.  After having just watched the Black Cat this was disappointing.  

 

Technically this is a decent movie.  By this time director Corman was working with larger budgets and had plenty of experience.  But still there aren’t any frills and the camera work is pretty pedestrian.  Though there is a bit of effects in Morella with a ghost that caught my eye and looked pretty good.  But other than that Tales of Terror is just a competent effort without any frills.  

 

This movie is available on a double feature with Twice Told Tales for only $15.  While Twice Told Tales isn’t nearly as good as this movie it is still a good deal.  Hell I would say that Tales of Terror alone is worth the price.  I recommend this movie.

 

3 out of 4

 

reviewed by John Shatzer