Last Seen pre-1970 Classic/Vintage Horror Movie?

[FryeDwight]

CURSE OF THE SWAMP CREATURE (1968). While COTSC is better than most of Larry Buchanan's films, it's still a Larry Buchanan movie and still mind numbingly bad. A scientist's attempts to create an "Indestructible Fish man" in the Texas swamps are hindered by constant failures, the hysteria of his trophy wife (Francine York, who was in lots of TV and films, is lovely and about the only good thing here) and the showing up of a group led by John Agar searching for oil in the area. Good for insomnia. *

[hammerfan]

The Pit and the Pendulum (Vincent Price)

[FryeDwight]

20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA (1916). Based on the Jules Verne novel. For a film barely scratching the 90 minute mark, a lot is thrown in here; the original source, Verne's MYSTERIOUS ISLAND and much more. While the performances may seem antiquated, they certainly aren't bad. The highlight of the film for Me is, I believe, the first film to utilize underwater filming and I can only imagine the reactions of audiences at the time. The world certainly was smaller and more innocent then-how little We knew of the oceans then and how little We still don't know. ***

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Die, Monster Die, 1965. 6/10

Director: Daniel Haller

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Queen of Blood, 1966. 6/10

Director: Curtis Harrington

[Tommy Jarvis]

Indestructible Man 1956 ★★★

One of the later Lon Chaney Jr pictures, although the real star is the narrator who I can only describe as Posh Jerry Orbach.

One of these fifties sci-fi horrors with the type of campiness that will never not be fun.

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Pit and the Pendulum 1961 ★★★★

A great vintage classic with Vincent Price in prime shape.

Well recommended.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1956 ★★★★

One of the occasions where the remake improved on the original.

Don't let this fool you, though. This fifties sci fi horror perfectly manages to capture the mounting paranoia and dread. You feel for doctor Winnell and you hope he and Becky will escape. Also, I am sure that the "you're next"-shot had a way bigger impact on the public in that time.

And, mind you, for a fifties movie, the special effects hold up pretty damn good too.

One side note: while open, the ending leaves at least a glimmer of hope. Especially when compared to the soul crushing ending of the seventies version.

At least, humanity still has a fighting chance, even if victory is far from certain.

Well worth seeing.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Equinox 1970 ★★★★

Equinox was a great ride. A rollercoaster of weird monsters, posessions and sixties styled acid trips. Or at least, what I would imagine them to be.

I will get back to this in the future and write a more extensive review, but for now I will suffice by highly recommending it.

[FryeDwight]

Originally Posted by Tommy Jarvis

Indestructible Man 1956 ★★★

One of the later Lon Chaney Jr pictures, although the real star is the narrator who I can only describe as Posh Jerry Orbach.

One of these fifties sci-fi horrors with the type of campiness that will never not be fun.

"The Lon-Ster" isn't bad is this, although He was really beginning to decline. I do laugh at the part where He chases the guy on the crutches that guy is flying!

FUEGO (1968). I had never heard of Isabel Sarli until reading about Her on the great JR-Sploitation site (which may be gone as not seen it the last month). She was "Miss Argentina" in the 50's, met director Armando Bo and became the constant in his films which featured ample nudity from Isabel and always near water as well. Being no fool, Armando normally cast himself as her love interest, although some later films used his son, which is kind of off putting. One thing for sure, she ws stunning; almost Salma Hayek times 2.

The story focuses on a nymphomaniac who falls in love and marries a rich older man. While her love is true, her hyper sexuality cannot be contained with all sorts of situations; a phone repair man, her rather masculine maid and one shake-head worthy scene where she walks through town propositioning wearing only a fur coat and boots. Is there any hope for her salvation?

Extremely campy and I was not really surprised when I found out John Waters was a big fan of this; in fact, I think He modeled leading performer Divines look based on Bo's film. ***

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Bride of Frankenstein 1935 ★★★★½

I was struck by how much happens in the short runtime, since the actual Bride part is kept until the very end. For the slow pace some of the vintage films are known for, this one has quite a lot going on.

The opening bit explaining the origin of the story was okay. Even if they lived in the same era, putting Lord Byron and Mary Shelley in the same room came across as a bit forced. Also, while I'm sure it was meant well at the time, stressing the idea that one of the all time horror classics was written by a woman, the dialogue cannot help but look dated by current standards. The overstressing of the frail little woman. We got it.

For a horror movie, this film also has one or two touching moments. Like when the monster strikes up a friendship with a blind man. Masterfully linked to the ensuing tragedy.

Or how the monster at first comes across as rough around the edges. But then at the end, of all people, he has the wise insight that he and Pretorius are better off dead. In fact, his whole story arc in this film is a testament to personal growth. Learning how to speak, gaining insight in life and human relations,...

I also liked how they entered Pretorius and made him out to be more of an explicit villain. And make him really mean and heartless. Thus making and well understanding one of the big sequel rules: go big or go home. The other side characters were fleshed out well too. With the gossipy busy body as a well done comic relief.