The Witch's Mirror (1960) aka El Espejo de la Bruja

4 / 5 Dec '10
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Chano Urueta
Written by: Alfredo Ruanova
Actors include: Rosa Arenas, Armando Calvo, Isabela Corona
Genre: Horror
Length: 75 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Even though Carlos Enrique Taboada was only the screenwriter on this film, it's got his mark of quality all over it, what a wicked Mexican director. This film is very stylish (albeit cheap) and it's borrows from several popular stories like Les yeux sans visage [Eyes Without a Face], Frankenstein and Orlacs Hände [The Hands of Orlac] to name a few. It's about a Witch who has a mirror, she finds out that the Lady of the house Elena is doomed to die and nothing she begs the black arts for can save her. Her husband is responsible for her death, and shortly after he brings home a new Lady Deborah. Deborah isn't the nicest girl and she definitely disapproves of anything that reminds her of Elena in the house. Let's just say Elena has her revenge destroying the face of Deborah which is sort of where the next segment leads. I don't want to give more away here but it's cruel, sadistic and surprisingly exciting for the last bit. They may not have had much in the way of budget but they sure managed to make an entertaining and wonderfully satisfying horror film out of what they had.

Availability:  On DVD

Mill Of The Stone Women (1960) aka Il Mulino Delle Donne Di Pietra aka Drops Of Blood

4 / 5 Sept '10
Tagline: Why do warm-blooded beauties suddenly turn to stone?!
Directed by: Giorgio Ferroni
Written by: Remigio Del Grosso, Giorgio Ferroni
Actors include: Pierre Brice, Scilla Gabel, Wolfgang Preiss
Genre: Horror, Mystery
Length: 90 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This was one intriguing French/Italian film shot around Amsterdam, I was surprised how atmospheric and creepy they managed to make it. The little details like the statues and clay arms and such everywhere were so neat and interesting. It's sort of like a Mario Bava film, only less budget, definitely very gothic in nature. The plot is rather like a mystery, we meet a strange young lady called Elfie, her Brother keeps her nearly prisoner in their castle. When a young suitor called Hans appears and falls for Elfie, but shortly after he watches her die in front of him. Things get really peculiar when Elfie appears again alive, and her Brother claims she never died. It's also worth mentioning that the Brother maintains a carousel of the macabre featuring some eerie statues. It really is a good story (though some things could use a tad more explaining), and I was surprised with how spooky it actually is, well worth discovering. I'm surprised a bigger deal hasn't been made out of this, really quite a treat as long as you are patient.

Availability:  On DVD

The House Of Usher (1960) aka The Fall Of The House Of Usher

3.5 / 5 Jan '10
Tagline: Edgar Allan Poe's overwhelming tale of EVIL & TORMENT
Directed by: Roger Corman
Written by: Richard Matheson, Edgar Allan Poe
Actors include: Vincent Price, Mark Damon, Myrna Fahey
Genre: Horror, Drama, Romance
Length: 75 minutes
Banned: Norway

Review:
Though I did like this I didn't think it was as amazing as it could have been. Honestly I knew nothing of this story going into watching this, and this is the first version of the story I've seen. It's got atmosphere down pat as it's very much in the style of so many Hammer films which is a good thing. Also who can resist Vincent Price? He plays a rather strange blonde fellow who lives in a creepy castle with his Sister Madeline. After a Suitor named Phillip comes round for Madeline he's soon warned that she cannot leave the house. It seems their is some sort of family curse that causes family members to die when they consider leaving. As soon as Madeline makes up her mind to try to leave with Phillip bad things start happening, it's like the house is trying to kill them! Something really strange is going on there and the story is an amusing little one really. It is surprising, it's very gothic feeling and it's entertaining, it just wasn't one of my favorites is all.

Availability:  On DVD

13 Ghosts (1960)

3.5 / 5
Tagline: IT'S FUN TO BE SCARED BY 13 GHOSTS
Directed by: William Castle
Written by: Robb White
Actors include: Charles Herbert, Jo Morrow, Martin Milner
Genre: Horror
Length: 84 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Oh it's cute for a kiddies kinda film...I mean it's absolutely not frightening in any way but it's kitschy and fun in a way that only Castle can be. The gimmick on this one was "Illusion-O" glasses that the audience in the theatre would put on as soon as they saw one of our characters wear glasses. Of course watching this at home without glasses I kinda lost that effect but since it was so cheaply done I hardly believe it would have made a difference. The premise is that a poor family discover that their rich scientist Uncle (who collected ghosts) died and has left them their house. Things start moving around at will and ghosts keep appearing and startling the family. There are also rumors of money being lost from the estate, a creepy Housekeeper who comes with the house (played by Margaret Hamilton from The Wizard of Oz of course). It's rather wholesome, it's got a few laughs and it's easy to watch, I would definitely show this to children though!

Availability:  On DVD