October 17, 2009: House of Wax (1953)As we get closer to Halloween its time to really get into the best of the best when it comes to classic horror movies, starting with House of Wax.
André de Toth's remake of MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM is one of the first and best 3-D (stereoscopic) feature films, an alternative technology (like Cinemascope, Cinerama) used by 1950s directors attempting to compete with the new threat of television. Professor Jarrod (Vincent Price) is a devoted wax figure sculptor for his museum in 1910s NYC. When his financial partner, Sidney Wallace (Paul Cavanagh), demands more sensational exhibits to increase profits, Jarrod refuses. The vengeful Wallace torches the museum, leaving Jarrod for dead. Miraculously, Jarrod survives (though his hands and legs are rendered useless) and builds a new House of Wax with help from threatening deaf-mute sculptor, Igor (Charles Bronson). The museum's popular "Chamber of Horrors" showcases recent crimes like the murder of Wallace, a victim of a cloaked, disfigured killer along with his fiancée, Cathy (Carolyn Jones). When Cathy's friend, Sue (Phyllis Kirk), visits the museum she makes a discovery that leads to the horrifying truth behind the House of Wax.
They remade this movie and it was awful, I mean they put Paris Hilton in it and they just spell disaster. Plus the remake lost everything that made the original genuinely creepy.
I first saw this movie as a kid and after I watched it I was creeped out for a week. It was so effective in really scaring me that I always remember sitting down for the first time and watching it. The effect of the film has changed over the years, but it still holds that creep factor that will make anyone feel uneasy after they watched it.
Vincent Price is the best, he truly is a legend and he is this movie. Price gives a stellar performance and I really do miss his on screen talent. We have no one like him anymore.
This movie is by far a classic and it should be on everyones must see list.
No comments:
Post a Comment