| 1945, British A British 'anthology' film, featuring several increasingly spooky stories related in a spooky old mansion. A very good film, it becomes a great film in the last segment. Very classy, chilling ghost stories in a nice anthology. Hugo, a nasty ventrilloquist dummy is featured in a creepy story which becomes intensely nightmarish by the end. |
| 1945, French Jean Cocteau's excursion from poetry into film is a visual classic. Although the story is familar and predictable, innovative visuals and expert cinematography bring a dreamlike quality to most of this film. Although this is more fantasy than horror, this film singlehandedly makes up for the whole French Jerry Lewis thing. |  |
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1958, American One of William Castle's cheesy films, this was originally released with spooky skeletons flying through the theater. Vincent Price brings his stylish menace to an interesting story with great gothic atmosphere. The 'shooshing' old lady is one of the greatest moments in all of horror history. Worthy of script-mining, this was remade in 1999 with some skill, including Geoffrey Rush's sweet homage to Vincent Price. |
| 1955, American Robert Mitchum at his menacing best in this film noir childhood thriller. Overall, a better movie than the more popular Cape Fear, with an unusual appearance by silent film star Lillian Gish. Banned in Finland (?), this film frequently finds its way to 'best horror' and 'best films ever' lists. Interestingly, this is the only film that Charles Laughton ever directed. LOVE and HATE say it all. Take care to avoid the limp 1991 made for TV remake with Richard Chamberlain. |
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