A young man comes to collect his beautiful bride from her family's estate, which she shares with her reclusive brother. Upon his arrival, he is warned to leave by Roderick Usher, who is convinced that he and his sister suffer from the same curse that destroyed each of their family members. THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER is the first in a series of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations directed by the great Roger Corman and produced under the American International Pictures label. Corman's initial venture into Poe's works turns out fantastic results filled with rich color and eloquent sets that are quite unlike the cramped productions of many of his earlier B-movies. Even with the beautiful cinematography and design that Corman brought to the picture, the weight of its success lies in another wonderful performance by Horror legend Vincent Price in the role of the tortured Roderick Usher. The paranoia, anxiety, and fear exude from each of the characters just as the mists and shadows creep out of the corners of every set. Corman would go on to create the same brilliant craftsmanship and chilling atmospheres in PIT AND THE PENDULUM, THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH, and several other Gothic classics from the early 60's.
Rating: 9/10.
If you liked HOUSE OF USHER, check out:
THE TERROR, PIT AND THE PENDULUM, WHIP AND THE BODY.
Great review of a great spookshow, Carl! Those shots of the burning mansion were reused over and over again for a number of movies.
ReplyDeleteI have only just seen the Corman / Poe films for the first time this year and love 'um. I used to be a diehard slasher fan, but after discovering Bava, Corman, and Tourneur, I have become a huge Gothic Horror fan!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Corman flick, its so old school, so spooky and atmospheric! Price is awesome, and that finale! Wowzers! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first year I have experienced any of the Corman Poe films, and I cant believe what Ive missed! I regret thinking of him as a cheap B-movie producer all these years, these are some of the greatest Gothic films I have ever seen!
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of Poe film adaptations, I instantly think of the Corman movies! He got the tone and feel of Poe's melancholy, pessimistic and tragic writing just right. And Vincent Price is ALWAYS a pleasure to watch.
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