Halloween Recommendation

[Ignatz]

If anyone is interested in a couple of chilling, subtle and atmospheric horror films this Halloween, check out a twofer just released on Warner Brothers DVD, "I Walked with a Zombie/The Body Snatcher."
Both films were made for RKO in the 1940's by producer Val Lewton (who also gave us the original "Cat People"). "I Walked with a Zombie" is definitely not for George Romero fans. It is more like a Carribbean version of "Jane Eyre," with literate dialogue, gothic mystery and some of the eeriest photography you've ever seen. Images from this movie will linger in your memory forever. The Guardian of the Crossroads, in particular, will haunt you.
"The Body Snatcher" is my favorite horror film, period, and I have sung its praises before on this forum. Based on a story by Robert Louis Stevenson, it tells of a medical college in 19th Century Edinburgh which is forced to deal with grave robbers in order to get dissection subjects for its students. The chief resurrectionist is played by Boris Karloff in the finest performance of his career. (And, yes, I have seen "Frankenstein.") And the story is rich with layer upon layer of irony.

Buy it, borrow it, rent it, add it to your queue on Netflix...do what it takes, but don't miss these unheralded little masterpieces. (No, I'm not on the WB payroll.)

 

[Low_Roads]

Good recommendation, Ignatz! I picked up the entire Val Lewton collection (seven more features and a documentary), and watched the whole of it last week, practically in one sitting. Wonderful cinema... I haven't been able to see any of these films since late-night UHF went to infommericals. I don't think "The Body Snatchers" has ever been released on any home format, and it's one of my favorite films of all time. Karloff and Henry Daniel play brilliantly off each other thanks to chilling, cunningly written dialogue. I'm also most keen on "Curse fo the Cat People", though it's not what most people will expect from a horror film. It should definitely be seen with "The Cat People" for the entire feline package experience.

 

[Ignatz]

I should give "Curse of the Cat People" another try. I first saw it twenty or so years ago, right after seeing "Cat People," and I remember being confused and underwhelmed. As you astutely observe, the sequel is not what you expect it's going to be.
After "Body Snatcher" and IWWAZ, my favorite Lewton film is probably "The Leopard Man." I like the Southwestern setting and, of course, Tourneur's trademark suggested horror.

 

[Low_Roads]

"Curse of the Cat People" is more gentle fable with horror overtones than an all-out scare-fest. Still, I find it an important completion of the theme, as it gives Simone Simon's character a bit of redemption: she was rather screwed by circumstance and (to an extent) by those around her... that she can now interact with these people (through their daughter) in a positive way is uplifting and touching. According the documentary ("Shadows in the Dark") Lewton used this film to explore themes from his own childhood. You're right, though... it probably wouldn't be the best choice for anyone seeking Halloween frights.

I too am very keen on "The Leopard Man". I like "Isle of the Dead" and "The 7th Victim", too, though to a lesser degree. The only Lewton film I can't get four-square behind is one of his most popular: "Bedlam". I find this film pretty preachy, though Karloff again delivers a strong performance and the period scene design is striking.

My personal favorite Jacques Tourneur film is "Night of the Demon", not a Lewton film, of course, but similar in tone. Demon puppet aside (and I've never really minded it), there's much implied menace there as well, lots of undefined blackness and things heard rather than seen. A stand-out performance by Nial McGuiness (sp?), too. In many ways, it's a good companion feature for "The Cat People"... perhaps a better match than its direct sequel.

 

[Ignatz]

I had forgotten that "Night of the Demon" was a Tourneur film. I've always loved it for the reasons you cite and because it's the only movie I know of based on the work of my favorite scary author, M.R. James. The film, of course, expands and takes liberties with his short story "Casting the Runes," but all in all it remains faithful in spirit.
James was a master at intruding his uniquely vivid horrors into very prosaic surroundings. His protagonists are mostly dusty little scholars (as James was himself) inhabiting libraries, museums and estate sales. But James could in a phrase invoke a ghost or devil that will linger in your mind long after you've forgotten the plot of the story. He is the only writer who can make me sit bolt upright, clutching the seat cushion with my butt cheeks, and stifling a yell of terror. (Dover publishes his "Ghost Stories of an Antiquary" and its sequel "More Ghost Stories of an Antiquary.")

 

[Low_Roads]

I've never read "Casting the Runes", but I did scan a brief plot synopsis years ago in literature pertaining to the Tourneur film. It seems far more low key and prosaic (certainly no fire demons bursting from the night sky). Then, good written fiction doesn't need such blanant fireworks to achieve the same effect... Lovecraft accomplishes more with a simple turn of phrase than Wez Craven or John Carpenter have in their whole careers (sorry, I'm a bit of a chauvinist about these filmmakers).

I have a further recommendation for solid Halloween DVD viewing. Universal just released eight Hammer horror films onto two discs (another studio flogging films it didn't produce!) While none of them is top tier, several are quite fine ("Brides of Dracula", "Curse of the Werewolf") and all seem to be seeing home release for the first time. Better still, the price is dirt cheap, about what one would pay for a single new release. Even the out-and-out junk ("Evil of Frankenstien", "Phantom of the Opera") features the trademark Hammer fine performances and superior period detail. No film with Peter Cushing in the cast should ever be ignored!

 

[Ignatz]

I just looked the Hammer set up on Amazon. I may have to spring for that one. I remember "Paranoiac" as being pretty creepy, "Brides" and "Werewolf" as being lush and riveting, and I've always wanted to see "Night Creatures." I have a soft spot in my twisted little heart for all the Hammer flicks (and a hard spot in my britches as well...Hazel Court, Yvonne Romaine, Ingrid Pitt....mmmmm-HM!)

 

[Ignatz]

Heads up, troops! Many of the Val Lewton horror films that LBH and I have been discussing on this thread are being shown back-to-back this Wednesday evening (Oct. 19th) on Turner Classic Movies. Create some popcorn, pour yourself a stiff drink, wrap up in your security blankie and enjoy! Videotape the ones you can't stay awake for. (Reports are due on this thread no later than the end of this week. No excuses.)

 

[Low_Roads]

God bless Ted Turner! He's done great work to insure that valuable vintage cinema is made available modern audiences! I hope plenty tune in to enjoy these films... first-time viewers will be both charmed and creeped out! I look forward to hearing their opinions!

PS: (some days later) Great time fo the site to go on vacation! I hope someone was encouraged to see the movies. I would like to hear feedback.