“House of Usher 1960” is a horror classic. A woman goes to visit her lover’s family, cursed to decay. Gothic ambiance and suspenseful music make the viewer feel claustrophobic. The house is a character itself, rotting and decaying alongside the family. Incestuous undertones make for an uncomfortable viewing experience. The film ends in a dramatic and haunting conclusion.
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Review
As I sit here to write this article about one of my all-time favorite horror movies, “House of Usher,” I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. This film, which was released in 1960, has stood the test of time and is still regarded as a masterpiece by many horror fans. So, let’s dive into what makes this movie so special.
First and foremost, the storyline is captivating. Based on the classic Edgar Allan Poe short story, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” the movie follows Roderick Usher (played brilliantly by Vincent Price), who is convinced that his family is cursed and that his sister Madeline (Myrna Fahey) will suffer the same fate as their ancestors. He begs his childhood friend, Philip Winthrop (Mark Damon), who is in love with Madeline, to take her away from the house before it’s too late.
The plot thickens as Madeline seemingly dies and is buried in the family crypt. However, she later returns from the dead as a zombie-like creature seeking revenge on Roderick for burying her alive. The tension and suspense throughout the film are palpable.
One interesting fact about this movie is that it was actually produced by American International Pictures (AIP) on a tight budget of only $270,000. Despite its low budget, director Roger Corman managed to create an eerie atmosphere through his use of lighting and sound design. The score by Les Baxter also adds to the haunting ambiance.
Of course, we can’t talk about “House of Usher” without mentioning Vincent Price’s unforgettable performance as Roderick Usher. His portrayal of a tortured soul who believes he is destined for disaster is nothing short of mesmerizing. My favorite quote from him in the movie comes when he tells Philip Winthrop: “Hearken! Hearken to me! You must leave this house before you are engulfed by its monstrous insanity.” Price’s delivery of this line sends shivers down my spine every time I watch the film.
The supporting cast also deserves recognition, particularly Myrna Fahey as Madeline Usher. Her transformation from a sweet and innocent young woman to a vengeful zombie is both chilling and impressive. Mark Damon’s portrayal of Philip Winthrop is also noteworthy, as he conveys both love and fear for Madeline in a convincing manner.
“House of Usher” has an interesting history in terms of its popularity. While it received mixed reviews upon release, it has since become a cult classic and is regarded as one of the best horror movies of all time. It was so successful that AIP went on to produce several other Poe-inspired films, many of which also starred Vincent Price.
In terms of filming, “House of Usher” was shot on a soundstage with limited sets. However, Corman’s use of lighting and camera angles gives the impression that the house is much larger than it actually is. The scene where Madeline rises from her tomb is especially well-executed, with her makeup and costume adding to the horror.
As far as evaluation goes, “House of Usher” has earned numerous awards and accolades over the years. It was nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award in 1961 for Best Motion Picture Screenplay, and Vincent Price won a Golden Globe in 1960 for his performance.
Cinematography-wise, “House of Usher” is a visual treat. The use of color and lighting creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that sticks with you long after the movie ends. In fact, some scenes are so visually stunning that they could be considered works of art.
My personal opinion on this movie? It’s a must-watch for any horror fan. The themes of madness and family curses are timeless and still resonate today. The special effects may be dated, but they add to the charm of the film rather than detract from it. And of course, Vincent Price’s performance is unforgettable.
One interesting tidbit of gossip about this movie is that it was originally supposed to be shot in black and white. However, when the producers saw how well Vincent Price’s makeup looked in color, they decided to shoot in color instead. It’s hard to imagine “House of Usher” without its vivid colors now.
In terms of soundtracks, “House of Usher” doesn’t have a traditional musical score. Instead, Les Baxter created an eerie soundscape using chanting monks and other unsettling noises. This contributes to the overall creepy vibe of the movie.
From an analysis standpoint, “House of Usher” can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of isolation and obsession. Roderick Usher’s fear that his family is cursed leads him down a path of madness and destruction, ultimately leading to his own demise.
The special effects in this movie are impressive for their time. The scene where Madeline rises from her tomb required her to stand on a hidden platform while she was covered in dirt and debris. When the platform dropped away, she was able to rise up dramatically without any visible wires or other support.
As far as development goes, “House of Usher” had a relatively smooth production process despite its limited budget and tight schedule. Corman was known for working quickly and efficiently on his films, which helped keep costs down.
The dialogue in this movie is memorable for its poetic language and gothic themes. Lines like “I have long been fascinated with death” and “There are things beyond this world which no one should see” stick with you long after the credits roll.
Finally, let’s talk about the crews involved in making “House of Usher.” The cinematographer Floyd Crosby did an outstanding job capturing the hauntingly beautiful imagery, while the makeup artist Charles Gemora created some of the most iconic looks in horror movie history.
In conclusion, “House of Usher” is a timeless horror classic that still holds up today. From its captivating storyline to its unforgettable performances and stunning visuals, it’s easy to see why this movie has stood the test of time. So, if you haven’t seen it yet, grab some popcorn and settle in for a journey into madness and terror.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 79
- Release : 1960-06-22
- Genre : Horror, Drama
- Cast : Vincent Price as Roderick Usher, Mark Damon as Philip Winthrop, Myrna Fahey as Madeline Usher, Harry Ellerbe as Bristol, David Andar as Ghost (uncredited)
- Crew : Roger Corman as Director, Roger Corman as Producer, Floyd Crosby as Director of Photography, Richard Matheson as Writer, Daniel Haller as Production Design
- Popularity 10.199
- Budget : $270,000
- Revenue : $1,450,000
- Company : Alta Vista Productions, American International Pictures
- Summary : After a long journey, Philip arrives at the Usher mansion seeking his loved one, Madeline. Upon arriving, however, he discovers that Madeline and her brother Roderick Usher have been afflicted with a mysterious malady: Roderick’s senses have become painfully acute, while Madeline has become catatonic. That evening, Roderick tells his guest of an old Usher family curse: any time there has been more than one Usher child, all of the siblings have gone insane and died horrible deaths. As the days wear on, the effects of the curse reach their terrifying climax.
- Tagline : Edgar Allan Poe’s demonic tale of The Ungodly… The Evil House of Usher
