Article by FisterRoboto of lefthandhorror.com
Directed by Roger Corman
Written by Edgar Allan Poe (short story), Robert Towne (screenplay)
Starring: Vincent Price, Elizabeth Shepherd and John Westbrook
Some years after having buried his beloved wife Ligea, Verden Fell meets and eventually marries the lovely Lady Rowena. Fell is something of a recluse, living in a small part of a now ruined Abbey with his manservant Kenrick as the only other occupant. He remains infatuated with his late wife and is convinced that she will return to him. While all goes well when first married, he returns to his odd behavior when they return to the Abbey from their honeymoon. The memories of Ligea continue to haunt him as well as her promise that she would never die. Written by garykmcd
Look into the evil eye where terror lurks!
It’s Vincent Price in the 60′s – we’re halfway home already. I’ll say this about Corman, the guy knew how to frame a shot. The opening sequence is nothing short of amazing. This isn’t going to terrify any real horror fan, but the acting and location more than make up for it. This is one fantastic looking film. Set in the ruin of an Abbey, the location takes as much credit as the stars or writers. Price delivers his hammiest best, taking front and center as the grieving husband who believes his wife might come back to life at any moment.
My memory of Poe’s original story is a little fuzzy, but I’m pretty sure Corman jumps the shark into clichéd horror waters as the third act wraps up. After Price defies the religious leaders in attendance at his wife’s funeral, we’re never quite sure if the beautiful Ligeia is rotting in a coffin, about to slink in the front door, or if she’s reflected as the classic horror movie black cat. An argument could be made that she’s also the hunted fox. Regardless, who doesn’t just want to kick back and see Price in those terrible wigs juxtaposed against the ambient Gothic setting? This is currently available on Netflix to watch instantly. Crack some beer and stay inside on this 103 degree Kentucky day.
