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Storyline
One of the most discussed and imaginative cartoons of any era. It tells the famous Edgar Allan Poe story of the deranged boarder who had to kill his landlord, not for greed, but because he possessed an "evil eye." The killer is never seen but his presence is felt by the use light-and-shadow to give the impression of impending disaster. According to UPA, the art style was derived from Eugene Berman, scenic designer and ballet designer of NYC's Metropolitan Opera. Written by
Les Adams <longhorn1939@suddenlink.net>
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The first animated short film to be rated X by the British Film Board of Censors.
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Quotes
Narrator:
[
Final lines]
True, I'm nervous. Very, very dreadfully nervous.
[
slams hand on prison door, sound echos down the hall]
Narrator:
But why would you say that I'm mad?
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Connections
Version of
Bucket of Blood (1934)
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Tell-Tale Heart, The (1953)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
Oscar nominated animated film has James Mason narrating the action set to Edgar Allan Poe's classic story. I had heard great things about this film so I was very happy when I came across a copy and was even more thrilled when the film turned out to be so good. The movie does a brilliant job in its animation and I must say the look of the film seems so far ahead of its time that it looks more like a Pixar movie. Another terrific thing is the editing, which really seems ahead of its time and this also adds some nice tension to the film. Mason's vocal performance is where the heart is as he really gives it all and delivers a dynamite role. His breakdown towards the end has to be heard to believed as he is so incredibly good.