Tower of London (1962)

The twisted Richard III is haunted by the ghosts of those he has murdered in his attempt to become the King of England.

Director:

Roger Corman

Writers:

Leo Gordon (story) (as Leo V, Gordon), F. Amos Powell (story) (as Amos Powell)

Stars:

Vincent Price, Michael Pate, Joan Freeman

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Vincent Price	...	Richard of Gloucester
Michael Pate	...	Sir Ratcliffe
Joan Freeman	...	Lady Margaret
Robert Brown	...	Sir Justin
Bruce Gordon	...	Earl of Buckingham
Joan Camden	...	Anne
Richard Hale	...	Tyrus
Sandra Knight	...	Mistress Shore
Charles Macaulay	...	Clarence
Justice Watson	...	Edward IV
Sarah Selby	...	Queen
Donald Losby	...	Prince Richard
Sara Taft	...	Richard's mother
Eugene Mazzola	...	Edward V (as Eugene Martin)

Storyline

On the death of his brother King Edward IV, Richard of Gloucester conspires to get the throne for himself. The late King had two young sons, his heir, Edward V and the younger Prince Richard, but they are not of age and so names his other brother, Clarence as Lord Protector of the Realm. Gloucester soon kills his younger brother but is haunted by his ghost and what he has done. As he continues to kill those around him, Gloucester is haunted by those he has betrayed hearing voices and slowly descending into madness. He spreads rumors that the late King's two sons are illegitimate and therefore not eligible to ascend to the throne. He assassinates the young princes and is crowned King Richard III. The ghosts from his past have the final say however.

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Plot Keywords:

rack torture | ghost | brother | throne | madness | 

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Taglines:

Do you have the courage to spend 83 minutes in the Tower of London?

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Genres:

Drama | History | Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 October 1962 (USA)

Also Known As:

La torre de Londres

Filming Locations:

Producers Studio, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Edward Small Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

79 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to producer Gene Corman, he and his brother, director Roger Corman, considered leaving the production several times due to the cost-cutting measures forced on them by uncredited executive producer Edward Small.

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Goofs

As Richard bends down to kiss the forehead of King Edward, who was dead his bed, you can see King Edward squinting both of his eyes slightly.

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Quotes

Richard of Gloucester: Mistress Shore is dead... As Protector of the Realm, I can not tolerate treachery to the Crown... Mistress Shore has been executed for such treachery.
Queen: There was no more faithful woman in the castle.
Richard of Gloucester: I had always thought that myself your Majesty, but when she admitted her crime, I had no choice.

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Connections

Referenced in Special Collector's Edition: La colina de las botas (2011)

User Reviews

Very Weak Outing for Corman and Price....

Not anywhere nearly as well done as the 1939 version, this Corman/Price vehicle has to be the weakest of their collaborations.

Price is generally too hammy here, not well-directed as in other Corman films, and definitely nowhere near his excellent performance in Witchfinder General. Sets are pretty much bare-bones, effects and battle scenes look like stock footage superimposed over characters acting out in front of a black curtain.

The murder of the two young heirs to the throne of England is the best scene and very effective, however. The end of this film of a mere 79 mins. is very welcome to the viewer as about 70 mins. of it are practically a complete bore. Pretty much one to forget unless you have to collect every Corman/Price film ever made.