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	...	George, Duke of 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:

ghost | king richard iii | 15th century | gothic horror | london england | 

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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:

Not Rated

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

Just after Richard throws the ax through the stained glass window, you can see the shadow of the camera crane on the floor, rising higher and higher and pulling back.

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Quotes

Richard's mother: I brought this curse upon this house when my womb concieved you... Better I should have died in my labor... and never unleashed your evil... upon this Earth.
Richard of Gloucester: You talk of evil... You, who gave me deformity in form of a twisted spine and a withered, arm. Who possesses the greater evil my mother? You who made me this way, or I who have to bare it!

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Connections

Remake of Tower of London (1939)

User Reviews

Corman meets Shakespeare

I came across this movie by chance one night late on the tv. I checked the review in the tv guide and thought it would be an adaptation of one of my favourite plays by Shakespeare: Richard III. However, when I noticed that Roger Corman directed and the guide labelled this movie a horror movie I had mixed feelings. Corman turned the story of Richard Gloucester who "gets rid" of those who stand between him and the throne of England. Corman does that in accordance with the way the people are put away with in the Shakespearean play, but (of course) with greater detail. Plus, Corman focuses more on theoccult aspects - Richard haunted by the spirits of those he killed. However, during the whole movie it does not quite become clear whether those ghosts are real or just hallucinations of Richard's poor soul. Vincent Price - once again - gives a superb villain, very reminiscent of Boris Karloff (who I think played Richard, as well). A perfect movie for dark, chilly nights, with fog and storm outside, and a blanket to crouch underneath.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 October 1962 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tower of London

Filming Locations:

Producers Studios - 5330 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, 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