In this tongue-in-cheek movie inspired by Poe's poem, Dr. Craven is the son of a great sorcerer (now dead) who was once himself quite skilled at that profession, but has since abandoned it. One evening, a cowardly fool of a magician named Bedlo comes to Craven for help - the evil Scarabus has turned him into a raven and he needs someone to change him back. He also tells the reluctant wizard that Craven's long-lost wife Lenore, whom he loved greatly and thought dead, is living with the despised Scarabus.Written by
Ken Yousten <kyousten@bev.net>
Vincent Price later recalled about the final duel: "Boris hated being strung up in the air on those chairs. He was terribly crippled, and we were both floating in the air on these wires. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, and I hated having that snake wrapped around my neck for two hours. I hate snakes." See more »
Goofs
When Jack Nicholson's character climbs out of the window to go to Dr. Craven's room, he goes around a corner then a part of the ledge breaks away. Estelle screams as he's stumbling even though she cannot see around the corner. See more »
Quotes
[Estelle enter her room. Rexford is hiding behind the door and covers her mouth to prevent her from screaming]
Rexford Bedlo:
Shhhhhh.
[Estell struggles with a muffled scream]
Rexford Bedlo:
I was afraid you would scream.
[he uncovers her mouth and releases his grip on her]
Estelle Craven:
Is anything wrong?
Rexford Bedlo:
Don't be alarmed but I'm afraid Dr. Scarabus killed my father.
Estelle Craven:
Killed him?
Rexford Bedlo:
Yes, during the dueling I observed Dr. Scarabus making furtive gestures with his fingers. Now we must speak to your father.
Estelle Craven:
But I already have. He trusts Dr. Scarabus.
[...] See more »
Alternate Versions
One version has the climactic wizard duel without the rotoscoped bolts of magic. See more »
This is true magic. You will be shaking but not through horror. The Raven was made to amuse and it does.
The magician's duel may lack 'modern effects' but for their day they were pretty impressive. And the warmth and humour shines out in all the characters.
And yes, Peter Lorre dressed up as a Raven IS hilarious.
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This is true magic. You will be shaking but not through horror. The Raven was made to amuse and it does.
The magician's duel may lack 'modern effects' but for their day they were pretty impressive. And the warmth and humour shines out in all the characters.
And yes, Peter Lorre dressed up as a Raven IS hilarious.