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7/10
Pretty Poison?
24 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
One hard- nosed police sergeant, one sassy widow. A train delivering the two to a court trial. The mob attempting to stop them. Slow moving from the beginning, Charles McGraw plays sergeant Brown. Brown and one detective Forbes are assigned to escort the widow of a gangster; played by Marie Windsor, to her date in court. Both McGraw and Windsor seem to play off of their own lead roles, at all times throughout the film. The two regularly supporting each other. The talented cast working well to support the two leads. An unexpected turn around of events leads to the dramatic ending. The Narrow Margin is a good movie, supporting a good story and good talent. The low budget film will appeal to fans of classic crime and mystery fiction. in some ways, McGraw's character reminds me of many of the characters portrayed by Humphrey Bogart. The man was a good actor, among many.
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9/10
Great acting talent, great story, great film.....
16 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Humphrey Bogart, driving the city streets at night. The opening scene suggests of a murder mystery thriller. Humphrey Bogart, plays a hard- boiled screenwriter by the name of Dixon Steele. another great character to add to Bogart's list of impressive acting roles. The story revolves around a novelist, looking to get Steele's attention for a future production, and a neighbor of Steele's interests. The novelist turns up murdered, and Dixon Steele is the prime suspect. Dixon Steele's alibi, Gloria Grahame's character Laurel Gray; the neighbor of his interests. The cast play well off from Bogart's and from Grahame's acting talent. Bogart plays one of his toughest roles yet, as a man quick to outbursts of temperament; trying to finish a script with his neighbor as his writer. The ending is unexpected, and all though I believe this to be a great film; I do wish the directors and producers would have extended the ending. It was a little abrupt for my interests. I recommend this movie to any classic film and to any Humphrey Bogart fan. This film is proof, that great movies are getting hard to find.
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9/10
"There is no sacrafice too great, for a chance at immortality." (Humphrey Bogart, 1950)
16 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The opening scene and music, they are suggestive of a mystery/ thriller. Humphrey Bogart driving in the city at night, is a fitting way to open the viewers to the film. Immediately, we find out Bogart's character; is a screen writer by the name of Dixon Steele. This is a good name for a Humphrey Bogart character. Steele's first stop, is a diner called Paul's. Here we find out that Dixon Steele is a hard- boiled aging man, with an explosive temperament. The first woman encountered by Bogart, a novelist the name of Mildred. as with other roles, Humphrey Bogart is consistent in his acting. he seems familiar in character to many of his other roles. I believe, Bogart puts a lot of himself into his acting. The novelist, after leaving Dixon Steele's residence; is found murdered, and the police focus on Bogart's character as the prime suspect. Gloria Grahme's character, Miss gray; makes her first appearance at the police station, while Dixon Steele is being questioned by detectives. This leads to a romantic interest between Steele and Gray, and the movie moves forward from there. The actors- Humphrey Bogart, and the rest of the assigned talent for the film; they all play well off of Gloria Grahme's acting talent. The ending is unexpected. This film introduces a great gathering of talent, a great story. In a Lonely Place, is a great movie. I would recommend this movie to all fans of classical film.
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5/10
Regeneration: A cure, with a cost.....
30 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Atomic Age Vampire, is not your average vampire movie.

The movie opens with a woman horribly disfigured after an automobile accident.

The story, it does not immediately feel like horror.

Unusual treatment is suggested. The movie adds a mad scientist; or a weird science horror twist, to the plot.

The treatment, suggesting: affecting people with vampirism.

Miraculous regeneration treatment with a cost.

From the start, it feels more like science fiction than actual horror.

The story, seems to be a little over- drawn. It takes a while, to get to the vampire element of the tale.

When I think atomic age; I think of films lie Return of the Vampire. I don't see the relation to era in the movie's title.

Atomic Age Vampire, is not necessarily a bad movie; it just does not feel to me as being a classic horror film.
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7/10
Beware of strangers bearing rare orchids.....
30 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Brides are dying, during wedding ceremonies; under mysterious circumstances. Stranger still, the bodies are being stolen.

One reporter, finds a clue: a rare flower; used as a corsage, that is a species of poisonous plant; has been given to each victim, by an unknown benefactor.

Bela Lugosi, plays one of his most interesting roles yet; as a doctor, that is using the blood of brides; to restore the beauty of his betrothed.

The Corpse Vanishes, is a really good movie. It may not feel like an actual horror film, but the talent gathered; plays the movie well. The acting ability of the talent gathered, should have been better recognized.

The Corpse Vanishes, will appeal to Bela Lugosi fans; and to fans of classical horror.
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7/10
What evil stalks within the shadows of Collinwood?
30 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
From the beginning, the story plays out like a classic horror film. The script, in many ways; is like Dracula.

When he is first introduced, the character Barnabus Collins; is looked upon, in a self- character, first person perspective. We see the other starting characters through his eyes. This is a nice touch.

The movie, plays well. It has a good Gothic horror feel to it.

There is a really good gathering of acting talent, and the story seems to be well written.

The score, works good with the scenes. It keeps the viewer interested, by thought of things yet- to come pass: It builds on the suspense of each moment.

A different score, could have been conceived; when Barnabus switched from his role as a man; to portraying the vampire, but the scenes still play out okay. House of Dark Shadows, is a good movie. Fans of Dracula, will enjoy this film.
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7/10
You will hear it, A Shriek in the Night.....
25 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
A wealthy philanthropist is found dead. The man pushed or fallen from the roof of an apartment building.

Two reporters compete for the story. One detective works the case. Is it suicide or murder?

More at being a murder mystery suspense thriller; than at being an actual horror.

There is a good gathering of talent. Ginger Rogers, carries the story. The cast working well with her acting style.

The story, is a good tale; and it could be used as a possible model for modern detective stories with titles that are of a similar nature.

A Shriek in the Night, is not what I see as being a classic horror; but it is a good classic film; and will be enjoyed by fans of classic detective movies.
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The Innocents (1961)
8/10
wicked, wicked little children..... From where, originates this evil?
25 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Feels like a ghost story. Cameo appearances of ghostly apparitions, draw on the viewer's attention.

The film definitely plays out as a psychological thriller.

The artifacts stowed in the old attic: the life- sized dummy, the music box- aid in supporting the ghost story setting.

The acting is decent. the gathered talent, they work well off of each other.

The children seem to be the catalyst of the haunting; making for an interesting twist.

The movie, is based on a well written story; that has the feel of a classic ghost tale.

Fans of ghost story novels and films; will enjoy this movie.

With very few modern ghost stories filming today, I believe the movie: The Innocents; is worth a look, for possibility of a remake.
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8/10
Beware, where you find your way to rest; less you be taken in as Dracula's guest.....
23 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Continuing from where Horror of Dracula left off, Dracula Prince of Darkness opens with Vampire hunters aided by monks; transporting a young woman to perform a ceremony of rending her spirit free from vampirism.

One mysterious holy man interrupts the process.

The mood and setting of the movie is what you would expect from a good classic horror film.

A little added humor, is an interesting addition, and aids in the introduction of one of the stories main characters.

Road sign markers, suggesting of international locations stand as good attention getters. The score, when used; seems to work well with the story.

The signature Hammer Horror sound relating to Dracula, draws easily on the regular attention of the viewer.

A driverless coach, bridges this story with the original tale; the team of horses guiding the coach to Dracula's castle.

Dracula is resurrected by a ritual of spilling fresh blood upon his ashes, and the vampire rises again.

Great gathering of talent, and a good story; make for one of the greatest Dracula stories ever told.
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6/10
Beware, the midnight hour..... Beware, the vampire bat.....
19 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Bodies found, drained of blood. Two marks found on the jugulars of their necks.....

The Burgermeister, fears there is an outbreak of vampirism.....

Howling wolves create the mood of the horror setting.....

The movie, is slow going. There appears to be no real encounters with the vampire bat at the beginning of the film; past the opening sequence.

As with many of the remembered classic horrors, there is a doctor with a laboratory.

The first sighting of the vampire bat, is a shadow that teases of the attack of a vampire.

There appears to be a decent gathering of talent that worked on the film. The story seems to play on superstitions of the time.

I feel, that there could have been more adversary interaction; and perhaps some kind of background score, to increase the suspense.

Regardless, I feel that The Vampire Bat; is a good movie, and it should appeal to fans of Dracula and of other classical horror films.
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9/10
Lee and Cushing..... Enough said.....
18 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Hammer Horror's remake of the Dracula film.

Like Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee Portrayed Dracula; with a style that is his own. While Lugosi used method acting to suggest the drinking of blood from Dracula's victims; Lee had the chance to show fans of classic horror: the fangs of the character, that are continually used to this day.

The Horror of Dracula is a retake of the Dracula film, that is taken from the Bram Stoker novel: Dracula's guest. Johnathan Harker, out to slay the nightmarish prince of darkness in his own home, must escape from Dracula to save the woman he loves

Peter Cushing makes the perfect Abraham Vanhelsing, in this classic match-up of memorable acting talent.

The Horror of Dracula, like many of Hammer Horror's other titles in the series; is the best of the best.

Great film, and an even better talent.
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Funeral Home (1980)
7/10
Evil, is not quite what it appears to be.....
17 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The opening of the film, is suggestive of horror. scare tactics of the movie, play on superstitions and beliefs of the time.

The story revolves around a funeral home, that is being renovated for a tourist home: a bed and breakfast.

There is a mystery in the story. the trigger to the building of the suspense: a black cat.

The film seems to play out more as a psychological thriller, than as a classical horror.

The score, plays well with the suspense of the movie. The plot, it reminds me of the movie Psycho; in many ways.

I believe this movie, to be an original interpretation; of a psychological slash horror film. The movie takes a while, before it gets to anything that can be seen as actual horror.

The mystery of the story, is played out enough; to keep the viewer interested.

Funeral Home, seems to be a little longer than it needs to be, but it is an okay movie; and it should appeal to fans of Psycho, and of other slash horror films.
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7/10
Hannah, the queen of the vampires.....
16 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The movie opens with some kind of ritual and a lightning storm: two decent elements for classic horror.

The beginning of the story, seems to be a little suggestive of Dracula with many differences. It is not immediately apparent to the viewer, what the actual plot of the story is all about.

Archeologists, a tomb, the talk of vampires; and the sounds of a beating heart, build on the suspense.

The score, seems to play okay with the scenes.

The weather changing with the opening of the crypt, is a nice touch; it gives the film a mummy- like feel.

The evil, takes on alternate forms of a mist and a wolf: classic vampire ideas.

The title: Crypt of the Living Dead is a little unexpected. Crypt of the damned, or queen of the vampires easily comes to mind as alternate titles.

Decent acting talent, and a well thought out story. Crypt of the Living Dead is an okay movie. The film will appeal to any fan of classic horror.
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8/10
A man, evil at heart; and commits atrocities by night, will walk as his crime suspects; his human visage taking flight.....
15 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
On man, driven by an evil desire. One man, a husband; standing in his way. One woman, an entity of tradition; working black magic to make the guilty pay.....

The native police commissioner, a man torn by tradition and his civic duty (Played by Lon Chaney); is on the case. With the assistance of a doctor, the commissioner seeks a beast that walks like a man.....

In the fashion of The Wolf Man, the killer transforms into a gorilla. The evil within, dominating his humanity; in a manifestation of his primitive beast- like rages.....

Great gathering of talent, and an original story; that plays well with its surroundings.

Bride of the Gorilla, is a good movie; and will be appreciated by fans of the Wolf Man and classic horror.
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8/10
Zombies walk, where suspect fears and superstitions talk.....
12 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
King of the Zombies, is a comical piece; in the long list of classic horror film. The opening score, in the sounds of tribal drumming; gives the film an adventure theme.

The mood of the film, is that of a mysterious island. The continually playing drums, hint at the presence of black magic: voodoo.

The movie plays out similarly to that of an Abbot and Costello movie.

The story is a little slow moving, but the combination of humor and mystery; makes the film worth watching. The gathered cast, is worth many a respects even today. King of the Zombies, may not actually be classic horror, but it is a good movie, and is not your average every day zombie film.
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7/10
Evil, knows many faces..... Actors, know many collaborations.....
9 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
House of Dracula..... Dracula and the Wolf Man, with a short appearance from the Frankenstein monster.

Good gathering of talent. Lon Chaney Junior, reprising his role as the Wolf Man one last time; seemed to be the heart of the film.

The story revolves around Dracula and the Wolf Man, on a journey to seek out a cure for their monstrous ailments.

Things, quickly go wrong; as things frequently do in classic horror. Dracula, turns on the doctor; and must yet again be hunted down; before he can claim his prize.

The Wolf Man, acting as a hero of sorts in the end. His lycanthropy finally cured, in a most unusual way. a new evil arises, and must be dealt with at the end; as well as the regeneration of the monster.

As with all Universal's classic horror, House of Dracula is a good film. The story picks up where House of Frankenstein and Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man left off.

The Frankenstein monster role, could have been a little more significant, but this movie is still up there among the best.
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8/10
Before The Ghost, there was: Nightmare Castle.....
9 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This story, was well thought out; and the movie flows smoothly from beginning to ending. The film, like The Ghost; is laid out as a ghost story. A cheating wife and her lover are murdered by a jealous husband, the wife's stepsister (dual role, played by Barbara Steele); is targeted by his interests, to claim a fortune.

The stepsister is prone to fits of psychological complication, and throughout the film; she is frightened to the near point of insanity.

The attempts, to drive his stepsister insane; they do not go quite as planned.

Nightmare castle, is a good movie. different effects throughout the film, can enthrall the viewer to maintain a focused interest; like the sounds of a beating heart, suggesting the rise of a person's fear.

There is, a side story; that I will not reveal. This side story, makes the horror tale all the more interesting.

I would recommend this movie to any classic horror fan. the film, definitely has the classic horror feel.
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Frankenstein (1931)
9/10
Science can take, or give life.....
5 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
1931 Frankenstein.....

I am a big fan of universal and hammer horror. When it comes to monsters, the Wolf Man and Dracula; they will always be my favorites. When it comes to film, Frankenstein; is at the top of the list.

The film called on a great selection of talent. Boris Karloff, did a miraculous job playing the monster; the man's acting talent knows no bounds.

The story, by Mary Shelley; was a good tale, that actually opened cross over opportunities with future classic horror ideas. Pitting the Wolf Man against Frankenstein, and Dracula; with many of the favored horror actors reprising their original roles.

Classic horror films like Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolf Man; gave us a template, for the creation of future masterpieces of horror; that many directors and producers of modern horror look on to this day.

1931 Frankenstein, is on of the best films of its time, and it will be enjoyed for many more years to follow.
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The Wolf Man (1941)
8/10
Even a man, pre at heart; and says his prayers by night.....
4 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The Wolf Man, starring Lon Chaney Junior; is one of my favorite movies. Universal, did a good job gathering talent for all of their horror films; and this film has one of the best gathering of talented actors I have ever seen.

The moors, the shape shifting to an uncontrollable supernatural evil, the baying of a wolf; this is what I grew to learn; classic horror is all about.

I have even seen the remake of the Wolf Man, and I feel that it never will compare to the original; the remake seemed to a little longer than it needed to be.

With the introduction of Frankenstein and the Wolf Man, Universal; gave us all the idea of film crossovers; and this is what makes classic horror so memorable to this day.

Good stories, good acting, and shared continuity; this and other classic horror films will appeal to anyone today.
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Peopletoys (1974)
2/10
Five wicked children, with nothing better to do.....
3 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I hate to say this, but I believe this movie has been widely over rated. The original idea, is something out of the twilight zone or Children of the Corn. There is a decent gathering of talent, but the story is a mess. it is difficult to follow, and just when you think the film is going to grip you with chills of horror, the kids are playing chess, using their creativity to build traps; and other curious endeavors.

There is no immediate understanding of what is going on in the film at the beginning. I actually had to read the description to figure out the story.

One thing, that is interesting about the film; is that when the five devil's commit their wicked deeds, you hear music from old- time children's songs.

I really would not recommend this movie to anyone. I could not even watch the film to the end. When I think of psycho slash killers in fiction; I think of Michael Myers, or Norman Bates. The so- called five devils, actually seemed like they should be in an adventure with the little rascals, and even though some scenes may have suggested of atrocities; I found not one piece of the film scary in any way.
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8/10
The Devil's servant is an extension of his will.....
3 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
One man's dreams, build on the suspense. The details of the story, quickly revealed. Elements of Devil's worship, and voodoo; of an original design, definitely give this 1961 film a classical horror tone. The effort was an excellent gathering of talent, and the story, easily draws on the viewer's interests.

The Devil's Hand, is a great movie. Fans of classical film and of classical horror fiction, are sure to enjoy watching the movie from beginning to end.
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Dracula (1931)
8/10
Romanian prince, risen as undead Nosferatu The: Vampire.
2 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Before Hammer, their was Universal Monsters. 1931 Dracula, is still one of the best classic horror films today. Bela Lugosi, he was Dracula; from his accent, to his eyes; these attributes regarded him as being the best to portray the vampire from Bram Stoker's novel today. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of the Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing versions of the Dracula Firms. Each actor, has their own style; that intrigues viewers to this day.

Some people, may say that this version, is not all that good; because it is putting a play into film, but I see the movie; from the eyes of one whom is hopeful to produce or direct film in the near future. The cast, from Renfield to Dracula himself; this was a good choice of talent for the times. Other than Peter Cushing, nobody else to this day but the actor Edward Van Sloan; would come even close to portraying Stokers' visual of who was meant to be Vanhelsing.

1931 Dracula, is the first; and I believe still one of the best. to this day, I cannot recall on a bad Dracula movie; ever to be filmed. Bram Stoker's character, will stand the time of many a passing year, and will continue to entertain us on to new eras of horror film.
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The Ghost (1963)
8/10
Sometimes the cure can be worse than the disease.....
2 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
One lonely old frail crippled of a man. Two deceitful murderers, seeking the old man's treasure..... The ghost, is one of the best classic horror films I have see. The story plays out in a style similar to one masterfully written by Edgar Allan Poe. It keeps you guessing, building on the suspense; until that final moment when the ghost is revealed, and the devil has his day.

The talent, should be seen as an all star cast. The acting is that good. The story, draws the viewer in rather quickly; and keeps you entertained until the end. From the opening, and throughout the movie, the background score works well with the scenes, and the originality of the story, is unlike anything that has been filmed today.

This film, definitely feels like classic horror, and would appeal to audiences of classical film, and of modern horror fans today.

This movie proves that old classic movies are not just old movies, to many; these movies are new films that have yet to be seen.
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Bloodlust! (1961)
6/10
Hunting alone, you gain a lusting for blood; for which you may never atone.
1 October 2017
Warning: there may be spoilers in this review.

The story, it is easy to follow. I would classify this movie as being an action suspense thriller; rather than being classical horror. The background music is suggestive of journey to the center of the earth, or of the mysterious island; and works well with the film. The team up of the main characters suggests in possibility of character models for Mystery Incorporated. You have two guys and two girls; one jock and one nerd (no offense to Velma).

I feel that there is a decent amount of talent that was gathered for this film, and all though the story was not the best to follow it was a good movie.

For originality, for talent, and for acting; I would give the film at least three stars out of five. Though, a hunter hunting the rarest of game does not stand against the horror films of today, there is one scene in the film that will get the heart pumping three times as fast.

If you are a fan of slash films, and of classical horror; this is a good movie for you to enjoy, home alone; on a dark and scary night.
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