Chad

Undeadcow

It took me a while to get use to the dialogue seeming so "proper." Never a really "laugh out loud" film but some clever ideas with a nice comeuppance. Peter Lorre sure never gets old, too bad he doesn't get more of the spotlight. The finale was enjoyable how everything came together, it's cool how the Shakespeare-obsessed landlord walks into fake death carnage like right out of the bard's plays.

Trevor

Good points.

I enjoyed it; and nice to get the chance to open one of my MGM Midnite Movies.

Amazing cast, nice to see them all. Could have lived without the singing. I read that the stunt double used for Lorre had a complete mask with his bug eyes.

Rhubarb the cat is the only cat to win two "Pet Oscars".

Dick Laurent

I agree with liking it and a great cast, just odd to see Boris Karloff being relegated to such a minor (or insignificant) role. But he played it spot on.

Didn't know about the Pet Oscars. Guess I will have to school myself.

Does this sync with the theme because it was released in 1964, despite being credited as '63? Probably missed mention of that somewhere.

Undeadcow

Edit: Thanks to Trevor, below, for clarifying.

Trevor

It had a one theater premiere on Christmas Day 1963, then a general release in January.

So I guess it technically qualifies for the theme; but I think I'll watch another to cover my bases.

jacob_b

Loved this film. The best movie I've seen so far. Loved the comedy and while it wasn't really very horrorish, it was amazing. Prince can be no wrong. And my goodness, Joyce Jameson is a doll.

DaveyJoe

Less Terror and more Comedy, I thought this movie was really funny. Usually I appreciate the wit of movies from this era, but they rarely make me laugh out loud. However, this movie had me cracking up consistently throughout. Price was hilarious, I loved him as the abusive drunk, I've only seen him play serious roles, I had no idea he had such comedic range. Does anybody know of any similar roles for Price?

Darkgod

Every time i see Price, I gain more appreciation for his acting ability.

clckworang

I was pretty apprehensive about this movie after the opening minutes, but it turned out to be quite funny and had such a great cast.

Spiderbite

I, too, was apprehensive on this movie. I am not a fan of the Aboott & Costello comedy horror films that so many seem to love and was expecting the slapstickiness and lame lines from that those movies contain.

I am relieved to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Very good choice ntnon! Price and Lorre make an awesome team and some of Price's lines were priceless (ahem...sorry). I loved him doing such devious things and then complaining about the dishonesty or mistrust of others.

Here's a drinking game! Drink every time Price says Mr. Gillie. You will be dead of alcohol poisoning by the end. Loved the ending and even though the movie dragged just a little near the end, I would watch this movie again in a heartbeat. Some nice chested women on this as well. Beverly Hills indeed!

Oh yeah. I was stunned to see that Richard Matheson wrote this when watching the credits. Is there anything that guy couldn't do?

My rating: **** out of *****

Trevor

Totally agree with you there spider. The slap sticky humor usually leaves me flat, just an occasional chuckle. I prefer some sharp witty lines like we see here. And Lorre and Price were a great combo. I think I read that a sequel of sorts was planned but scrapped due to low box office. Darn you ticket buyers of yesteryear!

rbrown498

I'm so glad that you could offer corroboration on this, Trevor! When I was watching the film, there was a quick shot of Lorre driving the hearse at one point, and I could have sworn that it wasn't Lorre but some guy wearing a Lorre mask.

Overall, I enjoyed the film quite a bit more than I expected to. It would be a great film from which to pull vocabulary lessons for high-schoolers.

Trevor

Don't thank me, thank Wikipedia!

I need to watch some more Price this month; miss that guy.

Maybe his Muppet Show episode......

ntnon

Thanks, and I agree with that short summary - sorry to everyone else that it sort-of pushed the years a little. I checked up on films released in '64; didn't stop to see if they'd had an earlier debut...

I think I actually enjoyed this a little more last year, but even so, every time I drifted, the wit dragged me back in! I can't quite decide if I'm annoyed Mr Rathbone (and Mr Karloff) isn't/aren't in it more, or think it's about perfect because of that.

I'm quite saddened there's no sequel, too... particularly since these days we have things like Expendables bringing people together and often under-utilising them. Would that there'd been more demand and opportunity decades ago.

ntnon

Perhaps The Raven, Theatre of Blood or the Phibes'...?

rbrown498

And don't forget Champagne for Caesar and the Dr. Goldfoot films.

DaveyJoe

Thanks guys! I'm suddenly very excited for the Phibes double-billing coming later in the month!