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As it's October and fast approaching Halloween, a day where kids are allowed to take sweets off strangers, it is time for some scary Thursday Movie Picks. This week it's witches and warlocks, please check out - http://wanderingthroughtheshelves.blogspot.co.uk/
One of the finest horror films of
this decade, this slow burn and chilling horror masterpiece not only works as a
horror but as a period character study looking at a god fearing, Puritan family
and their relationship with their religion.
Operatic, bloody and classy,
Dario Argento’s horror film about a dance school that is secretly a witch’s
coven is the finest example of a Giallo.
A film more about a witch hunter
rather than witches, set during the English Civil War, Witchfinder General is
about the notorious witch hunter Matthew Hopkins, a man who hung more people
for witchcraft alone than in the previous 100 years combined. Vincent Price, with his
distinctive voice, relishes the role.
I'm surprised how often Suspiria is showing up today! I'd put it off for years despite its reputation since I'm not much for horror but decided to give it a go once I realized Joan Bennett, LOVE her, was in it. The planned remake is a terrible idea, they'll never be able to match its odd tone and very 70's color palette.
ReplyDeleteWitchfinder General, and all those Vincent Price films, benefit so much from his presence. This one is about par for the course but he makes the film worth watching.
Haven't seen The Witch.
With one exception I went with more whimsical titles for the week.
I Married a Witch (1942)-Condemned to being burned at the stake along with her father 17th century witch Jennifer (Veronica Lake) puts a curse on her accuser Jonathan Wooley (Fredric March) that he and all his descendants will marry the wrong women. Their spirits captured in a tree they’re unexpectedly freed 250 years later to discover the curse is still working with the latest Wooley (also March) engaged to marry a shrew (Susan Hayward). Full of mischief and revenge the troublemaking duo decide to raise even more of a ruckus by way of a love potion but complications ensue. Supported by an excellent cast the two leads make the picture, their extraordinary chemistry remarkable since behind the scenes each bitterly hated the other. You’d never guess from what’s on screen, they seem completely swept away. The best showcase Veronica ever had, she’s seductive, alluring, humorous, seeming to carry a gossamer glow with her wherever she goes. A light as air concoction directed at breakneck speed.
Bell, Book and Candle (1958)-Modern day witch Gillian (Kim Novak) and her cat Pyewacket, live in 50’s Greenwich Village along with her Aunt Queenie (Elsa Lanchester) and impish cousin Nicky (Jack Lemmon). She meets publisher Shep (James Stewart) and on a lark, partly because he seems immune to her and partly because Shep is engaged to her old college rival Merle (Janice Rule), she decides to make him hers by casting a love spell. Trouble starts brewing though when Gillian finds herself actually falling for Shep. That’s more than a little problem since Gill will lose her powers if she falls in love with a human. What to do? The film suits Kim’s languid style and she looks a million.
Black Sunday (1960)-In the diametric opposite of I Married a Witch cult star Barbara Steel is Asa, a 16th century high priestess of Satan executed, along with several of her followers, by having a spiked mask hammered into her face. As punishment is meted out she vows vengeance of her accusers returning 200 years hence to inhabit the body of her doppelganger and reap bloody retribution. Trendsetting Italian Gothic horror movie is loaded with atmosphere and style though short on actual frights, excepting those opening scenes, but is permeated with creepy dread.
Unmissable Bonus-Bewitched (1964-1972)-Beautiful blonde Samantha Stevens lives on Morning Glory Circle in quaint Westport with her often exasperated adman husband Darrin and their adorable kids Tabatha and Adam, plus nosy neighbor Gladys Kravitz, while her zany, often difficult family drop in frequently unannounced causing no end of troubles. Big troubles too since Samantha and all her relatives are witches who strongly disapprove of her marriage to a mere mortal. A monster TV hit in its day with a cast full of expert comic actors chief among them Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha/and her swingin’ cousin Serena, Agnes Moorehead as her firebrand of a mother Endora, Paul Lynde as jokester Uncle Arthur and Marion Lorne as the befuddled Aunt Clara this is often considered a subtle metaphor for interracial marriage at a time when that was causing much upheaval. Inspired in part by my first two picks. Avoid the ghastly 2005 remake at all costs!!!
Black Sunday was one of the film I was considering wactching for this week's theme as I do like the works of Bava.
DeleteSusperia seems to be the film this week. I wouldn't mind seeing it. Since I love Vincent Price, this filmwould be great to see. I'm not sure about The Witch??
ReplyDeleteThe Witch isn't a jumpy horror if that's a reassurence.
DeleteJust watched The Witch, myself. What an ominous film, that is. Sadly, I still need to see the other two.
ReplyDeleteYou must see Suspiria, the best of the Italian horror era.
DeleteWow Suspiria is showing up again! I absolutely need to watch that movie.
ReplyDeleteYou must!
DeleteI love THE VVITCH! I've never even heard of WITCHFINDER GENERAL. I've been wanting to see SUSPIRIA (and its sequels) for a while but, after the remake was announced, I figured I'd wait and watch the 4 movies back-to-back (it'll be easier to compare).
ReplyDeleteYou might know it as the Conqueror Worm...?
DeleteI've never heard of your 3rd pick. I'll have to look into it. I love the first two, obviously. lol
ReplyDeleteIt's got another name, The Conqueror Worm. I think that was the American name.
DeleteThe Witch is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO creepy! LOVE IT. Also love how much Suspiria is showing up this week.
ReplyDeleteIt so is, why it's one of the best of the year for e
DeleteOf course Witchfinder General! I studied this at A level and I hated ot so much. Mostly because we all had to watch this on repeat. But the story of the director behind it is interesting too.
ReplyDeleteSeeing Susperia on quite a few lists.
Haha. I think I would hate any film I watched on repeat.
Delete