(Roger Corman, US 1963, 87 min., 35mm)
A delightful descent into the macabre, this film that borrows the title of an Edgar Allan Poe poem, but is actually based on H.P. Lovecraft’s The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, is one of George Eastman Award recipient Roger Corman’s best-remembered films. Vincent Price stars as Joseph Curwen, who is burned at the stake by the citizens of Arkham, Massachusetts for being a warlock. More than a century later he returns in the form of Ward, Curwen’s descendant, who inherits the infamous castle. While occupying the homestead, Ward falls under the influence of the ghostly Curwen, putting his bride (Debra Paget) at risk. Also starring Lon Chaney, Jr. and Elisha Cook, Jr., this film is a chillingly good time!
35mm print from Park Circus.