Dave S
Arguably the best of Roger Corman’s Edgar Allen Poe adaptations, The Pit and the Pendulum is an atmospheric horror thriller set on the rocky coast of Spain in the 16th century. The story, which understandably takes liberties with Poe’s short story, is of a journey by an Englishman (John Kerr) to a remote Spanish castle to investigate the death of his sister, the wife of the reclusive Nicholas Medina (Vincent Price), who happens to be the son of a ruthless inquisitor of the Spanish Inquisition. The film works on the strength of some excellent cobweb-draped sets, a solid score, a script by Richard Matheson that keeps you guessing, some surprisingly assured direction from Corman, and solid performances all around. The hokey flashback sequences feel out of place but, other than that, it is a more than respectable offering from the king of the B movies.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
07/14/24
Full Review
Michael C
When you have a movie from American International Pictures, you can count on seeing bright, vivid colors and impressive costume and set designs. The 1961 film adaptation of "The Pit and the Pendulum" is no exception. The movie as a whole is not great, but it does have its good points. Despite being very loosely based on the classic story by Edgar Allen Poe, the movie does have a well written script and a good storyline. The late Roger Corman was a very talented director. He does show his talents with this movie. "The Pit and and the Pendulum" also has its scary moments, the final scene especially. As is always the case, the late Vincent Price is terrific. The supporting cast is very good for the most part as well. They are not great, but play their respective parts well. The late John Kerr does a good job as Francis Barnard. The late Launa Anders is good as well as Catherine Medina. The movie does have its flaws however. There are times where the movie seems to drag and scenes are rather drawn out. That was a distraction for me, but it did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the movie. The climax of the film is very well staged. The pendulum was frightening to even look at. "The Pit and the Pendulum" may not be perfect, but is is an entertaining movie that should be seen at least once.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
07/10/24
Full Review
Dallas H
Roger Corman and Vincent Price forever! Watching a movie that can be entertaining while still being on a low-production budget is an interesting watch. Although the hidden stone door placed on modern-day hinges is an eye-roll gaff, I still like this movie.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
06/16/24
Full Review
Sabrina F
The Pit and the Pendulum is, like many gothic films, a little on the slow side. An Englishman, Francis Barnard, visits his brother-in-law's castle to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his sister.
This, like most gothic stories, is a slowburn with Francis trying to get answers about his sister's disappearance, but he can't seem to get straight answers from anyone. To add to his frustration and annoyance, his brother-in-law's castle is experiencing some strange occurrences. What happened to Francis' sister? Is the castle haunted, and, if so, by whom?
There are a couple of not-so-great performances in this film, most especially from the lead actor who plays Francis. That said, this is Vincent Price's movie, and he is spectacular. You get Vincent Price at the top of his game, Barbara Steele, and Poe in one film. There is ample gothic atmosphere, a beautiful setting, and the moments where Price and Steele share the screen together make this movie worthwhile. Just don't ask many questions when the twist is revealed.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/07/24
Full Review
Monsol E
A fantastic classic thriller.
Possibly some of Price's finest acting. Going from a kind but tortured lord, to a man plagued by grief, and slowly slipping into insanity.
Beautiful sets, and costumes, and a great sense of suspense as you wonder what's really going on, and who [or what] is behind it...when the twist is revealed it's very underwhelming...BUT the rug is immediately yanked out from under that, to reveal an even BIGGER twist! Leading to the big Pendulum scene, which is still tense and upsetting, even today.
Everything here was amazing , both for the time, and now looking back.
Absolutely watch this.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
10/17/23
Full Review
CodyZamboni
Solid, intense old school horror craftsmanship by B movie king, Roger Corman. The creepy atmosphere, spooky music, eerie matte paintings of sea cliff castle, and torture chamber cavern, the huge interior sets, and nice haunted house production design, all add to the sense of dread. Movie is anchored by Vincent Price's performance, and how he reacts to the plot's twists and turns. All capped by one of flimdom's most memorable, haunting final images.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
08/27/23
Full Review
Read all reviews
>
