The Raven

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The Raven

G

Released Jan 25, 1963

1h 26m

Horror

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

88%

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17 Reviews

64%

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2,500+ Ratings

Magician Erasmus Craven (Vincent Price) is still deeply depressed two years after the death of his beloved wife, Lenore (Hazel Court). One day, he's visited by Adolphus Bedlo (Peter Lorre), who has been transformed into a raven after losing a duel to Dr. Scarabus (Boris Karloff), an evil wizard. After Craven transforms Bedlo back into a human, Bedlo claims to have seen Lenore's ghost at Scarabus' castle, prompting the two to head to Scarabus' castle to seek Craven's lost love.

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Peter John Dyer

Sight & Sound

A pity the equation doesn't always add up: there's too much slack, due perhaps to an imbalance between the comedy, which runs riot, and the horror, which trails behind in the wake of previous Corman films.

Feb 11, 2020

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

What other motion picture in history allows viewers the opportunity to see a young and awkward Jack Nicholson cast as Peter Lorre's son?

Rated: 3/4

Sep 10, 2021

Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

A fun monster mash with three horror icons, and Jack Nicholson besides.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 3, 2021

Full Review

Alberto Abuín

Espinof

The result can be puzzling, but also highly enjoyable. [Full Review in Spanish]

Apr 28, 2020

Full Review

Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

The official ballyhoo promises an avalanche of horror, but the film itself is an intentional burlesque - and, for the most part, very funny.

Oct 7, 2019

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Paul Chambers

Movie Chambers

For a B-movie, "The Raven" rocks.

Rated: A-

Nov 1, 2014

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Dave S

It’s one thing to take liberties when turning a short story into a feature length film, as Roger Corman did with his Edgar Allen Poe adaptations. However, when you take Poe’s most iconic poem, The Raven, and turn it into a rollicking comedy about combative 16th century magicians, it feels a bit disrespectful and unnecessary. The cast is impressive (Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff, Jack Nicholson) and seems to be having a lot of fun and the sets and cinematography are both impressive, but the comedy never reaches the level of being even remotely funny and the special effects, especially during the final showdown, are embarrassingly bad. Best advice? Stick to Corman’s classics (House of Usher, The Pit and the Pendulum, etc.) if you’re interested in his Poe adaptations.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

10/21/24

Full Review

Jędrzej D

This is my favorite film of Corman's Poe Cycle. With these low budget amusement park Haunted Hause type stage sets, props and nice comedy aspects it would lighten any Halloween. I watched this unprepared and every face that appeared on screen was a lovely surprise. It is such an all star cast that a regular watcher in the year 2024 should recognize at least most of the cast. I loved the duel and it's goofy special effects but it drags a bit too long. That's my only complaint.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/19/24

Full Review

Dr. Michael J. B

I use this movie for my film classes a lot. Students enjoy seeing a poem adapted into a goofy 60s horror-comedy. While the wizard-battle at the end is limited by the dated technical effects and Corman's budget constraints, it's still one of the best third acts in cinema. While other Corman adaptations of Poe are better in a technical sense, this one is enjoyable and is a good starting part for studying Corman films.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/06/24

Full Review

Suzanne G

Loved these classic horror actors showing a baby Jack Nicholson the ropes.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/05/24

Full Review

Dallas H

Roger Corman, Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff, and Jack Nicholson. By default, this group joining together for a movie should be fun to watch. This film is goofy, but in an enjoyable manner. It is always good to periodically sit down and watch it, like a comfort food of movie watching.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/10/23

Full Review

William R. P

Price and Lorre look like they're having fun

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/10/23

Full Review

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Roger Corman

Director

Vincent Price

Dr. Erasmus Craven

Peter Lorre

Dr. Adolphus Bedlo

Boris Karloff

Dr. Scarabus

Hazel Court

Lenore Craven

Olive Sturgess

Estelle Craven

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The Raven: Official Clip - A Duel to the Death

2:15

The Raven: Official Clip - Bedlo vs. Scarabus

2:55

The Raven: Official Clip - Driving Under the Influence

2:23

The Raven: Official Clip - The Castle Burns

2:07

The Raven: Official Clip - A Ghost?

1:41

The Raven: Official Clip - You're Alive!

2:05

The Raven: Official Clip - Dr. Craven's Choice

1:25

The Raven: Official Clip - Dead Man's Hair

1:55

The Raven: Official Clip - The Raven Speaks

2:08

The Raven: Official Clip - Transformation

2:12

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Synopsis

Magician Erasmus Craven (Vincent Price) is still deeply depressed two years after the death of his beloved wife, Lenore (Hazel Court). One day, he's visited by Adolphus Bedlo (Peter Lorre), who has been transformed into a raven after losing a duel to Dr. Scarabus (Boris Karloff), an evil wizard. After Craven transforms Bedlo back into a human, Bedlo claims to have seen Lenore's ghost at Scarabus' castle, prompting the two to head to Scarabus' castle to seek Craven's lost love.

Director: Roger Corman
Producer: Roger Corman
Distributor: American International Pictures
Production Co: Alta Vista Productions
Rating: G
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 25, 1963, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Runtime: 1h 26m

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