Horror

Killers from Space (1954)

3/5 (1)

“Killers from Space” is a science fiction B-movie released in 1954, directed by W. Lee Wilder and starring Peter Graves as Dr. Douglas Martin, a nuclear scientist who is involved in a secret government project to test a new atomic bomb.

During the test, Martin’s plane crashes and he is presumed dead. However, he is later found alive and suffering from amnesia. As he tries to piece together what happened to him, he begins to experience strange visions of alien beings who seem to be controlling his actions.

With the help of a fellow scientist, Martin uncovers a plot by the aliens to invade Earth and take over the planet. The aliens, who are revealed to be from the planet Astron Delta, have been secretly using the atomic bomb tests to create a radiation shield that will allow them to survive on Earth.

Martin and his colleagues work to stop the aliens and destroy their radiation shield, culminating in a final showdown between Martin and the alien leader. In the end, the aliens are defeated and Martin regains his memory, but not before a thrilling battle between humans and extraterrestrial beings.

Overall, “Killers from Space” is a typical 1950s science fiction movie that plays on Cold War-era fears of nuclear annihilation and invasion by foreign powers. Despite its low budget and cheesy special effects, the film has become a cult classic among fans of vintage sci-fi cinema.

Directors:
W. Lee Wilder

Writer:
William Raynor, Myles Wilder

Stars:
Peter Graves, James Seay, Steve Pendleton

Rate this Movie

Bride Of The Monster (1955)

3/5 (1)

“Bride of the Monster” is a 1955 horror/science fiction movie directed by Ed Wood, Jr. The movie stars Bela Lugosi as Dr. Eric Vornoff, a mad scientist who lives in a secluded mansion with his assistant, Lobo (Tor Johnson). Vornoff is obsessed with creating a race of superhumans, and he has been experimenting with atomic energy to achieve this goal.

When a reporter named Janet Lawton (Loretta King) and her partner, Dick Craig (Tony McCoy), investigate the disappearance of several people near Vornoff’s mansion, they stumble upon his secret laboratory. Vornoff captures Janet and plans to use her in his experiments, but Dick and the local police mount a rescue operation.

In the final confrontation, Vornoff uses his atomic energy machine to create a giant octopus-like creature, which he hopes will be his ultimate creation. However, the experiment goes awry, and the creature goes on a rampage, destroying Vornoff’s mansion and killing Lobo. Vornoff himself is killed by the creature, which is eventually destroyed by Dick and the police.

Despite its low budget and often criticized production values, “Bride of the Monster” has become a cult classic, due in part to Bela Lugosi’s iconic performance as the mad scientist. The movie is also notable for being one of the last films Lugosi made before his death in 1956.

Directors:
Edward D. Wood Jr.

Writer:
Edward D. Wood Jr., Alex Gordon

Stars:
Stars
Bela Lugosi, Tor Johnson, Tony McCoy

Rate this Movie

The Wasp Woman (1960)

3/5 (1)

“The Wasp Woman” is a 1960 science fiction horror film directed by Roger Corman. The story follows Janice Starlin (played by Susan Cabot), the aging CEO of a cosmetics company who is desperate to maintain her youth and beauty. After trying numerous treatments with no success, she turns to Dr. Eric Zinthrop (played by Michael Mark), a scientist who has been working on a serum derived from wasp enzymes that can reverse the aging process.

Despite warnings from Zinthrop about the serum’s potential side effects, Janice decides to use it and is thrilled with the results. However, as time passes, she begins to experience strange side effects and transforms into a wasp-like creature, becoming increasingly aggressive and dangerous. Meanwhile, Zinthrop goes missing, and the police start investigating the disappearances of several people who had crossed paths with Janice.

As Janice’s transformation progresses, her staff at the cosmetics company becomes increasingly afraid of her, and she becomes isolated and paranoid. Eventually, she attacks and kills several people before being hunted down and killed by the police. The film ends with Zinthrop’s assistant, Mary Dennison (played by Barboura Morris), destroying the wasp serum and vowing never to let anyone else suffer the same fate as Janice.

Overall, “The Wasp Woman” is a classic B-movie horror film that explores the dangers of obsession and vanity. Despite its low budget and cheesy special effects, the film has gained a cult following over the years and is considered a cult classic.

Directors:
Roger Corman

Writer:
Leo Gordon, Kinta Zertuche

Stars:
Susan Cabot, Anthony Eisley, Barboura Morris

Rate this Movie

The Monster Maker (1944)

3/5 (1)

“The Monster Maker” is a 1944 horror film directed by Sam Newfield. The story revolves around a brilliant but twisted scientist named Dr. Igor Markoff, played by J. Carrol Naish, who has developed a serum that can transform healthy humans into hideous monsters.

Markoff uses his serum to turn his unsuspecting victims into monsters, which he then displays in his traveling carnival as part of his sideshow act. His ultimate goal is to create a monster army that he can use to take over the world.

The film’s protagonist is a talented surgeon named Dr. Donald Blake, played by Ralph Morgan, who becomes suspicious of Markoff’s activities and decides to investigate. With the help of a reporter named Pat, played by Wanda McKay, Blake sets out to stop Markoff and save his latest victim, a young girl named Laurie.

As Blake and Pat dig deeper into Markoff’s past, they discover that he is driven by a desire for revenge against the medical community that rejected his unorthodox methods. They also learn that Markoff himself is suffering from a deadly illness and is using his serum to try to find a cure.

The climax of the film involves a showdown between Blake and Markoff, with the fate of Laurie and the world hanging in the balance. In the end, Markoff is killed and his serum destroyed, but not before he manages to turn himself into a monster and wreak havoc on the carnival.

Overall, “The Monster Maker” is a classic horror film that explores themes of scientific experimentation, revenge, and the dangers of playing God. It is a chilling reminder of the power of human ambition and the consequences that can result when that ambition is taken too far.

Directors:
Sam Newfield

Writer:
Larry Williams, Pierre Gendron, Martin Mooney

Stars:
J. Carrol Naish, Ralph Morgan, Tala Birell

Rate this Movie

The Vampire Bat (1933)

3/5 (1)

“The Vampire Bat” is a horror movie released in 1933, directed by Frank R. Strayer and starring Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, and Melvyn Douglas. The movie takes place in a small German village called Kleinschloss, where a string of gruesome murders have been happening, with the victims having their throats bitten and drained of blood. The townspeople believe that a vampire is responsible for the killings and suspect a mysterious and reclusive man, Dr. Otto von Niemann (Atwill).

Inspector Karl Brettschneider (Douglas) is brought in to investigate the murders, along with his assistant, Kringen (Dwight Frye). They soon discover that the real culprit is not a supernatural creature but a deranged human who has been using bat blood to mimic the effects of vampirism. However, before they can catch the killer, several more murders occur, and the townspeople become increasingly panicked.

Meanwhile, the local doctor, Dr. von Niemann, has been conducting strange experiments in his laboratory, leading many to suspect him even further. The inspector and his team eventually discover that von Niemann is not the murderer but has been working to create a serum that can control bats. The real killer is revealed to be Herman (John Wray), a mentally ill man who works as a janitor and has been using the serum to control the bats and carry out his killings.

In the end, Herman is caught, and Dr. von Niemann’s serum is destroyed. The town is finally at peace, and the inspector and his assistant leave Kleinschloss, relieved that the vampire legend has been put to rest.

Directors:
Frank R. Strayer

Writer:
Edward T. Lowe Jr.

Stars:
Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, Melvyn Douglas

Rate this Movie

Voodoo Man (1944)

4/5 (2)

“Voodoo Man” is a horror film released in 1944, directed by William Beaudine and produced by Sam Katzman. The film features a cast of horror icons, including Bela Lugosi, George Zucco, and John Carradine.

The story revolves around Dr. Richard Marlowe (Bela Lugosi), a mad scientist who practices voodoo in an attempt to resurrect his deceased wife, who he believes has been reincarnated in the form of a young woman named Angela (Wanda McKay). To achieve his goal, Marlowe kidnaps young women and uses them as sacrifices in his voodoo rituals.

Meanwhile, a group of travelers, including Betty (Louise Currie) and her fiancé Ted (Michael Ames), become stranded near Marlowe’s estate and are taken in by Angela. As they become more involved in the strange events around them, they begin to suspect that something sinister is happening at the estate.

As Marlowe’s experiments become increasingly dangerous, the travelers and Angela work together to try to stop him and his nefarious plans. Along the way, they encounter strange occurrences and supernatural forces, leading to a final confrontation between Marlowe and the group.

The film’s campy and over-the-top performances, combined with its mix of horror and comedy, have made it a cult classic among horror fans. Despite its flaws, “Voodoo Man” remains a fun and entertaining example of 1940s horror cinema.

Directors:
William Beaudine

Writer:
Robert Charles

Stars:
Bela Lugos, John Carradine, George Zucco

Rate this Movie

The Corpse Vanishes (1942)

3/5 (1)

“The Corpse Vanishes” is a 1942 horror film directed by Wallace Fox and produced by Sam Katzman. The movie features Bela Lugosi as Dr. Lorenz, a mad scientist who is killing young brides to obtain a rare substance from their glands in order to keep his aging wife youthful.

The movie begins with a journalist, Patricia Hunter (played by Luana Walters), attending the wedding of a young society girl. During the ceremony, the bride suddenly collapses and dies, leaving everyone in shock. Patricia suspects that something sinister is going on and decides to investigate.

She discovers that several young brides have died mysteriously and that each of them had been wearing a particular type of orchid. She also learns that Dr. Lorenz has been present at each of the weddings and that he has a connection to a cosmetics company that uses the rare substance he extracts from the brides’ glands in their products.

Patricia and her boyfriend, Dr. Foster (played by Tristram Coffin), team up to stop Dr. Lorenz and save the life of the next bride on his list. They go undercover as a couple getting married and lure Dr. Lorenz into their trap.

In the end, Dr. Lorenz is killed in a fiery explosion and his wife, who had been kept alive by the gland substance, ages rapidly and dies. Patricia and Dr. Foster are left to enjoy their happy ending.

Overall, “The Corpse Vanishes” is a classic horror film that showcases Lugosi’s talents as a villainous mad scientist. It’s a must-see for fans of old-school horror movies.

Directors:
Wallace Fox

Writer:
Sam Robins, Gerald Schnitzer, Harvey Gates

Stars:
Bela Lugosi, Luana Walters, Tristram Coffin

Rate this Movie

Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde (1925)

3/5 (1)

“Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde” is a 1925 silent film directed by Scott Pembroke and starring Stan Laurel.

The film is a parody of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” with Laurel playing the dual roles of Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde. In this version, Dr. Pyckle is a kindly scientist who invents a potion that he believes will bring out the best in people. However, the potion has the unintended side effect of turning him into the evil and monstrous Mr. Pryde.

As Mr. Pryde, Laurel wreaks havoc on the city, causing chaos and destruction wherever he goes. Meanwhile, Dr. Pyckle desperately tries to find a way to reverse the effects of the potion and put an end to Mr. Pryde’s reign of terror.

“Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde” is a hilarious and inventive parody, showcasing Laurel’s comedic talents and skillful use of physical comedy. The film’s special effects and makeup are also impressive for their time, with Laurel’s transformation from Dr. Pyckle to Mr. Pryde being a standout moment. Despite being a parody, the film still manages to capture the eerie and unsettling tone of the original “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” story.

Directors:
Scott Pembroke, Joe Rock

Writer:
Tay Garnett

Stars:
Stan Laurel, Julie Leonard, The Wonder Dog Pal

Rate this Movie

Spider Baby (1968)

3/5 (1)

“Spider Baby” is a 1968 horror-comedy film directed by Jack Hill and starring Lon Chaney Jr., Sid Haig, and Jill Banner.

The film follows the story of the Merrye family, a wealthy family that suffers from a rare genetic disorder that causes them to regress mentally and physically as they age. The three surviving siblings, Virginia (Jill Banner), Elizabeth (Beverly Washburn), and Ralph (Sid Haig), are cared for by their loyal and eccentric chauffeur, Bruno (Lon Chaney Jr.).

When distant relatives arrive at the family’s decrepit mansion to claim their inheritance, they become the prey of the Merrye siblings, who have developed a taste for human flesh. The film follows the siblings’ descent into madness as they plot their next meal, while Bruno desperately tries to keep them under control and protect them from the outside world.

“Spider Baby” is a darkly comedic and unsettling film, with strong performances from the cast and a memorable score by composer Ronald Stein. The film’s twisted sense of humor and bizarre characters have made it a cult classic among horror fans.

Directors:
Jack Hill

Stars:
Nigel Honeybone, Mark Spain, Nikki Vukas

Rate this Movie

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)

4/5 (1)

“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is a silent film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel of the same name. The film was directed by John S. Robertson and stars John Barrymore in the dual roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde.

The story follows Dr. Jekyll, a respected scientist who is working on a potion that can separate a person’s good and evil tendencies. Despite warnings from his friends and colleagues, Jekyll drinks the potion and transforms into the monstrous Mr. Hyde, a brutal and violent man who indulges in his darkest desires.

As Jekyll becomes more and more addicted to the sensation of transforming into Hyde, he loses control over his transformation and begins to fear that he may never be able to return to his original self. Meanwhile, Hyde’s actions become increasingly reckless and dangerous, putting Jekyll’s reputation and relationships at risk.

In the end, Jekyll’s attempts to separate his good and evil selves prove to be a fatal mistake, as he is unable to control his transformations and ultimately destroys himself. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving into one’s darker impulses and the importance of maintaining a sense of balance and control in one’s life.

Directors:
John S. Robertson

Writer:
Robert Louis Stevenson, Clara Beranger, Thomas Russell Sullivan

Stars:
John Barrymore, Martha Mansfield, Brandon Hurst

Rate this Movie

White Zombie (1932)

3/5 (1)

“White Zombie” is a horror film directed by Victor Halperin and released in 1932. The film is considered to be one of the earliest and most influential works of the zombie film genre.

The film follows the story of young couple, Madeline and Neil, who travel to Haiti to be married. They encounter a mysterious and enigmatic plantation owner, Charles Beaumont, who becomes obsessed with Madeline and sets out to make her his own.

Beaumont enlists the help of a voodoo master, Murder Legendre, to turn Madeline into a zombie, using a potion made from a local flower. Once transformed, Madeline becomes completely obedient to Beaumont’s will, and is unable to resist his advances.

Neil becomes suspicious of Beaumont’s intentions and seeks the help of a local missionary, Dr. Bruner, who reveals the truth about Beaumont’s sinister plan. Together, they must confront Legendre and save Madeline from her zombie state before it’s too late.

“White Zombie” is a classic horror film that explores themes of voodoo, obsession, and the power of the supernatural. It is notable for its atmospheric cinematography and iconic performances by Bela Lugosi as the voodoo master, Murder Legendre, and Madge Bellamy as the doomed bride, Madeline. The film has become a cult classic and has influenced countless zombie films that followed.

Directors:
Victor Halperin

Writer:
Garnett Weston, William B. Seabrook

Stars:
Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, Joseph Cawthorn

Rate this Movie

The Cat and the Canary (1927)

4/5 (1)

“The Cat and the Canary” is a 1927 horror comedy film directed by Paul Leni and based on the play of the same name by John Willard. The movie takes place in a creepy old mansion where a group of people have gathered for the reading of a will.

The plot revolves around the character of Annabelle West, who has inherited a large fortune from her eccentric uncle. However, there is a catch – Annabelle must spend the night in the mansion along with a group of relatives who may also be in line for the inheritance. If anything happens to Annabelle, the inheritance goes to her other relatives.

As the night progresses, strange things begin to happen, and the guests become increasingly paranoid and suspicious of one another. They are also stalked by a mysterious figure known as “the Cat,” who may or may not be a real person.

The film is notable for its use of atmospheric lighting and camera work, which help to create a sense of dread and unease throughout the movie. The cast is also strong, with Laura La Plante delivering a standout performance as Annabelle West.

Overall, “The Cat and the Canary” is a classic example of early horror cinema and remains a beloved film among fans of the genre.

Directors:
Paul Leni

Writer:
John Willard, Robert F. Hill, Alfred A. Coh

Stars:
Laura La Plante, Creighton Hale, Forrest Stanley

Rate this Movie

The Eye Creatures (1965)

3/5 (1)

“The Eye Creatures” is a 1965 science fiction film directed by Larry Buchanan and is also known as “Attack of the Eye Creatures.” The movie is a low-budget B-movie about a group of aliens who land on Earth and begin to terrorize a small town.

The plot centers around a group of young people who stumble upon the aliens and try to warn the authorities. However, the authorities don’t believe their story, and the group is forced to take matters into their own hands to try and stop the aliens.

The aliens are depicted as small, green creatures with large, bulging eyes and a tendency to attack humans. The special effects are low budget and often cheesy, with the aliens looking more like hand puppets than menacing extraterrestrial creatures.

Despite its flaws, “The Eye Creatures” has become something of a cult classic among fans of B-movies and has gained a reputation as one of the best/worst science fiction films of all time. The film’s low budget and amateurish production values only add to its charm, and it remains a popular choice for late-night movie marathons and cult film festivals.

Directors:
Larry Buchanan

Writer:
Larry Buchanan

Stars:
John Ashley, Cynthia Hull, Warren Hammack

Rate this Movie

The Last Man on Earth (1964)

3/5 (1)

“The Last Man on Earth” is a 1964 science fiction horror film directed by Ubaldo Ragona and Sidney Salkow. The movie is based on Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel “I Am Legend.” It stars Vincent Price as Dr. Robert Morgan, a scientist who is the only survivor of a global pandemic that has turned everyone else into vampire-like creatures.

The film begins with a series of flashbacks showing how the world was affected by the pandemic. Dr. Morgan is shown burying his wife and child and then working tirelessly to find a cure for the virus. He becomes the last man on Earth after the pandemic has wiped out the rest of humanity, and he spends his days scavenging for supplies and killing the “vampires” that emerge at night.

As time goes on, Dr. Morgan’s mental and physical health deteriorate, and he becomes increasingly isolated and desperate. He believes that he is the only human left alive and longs for companionship. However, his attempts to connect with other survivors are met with violence and betrayal, and he is forced to continue his solitary existence.

In the end, Dr. Morgan is captured and sentenced to death by a group of surviving vampires who have developed a new society based on their own set of values. The film ends with Dr. Morgan’s execution, leaving the audience to wonder about the fate of the world and the possibility of any other survivors.

Directors:
Ubaldo Ragona, Sidney Salkow

Writer:
Richard Matheson, William F. Leicester, Furio M. Monetti

Stars:
Vincent Price, Franca Bettoia, Emma Danieli

Rate this Movie

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

4/5 (1)

“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” is a silent German expressionist film, directed by Robert Wiene and released in 1920. The film tells the story of a young man named Francis who recounts his experience with a sinister hypnotist named Dr. Caligari.

In the film, Francis and his friend Alan visit a fair where Dr. Caligari is exhibiting his somnambulist, Cesare, who has been asleep for twenty-three years. Caligari claims that Cesare can predict the future, and when Alan asks how long he has to live, Cesare predicts that he will be dead by dawn.

Later that night, Alan is found dead, and Francis becomes obsessed with finding the murderer. He suspects that Caligari and Cesare are responsible and starts investigating them. His investigations lead him to discover that Caligari is actually the director of a mental institution and that Cesare is one of his patients.

Francis eventually discovers that Caligari has been using Cesare to commit a series of murders in the town. He confronts Caligari, who reveals that he is insane and that he has been using Cesare as a tool to carry out his evil deeds. In the end, the police catch Caligari and Cesare dies.

The film is known for its use of expressionist visuals, such as distorted and stylized sets, and the use of lighting to create mood and atmosphere. It is considered a classic of German expressionist cinema and a landmark in the history of horror films.

Directors:
Robert Wiene

Writer:
Carl Mayer, Hans Janowitz

Stars:
Werner Krauss, Conrad Veidt, Friedrich Feher

Rate this Movie