House on Haunted Hill (1959)

I'm an afficionado of old, vintage, and antique entertainment: antique phonographs, vintage film cameras, and even vintage film movies are all items I enjoy. Now that the season - my favourite season of the year - is upon us, I finally have the best excuse to share my love of more things vintage. And what better way to celebrate Halloween than to enjoy classic horror films with the master of the genre himself, Vincent Price?

(By Reynold Brown - Reynold Brown - Poster Art and the Movies. Retrieved on 2013-02-22., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24800556)

The 1959 film "The House on Haunted Hill" is a classic horror movie that has stood the test of time, thanks in large part to its atmospheric setting and the iconic performance of Vincent Price. Directed by William Castle, the film revolves around an eccentric millionaire, Frederick Loren (played by Price), who invites five strangers to spend the night in a supposedly haunted mansion. The reward for surviving until morning? A cool $10,000. The guests are a motley crew, including a journalist, a test pilot, and a psychiatrist, among others. As the night progresses, strange occurrences begin to unfold, from unexplained noises to downright terrifying apparitions.

The film is a masterclass in building tension and suspense without relying on the high-tech special effects that dominate modern horror. The eerie soundtrack and the clever use of shadows and lighting create a sense of dread that permeates the entire movie. Adding another layer of intrigue is Frederick Loren's wife, Annabelle, who seems to have her own mysterious agenda. Without giving too much away, let's just say she has something up her sleeve that adds a complex dynamic to the unfolding events.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of "The House on Haunted Hill" is its delightful campiness. Whether it's the over-the-top performances, the melodramatic dialogue, or the somewhat cheesy special effects, the film embraces its own theatricality in a way that adds to its charm. This campy quality makes it not just a horror movie, but also a fun, entertaining experience that can be enjoyed on multiple levels. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's part of what makes it so endearing.

Vincent Price's performance is the standout element of the film. His portrayal of the enigmatic and slightly sinister Frederick Loren is pitch-perfect, adding layers of complexity to what could have been a one-dimensional character. He delivers his lines with a dry wit and a sinister edge, making him both likable and menacing. He also has great chemistry with Carol Ohmart, who plays his scheming wife. Their relationship is full of twists and turns, and they keep the audience guessing about their true intentions. The other actors are decent enough, but they are overshadowed by Price's charisma.

"The House on Haunted Hill" is a must-watch for fans of classic horror. Its atmospheric tension, combined with Vincent Price's unforgettable performance, make it a film that still resonates today. While it may not have the gore or high-tech effects of contemporary horror films, it offers a lesson in how to create a mood and build suspense, making it a timeless entry in the genre.