Tag: 31 Scary Movies

31 Scary Movies: ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’

Jeff Mitchell

“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1956) – With hair sprayed across his brow, his clothes soaked in sweat and a wild look in his eyes, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) desperately tries to explain his plight to a handful of doctors and police. “Will you tell these fools I’m not crazy? I’m not insane,” he screams. He certainly resembles a man who just escaped from a mental hospital, but Dr. Bennell begs to tell his story, in Don Siegel’s (“Dirty Harry” (1971), “The Shootist” (1976)) landmark science fiction picture that…

31 Scary Movies: ‘Diabolique’

Jeff Mitchell

“Diabolique” (1955) – The cover-up is worse than the crime. In the case of director Henri-Georges Clouzot’s sensational “Diabolique” (1955), the cover-up morphs into something much more: unbearable paranoia and a deep mystery. It is not a mystery that Christina Delassalle (Vera Clouzot) isn’t happy.  She enjoys her job as a teacher and an owner of Delassalle Boarding School, but she’s married to a boorish jerk, Michel (Paul Meurisse). He openly cheats with another teacher, Nicole (Simone Signoret), and when Michel actually spends time with Christina, he usually browbeats her. …

31 Scary Movies: ‘House of Wax’

Jeff Mitchell

“House of Wax” (1953) – Director Andre de Toth’s turn of the century flick – set in New York City – bursts with gleaming horror camp. A mysterious man with a black hat and cape chases women in dark alleys. Unusual, suspicious equipment – including a huge, smoky cauldron – fill a secret lair. Police try to rescue a damsel in distress. A loyal assistant does not speak.  He only grunts, and his name is – you guessed it – Igor. Yes, “House of Wax”, starring the legendary Vincent Price, is…