House of Usher

1960's HOUSE OF USHER was the first in a series of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations from director Roger Corman.  Some younger viewers may not realize that before he became the producer King of the B-movie in the '70s,  he oversaw several effective genre pics.  I am sadly only now getting around to this series, taking advantage of the Criterion Channel's offering.  I chose it on a quiet Thursday eve in the midst of a long weekend.  Plus, who doesn't want to watch Vincent Price?

You could accurately say that he is reason enough to see this movie.  Such an icon.  So effortless and sublime.  Calming yet sinister.  Here he portrays Roderick Usher, a frail, cautious man who suffers from hyperacusis and keeps his sister Madeline (Myrna Fahey) prisoner in the centuries old family mansion.  For her own good, he tells her fiance Philip (Mark Damon), who arrives to take her back to Boston, where they met. 

Roderick explains that the Ushers have long had a poisonous bloodline which has led to insanity, corruption, and murder.  Roderick worries that Madeline and her possible offspring will spread the family toxicity far beyond the mansion, itself an embodiment of evil and filled with terrible secrets.  So there she must remain, usually bedridden.  

Philip has different plans, leading to an educational and eventful few days. Will Bristol, the family butler (Harry Ellerbe) be able to help our nearly marrieds escape? You have read the source material, no?

HOUSE OF USHER was American International Pictures' first film in color, and it looks gorgeous.  The sets are great.  The effects avoid hokiness, save maybe a slow motion chandelier fall and a few shots of fire during the climax.  The budget was still relatively low, but Corman's resourcefulness (he also produced, of course) masks any seams.  His direction allows plenty of palpable atmospherics and tension is perfectly ratcheted, leading to an increasingly spooky and intense third act.  Quite skillful.  

But yes, see this for Mr. Price.  He was a national treasure, to my eyes.