Dracula (1931)
9/10

A vampire from Transylvania threatens the lives of good folk in England.

I seem to remember once remarking that the film was a bit stagey as it's derived from the stage play. I take that all back. The shot direction is not stagey. It's certainly not the head-whipping shot direction of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931), but there's plenty of effective depth, movement and change of angle. And the giant sets and mattes of Dracula's castle are as beautiful as they are threatening.

Bela Lugosi (Dracula) and Dwight Frye (Renfield) play two of the most odd, captivating and iconic characters in film history. The ongoing battle between Dracula and Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan) is often riveting. Although Helen Chandler as Mina Seward often plays it plucky, David Manners as John Harker is overly lifeless.

Although there are very few scenes of particular suspense, and it's more foreboding than scary, each scene steadily progresses the plot.

THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928). Although there are some static moments this is really quite good with Conrad Veidt very moving as the titular character. Basically, this is a Lon Chaney film without Lon Chaney.
Also has Mary Philbin (PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) and Olga Baclonova (FREAKS) with some impressive Universal studios sets. ***1/2

Thanks for the reference. I just checked it out on youtube.

THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928)
6.5/10

Gwynplaine, is surgically altered to always smile, by a vengeful King to punish his rebellious noble father, who's then executed, leaving the boy an orphan. He saves an orphaned blind girl Dea (Mary Philbin) and joins with a kindly traveling performer. Gwynplaine (Conrad Veidt) feels unworthy of Dea's devoted love. Then when his noble identity is discovered, he must face a return to his inheritance and seat in the House of Lords.

It's an interesting and notable silent film. It can be fairly captivatingly sweet and romantic at times, when tight shots display Veidt's ability to effectively emote. Very nice sets, and (oft romantic) musical score, particularly at the beginning, where, for the most part, it keeps the pace of the shots reasonably short.

Unfortunately, pacing of shots really slows down when the trio arrives at a town to preform. Basically, every time there are large groups, the shots linger, are too wide and unfocused. This numbing effect is enhanced when the soundtrack drones crowd noise and clamor. The film length is 1hr 50mins. A trimming would surely sharpen the focus and pace of the film, but rather I could see Tim Burton taking on this film, as his specialty is the emotional plight of the naked artist.

TERROR OF THE TONGS (1960). Have not heard many good things on this one, but actually found it pretty entertaining, with good turns by Chris Lee and Yvonne Monlauir (BRIDES OF DRACULA the same year). ***

DIE, MONSTER DIE! (1965). Ungodly incoherent mess of a Lovecraft story, despite the presence of Boris Karloff. Even my Wife, who loves Mr L, was fidgeting through this. *

What's to get? They just needed some Thongs to kill the Monster.

X THE UNKNOWN (1956). Decent B/W Hammer about some radioactive Primordial slime with some frankly creepy moments. Give it a Look. ***

STRANGLERS OF BOMBAY (1959). Pretty good story of Englishmen fighting undesirables in a Colony, in this case, Thuggees in India. I'm quite sure Speilberg liked this as quite a few elements of the story ended up in TEMPLE OF DOOM. Pretty much any mention of the film focuses on photos of Marie Devaruex's incredibly imposing cleavage, although she isn't even mentioned in the credits and just mainly reacts to what's going on. ***

The Big Sleep (1945) (I happened to see the 1945 version, which was unmarked on the duo-sided DVD. The released version is 1946, a film with some acting changes, but no plot changes)
8/10

Humphrey Bogart, as Phillip Marlowe private detective, runs around figuring out who's doing what to who. Also stars Lauren Bacall.

It's fun and fast paced, but the plot is thoroughly incoherent. The film keeps piling up the somebodies who are doing something to somebody. Even at the end, it won't make a lick of sense. It's interesting that the film always only follows Bogart throughout the film, so everything is revealed to the audience in realtime from Bogart's perspective. This method works fantastically.

Will have to see if my copy has the 1945 version. Have always enjoyed this very much...the sharp dialog, the seedy aspects covered up by the Code and one of Bogie's best turns, almost as good as 1941's THE MALTESE FALCON.

The main reason for the retakes was to improve Bacall's performances, adding more back-and-forth with Bogart, bumping off the success of Bogy/Bacall's "To Have and Have Not" (1944). The studio wanted her to get a good review, as prior reviews said her acting was wooden.

They also dubbed Bacall saying her sister was home, where she would otherwise be incorrect.

Some say the '45 version's plot, of which 18 mins were cut, was more coherent, but it's not likely to matter because motives and character backgrounds are so thin.

SONG OF THE SOUTH (1946). Not a Horror film, but it's truly a Horror that Disney is too scared to give this a proper release because of expected screams of "That's Racist!!!"

Had the record of this when little, then saw the movie on a 1972 re-issue and after watching it on DVD the other day, the ONLY thing I can find that MIGHT be offensive is the dialect the Black characters use when speaking, but considering it's a Southern plantation after the Civil War, how would they expected to speak? Never mind that Uncle Remus is the Kindest, Wisest person in the whole film and who wouldn't want to have him in their lives? I certainly would. Am so SICK of how so many people look for hidden meanings and potentially taboo subjects instead of just watching the damn movie.
Exceptional animation by the Disney studios, catchy songs and James Baskett is superb in here as UR, more than deserving the Special Oscar he won for his performance. Sadly He passed on just a few months afterwards. If You get a chance to see this, jump on it. ****1/2

The Old Dark House (1932)
7/10

Due to a horrible storm some folk must request to stay the night at an old dark house. The residences are odd, but is there also danger afoot?

Some of the darkest film exposures I've ever seen on film. Directed by James Whale (Frankenstein & Freaks). It's certainly an odd film, mixing some 1930's social conventions with what I might call traditional 1970's horror scenes and content, with a very simple plot, mostly a dark comic parody of the setting.

I must agree with You...it is VERY dark. After reading about this in FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #66 in 1970, really wanted to check this out. Like it, but find it uneven and just sort of there, even with the exceptional cast.
My Wife, however, LOVES it and has it on frequently.

I agree with you. I think the film really falls over for a nap when they sit down for dinner. It might have really picked up speed there and come together with some clever plot devices and dialogue, but was not to be. There's some interesting interactions when they have a drink together, hearing about the British fellow's life, but in general there's no notable group dynamic, nor individual characters that excite. It's like you said, uneven, and that certainly goes for the pace and sequence of events.

I think the film has a lot of undeserved retrograde praise, specifically regarding the film as a whole, not it's nifty components, due to it being James Whale and one of the first talkies in a scary old house.

The Mummy (1932 film)
6/10

A newly discovered mummy comes back to life and tries to reunite with his reincarnated lover.

For the most part this film is a snoozer. It has a fairly fascinating plot, but every aspect of the film is set to a slow, plodding, grey, low frequency whispery pace and tone. Boris Karloff, as Imhotep, is on quaalludes, and nothing else in the film contrasts that.

Once again, Wise Sculpt, You have nailed it! I like this, but it is VERY slow and lethargic and pretty much another version of DRACULA. Still love the scene where Im-Ho-Tep comes to life, the flashback and that wonderful full close up of Boris. Almost heresy to say so, but even the Kharis films are more lively than this one, especially THE MUMMY'S HAND (1940).

THE VAMPIRE (1957). Also known as EL VAMPIRO, this Mexican flick has really great sets and atmosphere to burn. The performances aren't so hot, but will do, even the leading lady who looks a lot like Jaqueline Kennedy! German Robles is a decent vampire with way long fangs. Enjoyed it more while listening to the good commentary. ***

Dementia 13 (1963). It was pretty decent but it felt kind of like a rip-off of Psycho. Also I get the feeling that there were huge chunks missing out of the plot but I don't want to spoil the movie for those who haven't watched it.

THE VAMPIRE'S COFFIN (1958). Sequel to THE VAMPIRE has some returning cast members and some fantastic camera work (particularly the shadows where German Robles is pursuing a victim through the streets), but undone by an incredibly lethargic script and some unintentional funny scenes: the leading lady pushing the vampire away several times and a silly ending. **

High Noon (1952)
8/10

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Fairly suspenseful Western with a good pace. It doesn't really need to be any more complicated, but it's a simple film, demonstrating how people are. Long noted as being an allegory to how Americans turned their backs on those being blacklisted during McCarthy Red Scare.

Cooper is quite good here (Second Oscar win) and enjoyed the brief but effective supporting turns by Otto Kruger and Lon Chaney Jr.

I think this was Lon's best acting performance by leaps and blasts.

It's funny, it took me awhile to realise who the stunning blond was.

True, Grace Kelly was dressed plainly (probably because her character is a Quaker) when she was usually Razzle Dazzle.

RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE (1944). Love Bela Lugosi and he's pretty good as the title creature, but story is pretty bland when he is offscreen (Sound familiar::roll eyes::?) and the Werewolf flunky has got to go! **1/2

I didn't even know this existed. Looks like a good rainy day movie.

I recently - or relatively recently - saw the original Body Snatchers from the 50's; excellent film, and actually one of the best movies ever made (the Nicole Kidman movie was a waste of time, and I don't care to properly watch the 70's version because of how surreal the realism is in the 50's version

The 50's Invasion of the Body Snatchers is excellent. The 70's version is not quite successful with the ending, but it's a worthwhile magic carpet ride.

The Thing from Another World (1951)
8/10

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A US Airforce taskforce is sent to a North Pole scientific outpost to investigate a UFO that has just impacted near by.

The film is aptly shot with an effective quick pace. There's a fair amount of scientific detail and reasoning, where the main scientist is willing to sacrifice anything to bring new knowledge to mankind. This is the main subplot of this sci-fi horror film. Character development is quite light, but as caricatures, they effective move the plot.

Love that movie. Maybe more then the remake, not sure. The Thing is a damn good movie as well.

Watching The Thing from Another World again impressed me with just how many ways the two films are similar; and even how Aliens87 is similar to Thing from Another World.

There's a scene in Another World where they are tracking the creature with their Giger counter, it's clicks speeding up -- just like the scene in Aliens where they're using their clicking-proximity-meter when the creatures get inside the perimeter. Then when the 'carrot-man' bursts into the room, and they light him up with flame... that scene and even the sounds he was making were very similar to those in The Thing82.

Comparing the two, with Carpenter reintroducing the alien's mimicking abilities of the original story, adding deep paranoia, this really amps up the tension to another level. Not only that, there's much more character development in Thing82, not to mention the superb effects. But Another World is it's own version of fun.

THE COMPLETE SHERLOCK HOLMES COLLECTION-2006. While there have been some solid Holmes's over the years (Peter Cushing, Christopher Plummer, Robert Downey JR), for Me, it's always going to be Basil Rathbone with Nigel Bruce as his loyal and lovable Dr Watson helping out, even if Nigel's buffoonery really slowed things down and was obviously comic relief and padding.
14 films, the first two from 20th Century Fox are set in Victorian settings and are both wonderful. Later on, Universal picked them up and while there some gems here, the studios cost cutting and bringing the films to the present day didn't always work, although some good atmosphere by Director Roy William Neill (FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN) and continuing roles for Mary Gordon (Mrs Hudson) and Dennis Hoey (Lestrade).
The most fun for us are the Genre actors and the Universal Stock actors most people are not familiar with, like Olaf Heyton and Harry Cording. Excellent sound/vision and some informative commentaries as well. Overall set gets a ****1/2.
THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES (1939). Lionel Atwill, John Carradine. *****
THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (1939). George Zucco *****
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE VOICE OF TERROR (1942) Evelyn Ankers, Henry Daniell **
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SECRET WEAPON (1942) Lionel Atwill. ***
SHERLOCK HOLMES IN WASHINGTON (1943) George Zucco, Henry Daniell. **1/2
SHERLOCK HOLMES FACES DEATH (1943) Hillary Brooke ***
THE SPIDER WOMAN (1944). Gale Sondergaard, Angelo Rossitto. ***1/2
THE SCARLET CLAW (1944). ****
THE PEARL OF DEATH (1944). Evelyn Ankers, Rondo Hatton ***1/2
THE HOUSE OF FEAR (1945). ***
THE WOMAN IN GREEN (1945). Henry Daniell, Hillary Brooke ***1/2
PURSUIT TO ALGIERS (1945) Martin Kosleck *1/2
TERROR BY NIGHT (1946)***
DRESSED TO KILL (1946) Patricia Morrison **1/2

THE BIG HEAT (1953). Not a Horror film, but gripping excellent crime film that deserves a wider audience. Glenn Ford is a hard boiled Detective (kind of pre Dirty Harry) investigating and trying to quash a City wide Crime net. Solid support especially by a young Lee Marvin (with black hair...always thought it was white::big grin::). His Vince Stone is a real bastard and implacable sadist abusing Carolyn Jones (INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS and TV's ADAMM'S FAMILY, probably one of her first parts) and Gloria Grahame (THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE and BLOOD AND LACE). Lee's abuse of Gloria must have been ultra shocking to audiences at the time and still packs a wallop today. *****

The supporting cast really does bring The Big Heat to life, particularly Lee Marvin and Grahame.

I saw The Big Heat a few years ago, and I was a bit mixed on it. The scene of the car bomb played a bit weird, maybe even clunky, to me -- kind of hard to explain why as it's been awhile since I've seen it -- but I don't recall getting a good sense of Bannion's grief, which is certainly supposed to boost his motivation. It's a highly regarded film. I'd really like to see it again.

I didn't know Doris was Carolyn Jones! It's so hard to see. She looks so different without the long straight black hair of Morticia Adams.

I didn't know Fritz Lang directed it either. I didn't even know he was directing films into the 50's.

DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE (1961). Slow going at first, but then becomes quite compelling. The US/USSR have exploded Nuclear Bombs and it has shifted the Earth's axis and moving it towards the Sun. Only chance to right the wrong is explode a bigger bomb, hoping to save the Earth by going so.
Quite talky, but this really is quite good with a sense of dread permeating. Awesome matte work and good cast with Edward Judd (ISLAND OF TERROR), Janet Munro (SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON, THE CRAWLING EYE), Leo McKern (LADYHAWKE) and a very young Michael Caine as a Policeman. ***1/2

I Accuse My Parents (1950's?)

Actually I watched it on MST3K and it was such a laughably bad black and white melodrama from the 1950's. I think my favorite line was when Joel and the robots said "Meanwhile at Black Panther Headquarters". ::big grin::

WOMAN OF THE PREHISTORIC PLANET (1966). Saw this a few times as a kid and thought it was awesome. Watched it on YOUTUBE yesterday and Holy Moly! What a stinker::shocked::!
However, if You take this in as a low budget flick, it's not bad. Nice to see John Agar and Irene Tsu is SMOKIN' hot...probably the reason why I thought it was awesome!
Did get a laugh remembering how one of the characters was named "Tang" and my brother said he must be named after the Instant Drink mix, so instead of "They do not want Tang to live on their Planet!", it became "They do not want Instant Breakfast Drink to live on their Planet!" **

Speaking of... have you ever seen Toho's Gorath (1962), directed by Ishirō Honda? The film is a story of mankind's efforts to move Earth out of its orbit to avoid it from colliding with a runaway planet/collapsed star. As I recall it was pretty good, and it has pretty good reviews.

Will have to check that one out...

I think you will get a kick out of it. It was impressionable on me when I saw it as a kid on one of the horror movie TV shows.

It fact, Godzilla Final Wars even makes mention of it, which as you can imagine, really floored me. I wasn't surprised they had a lot scenes inspired from the film Atragon (1963), with the supersub and monster Manda (which did not have Godzilla in it), but references Gorath was a bigger surprise. ::big grin::