This week we are going with a classic haunted house story with William Castle's "House on Haunted Hill."
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Directed By: William Castle
Written By: Robb White
This is one of my mommy's favorite horror movies, which means I have seen it often. The biggest reason this is one of my mommy's favorites is because of this bean right here.
His name is Vincent Price, and my mommy has this compulsion to watch any and every movie he has ever been in. She loves him. Sometimes I don't understand my mommy. Why would she love a bean that specializes in creepy? Anyway, back to the movie review.
In this movie, Vincent Price plays an eccentric millionaire who, on his beautiful and spoiled wife's whim, invites five strangers to a party, guaranteeing whoever can stay in the haunted house overnight $10,000. Each of the guests has something to hide - as does the host and his wife. Not only is there an aura of suspicion surrounding each of the party members, but the house itself is not only haunted by one ghost, but by seven of them . . . all murderous and intent on increasing their numbers. From the very first moment the guests gather, strange things begin to happen. Are the spooky accidents just tricks to scare them created by their host, or are there more paranormal forces at work?
Soon there is a death among the party, and no one is sure whether to put the blame on one of their own, or on the deadly ghosts haunting the mansion. Amidst the ensuing paranoia, who is really safe? And who will fall victim next? Is the killer human, or is it a ghost?
"House on Haunted Hill" is a classic B-rated horror movie. Not only does it star Vincent Price, who is the King of Creepy, but it also has a legitimately spooky feel to it. Unless you are very sensitive to horror films in general, this movie is safe for you to watch. The spookiness is all in good fun, and at some moments is actually campy in a good way. There is also a twist in the end that makes for a chuckle or two, if you are as in to dark humor as my mommy is.I give "House on Haunted Hill" two paws up and a chirp for being a fun and spooky classic.
