The Sound of Vincent Price

1963's The Raven and 1970's An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe | Two fantastic Vincent Price movie score come to CD

2012-01-09T18:13:00.000Z

Here's the full track listing for the new soundtrack release of The Raven and An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe. While I do have the latter as a 1980 Citadel vinyl release, I hear that the sound quality has been greatly improved. As for The Raven, I'm looking forward to that bonus track.

THE RAVEN
1. Main Title/The Raven Listen
2. Dr. Bedlo/To The Crypt
3. Not Quite Dead Dad
4. The Plan
5. Wild Ride To The Castle Listen
6. Dr. Scarabus/The Castle/Lenore
7. Duel To The Death
8. The Duel Continues
9. The Escape/Quoth The Raven: Nevermore Listen
10. End Titles
11. BONUS TRACK: The Raven Electronica

AN EVENING OF EDGAR ALLAN POE
12. Main Title
13. The Tell-Tale Heart Listen
14. The Sphinx Listen
15. The Cask Of Amontillado
16. The Pit and the Pendulum
17. End Titles

Buy it from Screen Archives Entertainment

Watch Rogues' Regiment (1948) starring Dick Powell and Vincent Price

2012-01-06T16:03:00.000Z

Even when decked out in a Foreign Legion uniform, Dick Powell looked, talked and acted like an urban private eye. In 1948's Rogues' Regiment, American secret agent Whit Corbett (Dick Powell) joins the Legion in order to track down Nazi war criminal Carl Reicher (Stephen McNally) in French Indo-China.

Hampering his search is a native uprising which consumes most of the film's running time. Vincent Price contributes an amusingly despicable supporting role as Mark Van Ratten, an erudite art collector who sidelines in gunrunning.

Watch the entire film now which I have uploaded on my MrPrice07 Youtube channel.

2011-12-19T15:47:00.002Z

Sick and tired of the endless festive themed film fare already? Want something a bit grittier than It’s a Wonderful Life, but just as dark? Then why not check out BBC2′s Film Noir season, a collection of classic drama from master director Fritz Lang, including Vincent Price in While the City Sleeps (Thursday 22 December, 12.40am, BBC2) starting today and concluding on Christmas Day. Here’s a sneak peek.

The legacy of Vincent Price | The Vincent Price Art Gallery in East Los Angeles

2011-12-13T13:43:00.000Z

The revamped Vincent Price Art Museum on the campus of East Los Angeles College looks amazing.

Originally opened back in 1957 by Vincent and his wife Mary, the collection includes artworks from Africa, New Guinea, ancient Egypt, Greece, Mexico, North America, South America, and works by important artist from the Renaissance to the present day, with some 2000 items from the Price's personal collection

The new art museum (which opened in May of this year) is the centerpiece of the college’s US$89m Performing and Fine Arts Center that includes workshops, seven gallery spaces and a 120-seat lecture hall for art history classes.

The museum is open to the public four days a week, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12noon to 4pm and Thursday and Friday from 12noon to 7pm.

ELAC's...Vincent Price Gallery from larry abellera on Vimeo.

Bloodbath at the House of Death on The Horror Channel tonight!

2011-12-05T10:00:00.002Z

Ten years after a gruesome murder takes place at Headstone Manor, a scientific team investigates strange reports of radioactive readings at the grim location. Unknown to the scientists, the Sinister Man (Vincent Price) is conducting a secret ceremony, known as the Night of Blood, in a bid to resurrect The Master. What follows is truly awful.

Don't get me wrong, I love the late Kenny Everett's style humour, but try as I might, I just don't like Bloodbath at the House of Death. It's seems such a waste as it boasts some great talent, including Don Warrington, Gareth Hunt, the divine Cleo Rocos, and Pamela Stephenson (it was probably this film that made her give up acting and become a therapist).

And, as for Vincent swearing, well I still shudder ever time he does.

Showing on The Horror Channel (Sky 319, Virgin 149)
9pm on Monday 5 December 2011

Guess who features in Famous Monsters' Vincentennial report?

2011-11-24T14:04:00.001Z

Got the shock of my life today! Famous Monsters (a magazine I loved as a kid and even got a photo published in Issue 151) have featured yours truly in its Vincentennial report, The Presence of Price, on its website.

Click here to read what I had to say about the celebrations in Vincent's hometown of St Louis back in May, plus there's some great comments from the likes of former Fly's David Hedison and Brett Halsey, and Video Watchdog's Tim Lucas.

This has really made my day.

Win Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea Season 4 on DVD

2011-11-16T11:13:00.001Z

The voyage comes to an end…

As this ground-breaking action adventure series went into its final series, producer Irwin Allen kicked into creative overdrive, resulting in some of the greatest and weirdest science-fiction television of all time. From Vincent Price’s diabolical puppet master to time-travelling androids and interplanetary kidnappings, this is the show that defined the genre, setting new standards for vision and imagination.

Prepare to dive for the very last time as we join Admiral Nelson (Richard Basehart), Captain Crane (David Hedison) and the rest of the crew aboard the Seaview, the Earth’s most powerful nuclear submarine, and dive deep into the unknown in the highly anticipated final series of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.

The 8-disc box-set includes all 26 episodes, plus 3 new versions of the original pilot episode and we have three copies to win, courtesy of Revelation Films.

To be in with a chance, just click on this link for details on how to enter. The competition closes 5pm Wednesday 23 November.

Watch Vincent Price in The Deadly Dolls episode, here.

Vincent Price on Aspel and Company 1984

2011-11-11T11:14:00.000Z

Back in July 1984 Vincent made an appearance on the UK chat show Aspel & Company appearing with Lulu and the late Dudley Moore.

Here's two clips from that show.

The Vincent Price Exhibit on Facebook

2011-11-08T18:01:00.000Z

If you haven't already, VP fans should follow the Vincent Price Exhibit Facebook page. I am so enjoying their dip into the archives for rare photos, posters and lobby cards to Vinnie's long career.

Today's entry was about House of 1000 Dolls, which is one my favourites - despite how trashy it really is.

Check out my review at my House of 1000 Dolls page.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN PRICE FANS!

2011-10-31T18:02:00.000Z

Happy Halloween everyone. Been quiet these past two weeks.... been taking time out with a bit of R&R on the lovely Indonesian island of Bali. Better than I expected. Anyhow, to get you into the festive mood, here's some clips of Vincent at his Halloween best.

DISNEY'S PHANTOM MANOR

VINCENT'S MONSTER MASH

The fantastic Vincentennial Theatre of Blood model kit gets a release date

2011-10-03T10:34:00.000+01:00

Theater Of Blood
Model Kit $149.99

This 16-inch model kit was created especially for the Vincentennial celebration in St Louis in May, and has been given the thumbs up by the Vincent Price Estate. The 16-part solid resin kit is due to start shipping through Monsters in Motion from 18 October - just in time to be assembled and displayed for Halloween.

Vincent scores a trio of terror in Total Film's 40 Greatest Horror Movie Posters Poll

2011-09-22T14:30:00.005+01:00

Scream and Scream Again, House on Haunted Hill and Dr Phibes Rises Again have all made Total Film's 40 Greatest Horror Movie Posters list today.

Check out these scary one-sheets for yourself at TotalFilm.com

Dr Phibes headlines DVD Drive-In's Monster-Rama

2011-09-22T10:53:00.000+01:00

Too bad the UK doesn't have drive-ins like this one that I discovered while catching up with George Reis's excellent reviews over at his DVD Drive-In website.

Earlier this month, the Riverside Drive-In Theatre in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania hosted a two day festival celebrating the best in classic horrors with Vinnie's Phibes films being shown on the second day. What a thrill it must have been to see them in such a setting.

For a pictorial recap, check out Glen Schultzberg's MONSTER DAD Blog.

Next year's Monster-Rama will take place on 7 & 8 September, so hopefully they'll be more Vinnie next year.

Chicago celebrates Vincent's 100th birthday this Halloween with Victoria Price in attendance!

2011-09-21T15:26:00.000+01:00

Chicago is getting into the Vincentennial vibe with a Halloween event featuring Victoria Price and a Vinnie double feature. So, if you're in the windy city on October 30, here are the details.

Tickets: $13 Presale CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

$15 at the door day of show.
Pay Once, Come And Go As You Like.

1pm - Doors Open
2pm - Show Starts.

Victoria Price, Author of Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography
will bring a wonderful presentation on Vincent Price
including never before seen photos and videos.

Vincent Price Double Feature & Presentation:

2:00 pm - The House On Haunted Hill (80 mins.)

3:30 pm - Victoria Price Presentation & Audience Q & A (60 mins.)

5 pm - The Last Man On Earth (86 mins.)

Victoria will be signing autographs & taking pictures for free
and selling Vincent Price memorabilia in the theater lobby.

Come dressed as your favorite Vincent Price character
and win prizes. Free Halloween Candy For Kids!

Plus: Prizes, Surprises, Short Films, Vintage Horror Trailers
a live charity auction for Vital Bridges (www.vitalbridges.org)
and more!

For more information head over to the Facebook page for this event

Classic Horror Campaign's review of Madhouse (1974)

2011-09-08T10:50:00.002+01:00

Just found this interesting review on the Classic Horror Campaign website. Check it ou if you can.

Madhouse (1974)

Vincent Price narrates The Devil's Triangle (1974)

2011-08-22T15:25:00.000+01:00

In the wake of pseudo-scientific works like Chariots of the Gods comes this 1970's documentary exploring the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, an area of the ocean between Bermuda, Miami and Cuba into where many boats and planes supposedly disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

Now you can watch the documentary in four parts over on my MrPrice07 YouTube channel.

Here's the first part.

Witchfinder General screens tonight at the Alibi Film Club in Dalston, East London - and it's free!

2011-08-15T17:03:00.000+01:00

Tonight's the night for the free screening of Michael Reeves' 1968 historical horror at the Alibi Film Club in Dalston, East London preceded by the hokey Blood Beast Terror starring Peter Cushing and Wanda Ventham (whose son happens to be Benedict Cumberpatch).

For your enjoyment, here's the haunting theme from the film.

David Del Valle's Lost Horizons: Beneath the Hollywood Sign

2011-08-13T11:42:00.000+01:00

Click here for my review of this entertaining read featuring anecdotes from not only about Vinnie, but also a host of other famous and not-so famous Hollywood legends. Written by David Del Valle who, as VP fans will know, got Price to give his most candid interview in 1988's The Sinister Image.

Irwin Allen's 1957 all-star epic The Story of Mankind comes to DVD (in the US)

2011-08-08T10:50:00.000+01:00

Irwin Allen produced this very odd adaptation of Henrik Willem Van Loon's best- selling historical volume, featuring an all-star cast.

A Celestial Tribunal has been convened to decide the fate of the Earth after the invention of nuclear weapons, with The Devil (Vincent Price) and The Spirit of Man (Ronald Colman) debating if humankind should be allowed to continue or be exterminated once and for all.

Both elemental forces present examples of human behavior at its best and worst, including Dennis Hopper as Napoleon, Hedy Lamarr as Joan of Arc, Virginia Mayo as Cleopatra, Peter Lorre as Nero, Edward Everett Horton as Sir Walter Raleigh, and Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, and Chico Marx as, respectively, Peter Minuit, Sir Isaac Newton, and a monk. A very curious find, indeed.

Released through Warner Bros on demand Archive Collection label.

Would you believe, I couldn't find a clip of Vincent on YouTube. Will have to upload one soon, in the meantime here's Dennis Hopper as Napoleon.

Witchfinder General screens for free at the Alibi Film Club in East London on August 15

2011-08-02T12:52:00.000+01:00

I'm currently writing a post about the many versions of this cult classic that is now available to genre fans, paying particular attention as to how the new UK blu-ray release from Odeon Entertainment compares with Metrodome's 2001 UK DVD release.

But before I launch that, I though I might give London-based Vincent Price fans the heads up on a free screening of Michael Reeves' 1968 historical horror on August 15 at the Alibi Film Club in Dalston, East London.

For your enjoyment, here's the haunting theme from the film.

Watch Vincent Price in the ultra-rare 1974 documentary Death Trap

2011-07-29T16:07:00.001+01:00

Death Trap (aka The Tender Trap), 1974
Oxford Scientific Films
Written, produced and directed by Hugh Falkus, Bill Travers, James Hill

In four parts, here's an extremely rare documentary hosted by Vincent Price and featuring some extraordinary footage of carnivorous plants, shot by Oxford Scientific Films.

Watch it now on my YouTube Channel at MrPrice07.

Here's the original blurb from the VHS cover.

Never has dire treachery or deceit lurked so cunningly concealed behind the open face of innocence or beneath such breathtaking beauty.

Who better than Vincent Price to guide us through the strange ad weird experience into the unknown world of supernature?

No invention of man can compare with the natural ingenuity of these strange earthly inhabitants which only exist by the death traps they must set, by their victims which they must devour or absorb.

Not until a team of eminent Oxford Scientists investigating the biology of natural death traps had spent years perfecting special equipment, cameras, lenses and techniques, could they attempt to capture this strange alien world for the screen.

There are predators which seal themselves in tubes of silk and lie and wait; some whose heads form trap doors, while others offer part of their bodies as bait.

Catch The Abominable Dr Phibes at the Roxy Bar in London on Sunday 31 July!

2011-07-27T10:46:00.000+01:00

On Sunday 31st July, The Classic Horror Campaign, Cyberschizoid, Scare Sarah and Filmbar70 present the latest 'Classic Horror Double Bill'! Taking place at Filmbar's regular haunt, The Roxy Bar and Screen in London, they'll be serving a double helping of horror pie - Horror Hotel and The Abominable Dr Phibes!

As usual look out for some superb horror giveaways and prizes.

The screaming starts at 3pm but the bar is open from 2pm serving drinks and food. Some tickets will be available on the door.

Book your tickets here.

House of a Thousand Dolls on Horror Channel tonight!

2011-07-22T07:00:00.008+01:00

Horror Channel (Sky 319; Virgin 149; Freesat 138)
Friday 22 July 10.55pm

If you have never seen this Euro-thriller before then you are in for a treat.
Vincent Price plays a nightclub magician while Martha Hyer is his mentalist cohort. Together they hyponitise women who are then sent to the infamous House of Dolls where they are forced into prostitution.

Maria Rohm (aka Mrs Harry Alan Towers, the film's producer) is one of the kidnapped girls, while George Nader (aka Rock Hudson's former lover) is the boyfriend who goes searching for her.

Despite the film's bad synching, poor colours and ropey script, its actually not that bad (and not remotely sleazy, despite the exploitation ad campaigns of the day). The best thing for about the film is the location shooting (in Tangiers and Madrid) and the catchy theme which is performed by Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers and is written by Don Black.

As for the 1000 dolls, well you only ever get to see a handful in their skimpy lingerie and fluffy mules.

Catch it again on Friday 29 July at 12.40am

Calling all Dr Phibes fans! I need your help!

2011-07-15T11:05:00.000+01:00

Hey, Phibes fans out there!

I'm researching a project about the entire Phibes canon, bringing together all the associated scripts linked to the 1970s cult classic. But just like poor old Beiderbeck, I'm missing a vital piece to the jigsaw puzzle: the elusive script to Dr Phibes in the Holy Land.

If you have any knowledge about this, however small, please email me: peter@thesoundofvincentprice.com.

Your help will be of immense value.

cheers

The Tingler screams into Birmingham's Shock & Gore Film Festival this weekend

2011-06-29T10:51:00.000+01:00

The Electric Cinema in Birmingham (the UK's oldest working cinema) is renowned for its monthly cult film nights. Now the Electric is hosting its very first Shock & Gore fantastic film festival (Friday 1 July to Sunday 3 July) featuring classic horror, cult favourites, brand new chillers and blood-drenched schlock.

For Vincent Price fans based in the Midlands who want their very own Vincentennial fix (the master of the macabre's 100th birthday is being celebrated this year), Shock & Gore will be screening William Castle's classic 1959 shocker, The Tingler, in a brand new digital print. But this will be no ordinary screening, as audience members will be treated to a totally interactive experience that will bring the Tingler to dramatic life in the cinema screen itself! Welcome back, Percepto!

And if you really want to scream your lungs out, then there's also a chance to catch Price in one of his best-ever horror roles, as the real life 17th-century rogue Matthew Hopkins in Witchfinder General, one of the finest British horrors ever made. Directed by the late, great Michael Reeves, this historical drama sees Ian Ogilvy playing a young soldier seeking revenge against the sadistic Hopkins after his lovely wife-to-be (Hilary Dwyer) suffers under his will. Not to be missed.

The Tingler screams again on Sunday (3 July) at 6pm; while Witchfinder General is showing on Saturday (2 July) at 3.30pm and Sunday (3 July) at 1.30pm. Prices (£6.80, £4.70 concs, £12 sofa).

Visit The Electric Cinema website for the full Shock & Gore programme.

Witchfinder General gets its UK Blu-ray release, with never before seen extras

2011-06-17T10:55:00.001+01:00

Michael Reeves' horror classic Witchfinder General gets a digitally remastered Blu-ray release in the UK, available from 13 June 2011.

Set during the English civil war as the Royalists battle Oliver Cromwell's Roundheads for control, Witchfinder General stars Vinnie in his most perfectly malevolent role as Matthew Hopkins, who tours the land offering his services as a persecutor of witches, aided by his sadistic accomplice John Stearne (Robert Russell). But he meets his match in a young cornet (Ian Ogilvy) when he violates the man's wife to be (Hilary Dwyer).

The extras is this new release include:
• Audio Commentary with Michael Reeves biographer Benjamin Halligan and Director Michael Armstrong.
• Documentary: The Blood Beast: The Films of Michael Reeves (24mins)
• Documentary: Bloody Crimes: Witchcraft and Matthew Hopkins (24mins)
• Vincent Price on Aspel & Company (10mins)
• Intrusion: Michael Reeves Short Film with optional commentary. (Never before commercially released)
• Alternate Scenes from the Export Version.
• Theatrical Trailer and Stills Gallery.
• Alternate US opening and closing credits.

Coming soon! My review on this release.

In meantime, if you are a UK resident, you can watch the film for free using the BBC's iPlayer service until 19 June.

Les Baxter's Tales of Terror score gets a CD release

2011-06-16T14:35:00.000+01:00

Presenting the world premiere release of selections from acclaimed composer Les Baxter's (THE DUNWICH HORROR, PANIC IN YEAR ZERO, HELL'S BELLES, BEACH BLANKET BINGO) original scores to Roger Corman's 1963 classic shocker "X" THE MAN WITH THE X-RAY EYES and the "MORELLA" chapter of Corman's 1962 Edgar Allan Poe-themed anthology feature TALES OF TERROR. After an exhaustive search, only the final two-thirds of X-RAY's score was recovered, but contained within those quarter inch elements was the partial score to the Vincent Price-starring "Morella" segment of TALES OF TERROR. Both are presented here and feature the immortal Baxter at his jazzed-infused gothic best. Produced by Ford A. Thaxton and painstakingly mastered by James Nelson from MGM vault elements, this release features in-depth liner notes from film music writer Randall D. Larson. A must-have for film music enthusiasts, especially those Baxter and Corman fans! This is a limited edition of 1200 units and its available through Screen Archives.

The Tingler takes centre stage at Birmingham's Shock & Gore Festival in July

2011-06-15T13:14:00.000+01:00

The Electric Cinema in Birmingham (the UK's oldest working cinema) is renowned for holding its monthly cult film nights. Now its hosting its very first Shock & Gore fantastic film festival (Friday 1 July to Sunday 3 July) featuring classic horror, cult favourites, brand new chillers and blood-drenched schlock.

For Vincent Price fans based in the Midlands and beyond who want a Vincentennial fix, Shock & Gore will be screening William Castle's 1959 shocker, The Tingler, in a brand new digital print.But this will be no ordinary screening, as audience members will be treated to a totally interactive experience that will bring The Tingler to dramatic life in the cinema screen itself! Welcome back, Percepto!

And if you really want to scream your lungs out, then there's also a chance to catch Price in one of his best-ever horror roles, as the real life 17th-century rogue Matthew Hopkins in Witchfinder General, one of the finest British horrors ever made. Not to be missed.

The Tingler screams again on Sunday (3 July) at 6pm; while Witchfinder General is showing on Saturday (2 July) at 3.30pm and Sunday (3 July) at 1.30pm. Prices (£6.80, £4.70 concs, £12 sofa).

BOOK TICKETS

Visit The Electric Cinema website for the full Shock & Gore programme.

Collecting Vincent Price: Robert Taylor's Vincentennial Presentation

2011-06-07T21:43:00.006+01:00

From April 22 to August 6, the Sheldon Art Galleries in St Louis, Missouri is hosting the The Legacy of Vincent Price Exhibit, featuring a collection of Price artefacts, heirlooms and memorabilia, as part of the Vincentennial celebrations.

Robert Taylor and his cousin Sara Waugh, who have collected some 300 pieces from Price's estate, provided some of those most interesting pieces to the exhibit. During the 100th birthday celebrations, Robert gave attendees, including Price's daughter Victoria, a very interesting talk about collecting Price ephemera. He also brought along some very special items not included in the exhibit, which got us fans very excited.

Here's a short clip of Robert revealing those two special pieces and the history behind them.

The House Of Wax Jeff Yagher Tribute Model Kit

2011-06-06T14:04:00.001+01:00

A while back I was lucky to get my hands on ones of these Jeff Yagher model kits, which have now become very collectable as only 50 were made. Inspired by the 1953 classic starring Vincent Price, it features a 1/9 scale figure of Price as Henry Jarrod. Once assembled, the whole kit is quite large, so finding a display home is proving problematic, but the detail is incredible.

Here's a very short video of the kit being constructed, featuring some of Price's best lines from the movie. What do you think?

Tomb of Ligeia's Elizabeth Shepherd honors Vincent Price's memory

2011-06-04T09:53:00.000+01:00

During the recent Vincentennial held in St Louis Missouri, a special video tribute was made by Elizabeth Shepherd, best known for playing Vincent's love interest, the Lady Rowena, in Tomb of Ligeia, the last of the Corman/Poe cycle of AIP films that was made on location in the UK in 1965.

Shepherd, who is performing in Pygmalian on stage in Houston, couldn't make it to St Louis for the celebrations, but instead offered up this touching video tribute, as well as an interview with Vincentennial organiser Tom Stockman for his We Are Movie Geeks website.

Vincentennial: Your Guide to the Vincent Price Landmarks of St Louis

2011-06-01T13:40:00.003+01:00

Well Vincentennial maybe over, but I still have some interesting posts to share with you all. The day before Victoria Price's Reflections From A Daughter presentation, I got the chance to explore Vincent's hometown of St Louis by bike. Along the way I discovered his childhood home, where he went to school, his father's candy factory and the theatre he performed in years after he had become an established actor. So here's my guide to those places. Check them out when you next find yourself in this gem of a city.

The National Candy Company Building (4230 Gravois Avenue)
This building was built in 1928 by Vincent's dad Vincent Leonard Price who was the president of the National Candy Company, the largest candy company in the world at the time which specialised in jawbreakers and jelly beans. There's a vibrantly colourful logo featuring candy imagery hanging over the front entrance. Currently the building is up for sale for 3.5million dollars. If only I had the cash, this would an ideal place for a permament VP museum.

Vincent Price's Boyhood Home (6320 Forsyth Boulevard)
When Vincent was born May 27 1911, his family lived on Washington Avenue but had this home built in 1923. Inside are many bedrooms, a grand staircase in the entrance way, a Chinese modern sunroom and assorted studies and 'private' rooms. The Washington University School of Architecture is across the street from the Price family home and built not long after the Price's moved in. Vincent's mother, Marguerite considered the building an eyesore and she complained constantly to the University about its design. Vincent left St Louis to attend Yale in 1929, while his parents spent the remainder of their lives in this hime. During the Vincentennial, many of the film screenings were held at Brown Hall auditorium on the Washinton University campus across the street from Price's boyhood home. Prior to a screening of Witchfinder General, I got the chance to perform Poe's poem The Conqueror Worm before a packed audience. What a thrill that was.

Vincent Price's High School (101 N Warson Road)
Vincent attended St Louis Country Day School from 1923 until he graduated in 1928. At the time, the school was located where the Lambert Field Airport currently sits. His first acting role was as part of the school's theatre group, the Troubadors and the first play he was in was Pickles, as part of the chorus. In 1958 Country Day moved to its current location, which Vincent visited in 1984 to accept the school's Distinguished Alumnus Award, and was merged with the all-girl's school next door in 1991 to become MICDS (Mary Institute Country Day School). The black box style theatre in the upper school at MICDS was built in 1989 and named in honor of its famous alumnus in October 1992. During the Vincentennial, Price's daughter Victoria had a personal tour of the shcool, and got a chance to see some of the archive materials kept there about her dad. She was chuffed to learn that her Dad's grades weren't that good.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre (527 North Grand Boulevard)
This wonderfully ornate theatre is a great homage to old Hollywood grandeur, and looks just as it did when Vincent's first film, Service De Luxe premiered here in 1938.

The Muny Opera (1 Theatre Drive)
The Muny is the largest outdoor theatre in the US. Located in Forest Park, and within walking distance of Vincent's boyhood home. It is also where Price peformed as Martin Gunther in the St Louis premiere of The American Way in June, 1940, which featured some 250 in the cast, and a large number of American troops marching through the Arc de Triumphe. Price returned to star here as Applegate in Damn Yankees in 1978 and as Fagin in Oliver! in 1976.

The Way Out Club (2525 S Jefferson Ave)
This popular music/bar venue is where Tom Stockman, organiser of Vincenntenial, holds his weekly Super-8 shows, many of which feature Vincent's old movies. I had a great time during the 100th birthday celebrations catching trailers from the old Poe movies, a 3D version of The Mad Magician, and a great 16mm print of Dr Goldfoot & the Girl Bombs. Check out their Facebook or MySpace pages for the latest listings.

Vincent Price's Star on the St Louis Walk of Fame (6509 Delmar)
Embedded in the sidewalk along Delmar Boulevward in the Loop area of University City is Vincent's star, one of many commemorating the life and achievements of famous St Louisan. Joe Edwards, proprietor of the rock 'n' roll restaurant/music venue Blueberry Hill, conceived the idea and its great way to remember names like Phyllis Diller, Tennesee Williams and Chuck Berry, who still performs in the city. Vincent was inducted in June 25, 1989, the first year the Walk of Fame was established.

Coming soon! I'm currently editing a audio video tour of St Louis, which features shots from the Vincentennial and Vincent Price landmarks. I'll let you all know as soon as I post it on YouTube.

Catch Masque of the Red Death on Saturday 4 June at the Stoke Newington Literary Festival

2011-05-31T13:13:00.001+01:00

Did you know that Edgar Allan Poe used to live in Stoke Newington, north London? Well, in honor of the former N16 resident, a day of celebrations is being held on Saturday June 4 to coincide with the Stoke Newington Literary Festival.

Highlights of the day that is being organised by the Flicker Club film society include a bust of Edgar Allan Poe being unveiled by Stephen Berkoff at the Reformed Fox pub on Stoke Newington Church Street (the site of Manor House School which Poe attended from 1818 to 1820 which he was aged nine), and a panel discussion on the American writer’s work and his legacy led by award-winning authors Stephen Jones, Christopher Fowler, Pat Cadigan, Nicholas Royle and Kim Newman.

Other events include a screening of Steven Berkoff’s Tell Tale Heart introduced by Berkoff himself, an exhibition of Poe memorabilia at the Stoke Newington Town Hall, and a rare screening of Roger Corman’s 1964 classic horror, Masque of the Red Death, as a tribute to the film’s star, Vincent Price, on the centenary of his birth. Those attending the film (which starts at 9pm at the Town Hall) will also get the chance to lay their hands on copies of the specially recreated film poster featured above, which has been designed by artist Emma Molony.

More more detailed information, check out The Flicker Club website.

Vincentennial: Day Seven | Victoria Price's Reflection from a Daughter

2011-05-28T19:10:00.000+01:00

I'm skipping to Day Six of my stay in St Louis for the Vincentennial because last night was truly a wonderful, emotional and important time for me.

On the 100th anniversary of her father's birthday, Victoria Price reflected on her dad's life to a packed audience at the Missouri History Museum in St Louis.

Sharing very personal family photos and video testimonies from her step-brother Vincent Barrett, Victoria gave us a moving, inspirational portrait of Vincent - not only as an actor and cultural icon, but as a caring, loving dad.

I would like to share with you just a few snippets from this engaging presentation in which Victoria introduces her talk, with help from her step-brother; tells us why she doesn't like horror movies; and shares her thoughts on how Tim Burton gave Vincent a new generation of fans.

Thank you Victoria.

Happy 100th Birthday Vinnie!

2011-05-27T10:00:00.010+01:00

11pm, Sky Classics (Sky 311, HD 311/346; Virgin 411)

Yep! It's finally here. Vincent's 100th birthday and the centennial celebrations are well underway in St Louis, Missouri where the actor was born and raised.

For UK viewers wanting a Vinnie fix, Sky are showing Return of the Fly in horrifying HD tonight at 11pm as part of their Creepy Classics season.

Here's a gallery of stills from tonight's offering.

Vincentennial: Day Five | Meeting Victoria Price

2011-05-26T14:46:00.000+01:00

Back in 1987, LA journalist and film historian David Del Valle sat down with Vincent to record an hour-long interview that has since become available on DVD as Vincent Price; The Sinister Image.

Filmed just after Price had made The Whales of August, the interview was Price at his most candid as he discussed his long and varied career. During the course of the interview Price observes that three days hence would be Boris Karloff's 100th birthday. Two decades later, Vincentennial organiser Tom Stockman has flown David Del Valle into St Louis to recreate the interview. His guest is Victoria Price, Vincent's daughter to his second wife, Mary Grant.

For me and all those Price fans who attended last night's discussion (despite a tornado warning that almost shut down St Louis earlier in the day), this was a very personal affair as Victoria is a living link to our idol.

Like her dad did back in 1987, Victoria's answers to David's questions were witty, sharp and very heartfelt. Victoria also went on to tell us why she now holds the torch to his legacy, which was a real taster to the multi-media event that she plans to conduct at the Missouri History Museum this Friday.

Afterwards, I got the chance to chat with Victoria myself, and with David Del Valle, whose new book Lost Horizons: Beneath the Hollywood Sign is a damn-fine compulsive read about the many actors and actresses he has befriended during his years in Tinseltown. It really is the Hollywood Babylon for the 21st century.

Here's a snippet from the discussion, in which Victoria talks about one of her greatest memories of her dad, which took place at the Pere Lachaise Cemetary in Paris, France.

Vincentennial: Day Four | Tracking down the Legacy of Vincent Price Exhibit

2011-05-25T21:13:00.001+01:00

After Monday's screening of Laura and Dragonwyck, and a very informative Q&A from Washington University media studies professor Gallen Studlar, I headed out yesterday to St Louis' Grand Center area to track down the Legacy of Vincent Price Exhibit.

After drooling over the beautifully ornate Fabulous Fox Theatre on Washington Boulevard, I headed into the Sheldon Art Galleries where the carefully selected exhibit is being housed until August. Historical artefacts, movie memorabilia and ephemera assembled from the collections of Price aficionados, Robert Taylor, Rick Squires, Jenni Nolan O'Dell and Cortland Hull (the grandson of Henry Hull, who appeared opposite Price in Master of the World) come together for the first time to honor the life and career of the great man.

Being a collector myself, I recognised many of the artefacts on show. And although I possess similar items, I still found myself smiling with glee (or is that envy?) at some of the items - especially those that had been signed by Price and people like Roger Corman and Barbara Steele.

The big draw here, however, are the historical items that have been sought and secured by Robert Taylor. Vincent's baby book, a lock of his hair, and a most wonderful drawing by Price of Helen Hayes when they appeared on stage in London in the 1930s are truly unique.

Another surprise are the life-size figures of Dr Phibes and Professor Jarrod from House of Wax. I really could not believe that the Jarrod figure was wearing the actual costume Price wore in the film.

Visiting the exhibit on a work day was a real bonus, as I had the place practically to myself. What a treat! This Friday, Robert Taylor will host a talk at 2pm about collecting Vincent Price ephemera. It's open to the public, so all are welcome.

For a short tour of the exhibit, have a look at my YouTube video.

Vincentennial: Day Three | Thunderstorms can't stop me visiting St Louis' Walk of Fame

2011-05-24T13:48:00.000+01:00

Following a leisurely breakfast and a goodbye chat with Roger Corman before he left for the airport, I braved a sudden thunderstorm on day five (my day three) of the Vincentennial to visit the St Louis Walk of Fame on Delmar, where Vincent's plaque can be found (at 6509) along with a number of other famous St Louisan, including Phyllis Diller, Betty Grable, Josephine Baker and Buddy Ebsen. Vincent was inducted here on June 25, 1989, the year the Walk was established, but was too ill at the time to attend. Instead a niece, who has since passed away, came in his place.

Across the road, at Star Clipper comics, I discovered a fascinating display of graphic art featuring the great name himself, including work that has appeared on the covers of the Vincent Price Presents range of comics. All for sale, I was very tempted into buying the lot. But, at least, I have this gallery of images as a fond memory of the excellent exhibition.

Sky Classics premieres The Invisible Man Returns in HD tonight

2011-05-24T10:00:00.015+01:00

Tuesday 24 May, Sky Classics (Sky 311, HD 311/346; Virgin 411)

Vincent Price appears for just one minute of screen time before turning into a disembodied voice for this 1940 sequel to Universal's The Invisible Man.

Price plays Sir Geoffrey Radcliffe, a man who is sentenced to death for his brother's murder Michael, a crime he did not commit. Dr Griffin, the brother of the original invisible man, injects Radcliffe with an invisibility drug, which allows him to escape in a bid to hunt down the real killer. But withthe drug slowly turning him insane, time is running out for Radcliffe to uncover the truth and find a cure to his malady.

Showing as part of Sky Classics season of Universal Horrors in glorious HD.

Vincentennial: Day Two | Seeing Roger Corman and my fellow Price fans was a real Hi-Pointe

2011-05-23T14:33:00.001+01:00

Screenings of The Raven and The Abominable Dr Phibes at the Missouri History Museum and House of Usher and Masque of the Red Death at the Hi-Pointe were the focal point of the fourth official day (my second) in the Vincentennial.

Apart from the fabulous prints of the two Poe films that the folks at Hi-Pointe were able to screen (the Masque of the Red Death print was Joe Dante's personally-owned copy), there were a few treats in store for Vincent Price fans. Tim Burton's Vincent was screened, and Roger Corman himself was in attendance with his wife and partner Julie (she's the one to thank for Syfy's OTT Sharktopus). Video Watchdog's Tim Lucas was the perfect choice to interview Corman on stage about his very long career. The Hi-Pointe cinema filmed the interview, so hopefully it will become available in the not too distant future.

It was real thrill to be able to hear Corman talk, but I got a bigger thrill when Vincentennial organiser Tom Stockman pointed me out to the attendees as having come all the way from London for the event. The round of applause that followed was quite heart-warming. Thanks everyone for making me feel so welcomed, especially Cliff and Brian at Hi-Pointe.

The event was also a chance to catch up with my fellow Vincent Price fans, including Rick Squires, the curator of the rather fantastic Vincent Price Exhibit, Danny Fulce (who luckily bagged Corman's autograph), and Jonathan Malcolm Lampley, the author of Women in the Horror Films of Vincent Price (which sold like hot cakes after the screenings).

What a day. May the celebrations continue.

Vincentennial: Day One | Magic Smoking Monkey's Dr Phibes...in 3D spoof had me in stitches

2011-05-22T14:20:00.002+01:00

Spoofing a tongue in cheek comedy was always going to be a gamble, but Magic Smoking Money Theatre's effort really paid off.

After a gruelling 16-hour journey from London to St Louis, Missouri via a 5-hour wait in Chicago, I arrived for the Vincentennial (now on its third day - but my first) and thought I'd fall asleep during the performance. But I didn't get the chance as the theatre troupe's comic take on Vinnie's cult film had me in stitches.

Taking their cues from the film's original script, which I know word perfect myself, MSM throw in all manner of comic touches (some inventive, some cliché) in a tightly-constructed production that clocks in just at just over a hour and 15minutes.

Having some knowledge of the film is a bonus, as much of the comedy comes from parodying the film's original performances. No more so that Luke Lindberg's Vesalius. His take on Phibes' nemesis, played by Joseph Cotton in the film, is joyously hammy, perfectly capturing the original film's tongue-in-cheek nature. Meanwhile, Jaysen Cryer gets my vote for the evening's most OTT performance. As Vesalius's son Lem, he reminded me of a pre-adolescent version of Glee's Kurt suffering from Attention Defective Disorder. Another worthy mention is Scott McMaster who plays all the victims (his big-breasted Nurse Allen was a real audience favourite).

The deaths are pure pantomime, with some working better than others. My favourite was Kitai's death by rats (actually cute hand puppets), while Nurse Allen's cockroach-infested face (I got one on my lap) was a scream.

Having pulled this production together in just over a fortnight, MSM should be commended. With a little more tweaks and a few more dashes of the surreal (Cryer's man in a bat suit doing a lap dance on Dr Dun-Woody [chuckle] was a taste of that), this production could have a life outside this week's Vincentennial celebrations. Tone down the swearing and it could even be taken into local schools. Now that would a great way to celebrate a cult classic and the memory of Vincent Price. Thanks guys (and girls) for a great show.

If you love Price, Dr Phibes and spoofs, then don't forget to also check out Vincent Resurrectus: Riddle of the Maps, another fan-made homage that's available to watch on YouTube.

Sky's Creepy Classics season in glorious HD

2011-05-17T10:52:00.000+01:00

Those of a nervous nature, look away now... Everyone else, prepare for nine sleepless nights as Sky Movies Classics peeps through trembling fingers at a different vintage frightfest every evening at 11pm between 21-31 May.

Crawling with ancient menaces, unholy ghouls and genetic abominations, the season includes The Invisible Man Returns on Tuesday May 24 and Return of the Fly on Friday May 27, marking what would have been the great Vincent Price's 100th birthday.

To get you in the mood, here's a gallery of shots from The Invisible Man Returns.

Les Baxter's score for House of Usher gets a welcome release

2011-05-09T14:44:00.002+01:00

Being a huge collector of the soundtracks to any Vincent Price film, I was excited to hear that Les Baxter's score to House of Usher is finally available on CD through Intrada.

Here's the blurb...
Les Baxter was well known for writing in a diverse set of styles. And while probably most famous for his classic lounge music albums, his work on the AIP Edgar Allen Poe films is probably equally famous. Few of Baxter's original session tapes survive from this period. “We went in a hurry, monaurally recording directly to the soundtrack,” Baxter recalled in 1981, “and nobody really thought of or took much interest in running off a quarter-inch protection. Neither did anyone think of preserving the original tapes for any sort of purpose. As soon as the film was recorded and the music tracks dubbed in, then they were erased or dumped into the garbage can." A true tragedy, which until now seemed to have also applied to his most famous AIP/Poe effort -- the 1960 adaptation of the Poe tale House of Usher (alternatively known as The Fall of the House of Usher).

Nonetheless, a music editor's cut of the music surfaced, in pristine, mono sound quality. While the sources presented the music as assembled in the film, with some volume adjustments to allow for dialogue (many of which were removed during the restoration for this album), it is none the worse for wear and presents a glorious listen to this classic score. The score features an elegantly multifaceted theme that binds the film together, and the score squeezes every possible bit of the Gothic scale, haunted hallway suspense, macabre terror, and melodramatic romance out of the horror genre. The most overtly ghostly presence on the score belongs to the vibrato wailings of an adult chorus—the cursed spirits of the Usher dead. “[James Nicholson] gave me absolute carte blanche,” Baxter fondly reflected. “I had an old castle, and Vincent Price with a strange disease where he hears things from the dungeon and is sensitive beyond belief to touch and sound...What more could I ask for? It was a composer’s dream...Usher was very sensitive for a horror film...The music was very much on the sensual side—in some scenes, almost to the point of passionate.”

This release is limited to 1200 units. For track listing and sound samples, please visit the Intrada website.

Pit & the Pendulum is today's featured article on Wikipedia

2011-04-08T14:33:00.000+01:00

Yep! Someone at Wikipedia must have a Vincent Price/Roger Corman fetish as it's today's featured article.

Great to see an old classic up there with the best.

His Kind of Woman gets a UK DVD release

2011-04-05T15:15:00.005+01:00

From Odeon Entertainment's Hollywood Studio Collection comes the 9 May DVD release of the Robert Mitchum, Jane Russell 1950s melodrama.

Deported gangland boss Nick Ferraro (Raymond Burr) has hatched a scheme to re-enter the States and take charge of his crime racket. Dan Milner (Robert Mitchum) is a professional gambler who is roughed up by Ferraro's hoods and then offered $50,000 to leave America and head to the remote Mexican resort of Morros Lodge.En route, Milner bumps into the beautiful Lenore Brent (Jane Russell), a nightclub singer and mistress of Hollywood star Mark Cardigan (Vincent Price). As Milner settles into the rich playground of Morros Lodge, his every move is watched by Thompson (Charles McGraw), one of Ferraro's henchmen.Realising that he may be in over his head, Milner decides to make his own enquiries as to the identity of his paymaster. But Nick Ferraro is not the type of man to be investigated...

"Both Mitchum and Russell score strongly. Russell's full charms are fetchingly displayed in smart costumes that offer the minimum of protection." VARIETY

How egg-citing! Egghead's taking over Gotham City on ITV4

2011-03-24T08:00:00.000Z

Batman, Thursday, 3pm & Friday 8.45am, ITV4 (Sky 120, Virgin 118, Freeview 24, Freesat 117)

The World's Greatest Criminal Mind causes trouble for the caped crusaders in An Egg Grows in Gotham when he forms an alliance with Mohican Chief Screaming Chicken in an attempt to take Gotham City. Then, in The Yegg Foes in Gotham, Egghead claims Gotham City for his own as the Dynamic Duo are eggs-communicated.

For more on these episodes, including clips from the show, head on over to my Batman page at (The Sound of Vincent Price).

And here's something novel. Egghead has raised his bulbous cranium once again in Issue 16 of the comic Batman: The Brave and the Bold. How egg-cellent is that?

2011-03-21T10:41:00.003Z

The Vincentennial is looking in good shape. Scheduled for May 19-28, 2011 in Vinnie's hometown of St Louis, Missouri, there's screenings of nearly 20 of Price’s major works; participation by filmmakers/actors, critics, and academics - including Vincent's daughter Victoria and Roger Corman; and an exhibition of Price-related memorabilia.

Check out the Vincentennial website for the complete schedule.

In tribute to the late Jane Russell, BBC2 screens His Kind of Woman

2011-03-13T10:00:00.001Z

Sunday 13 March, 12noon, BBC2

In this oddly surreal parody of a film noir thriller, Robert Mitchum plays a gambler holed up in a luxurious resort in Baja California where he falls for Jane Russell's sultry Lenore and finds himself being forced to help an exiled hoodlum (Raymond Burr) return to the States.

As conceited actor Mark Cardigan, given to spouting cod Shakespeare even at the most dangerous of moments, Price is at his most hysterical. Unforgettable.

Catch The Whales of August today on TCM

2011-03-07T11:03:00.004Z

TCM, 1.10pm & 5.00am, Monday 7 March (Sky 317, Virgin 415)

This is a little gem about two elderly sisters living on an island off the coast of New England. Not only was director Lindsay Anderson to be congratulated on making one of his finest films, but also in achieving the almost impossible in getting legends Lillian Gish and Bette Davis to play the sisters.
Gish edges out her rival with her intuitive warmth, but that isn't to say Davis doesn't have some striking, subtle and emotive moments. Also good are Ann Sothern, as the sister's old friend and Vincent Price as the Russian emigré who tries to batten on to the sisters before confessing that 'I have spent my life visiting friends'.
Full of poignant moments, the film has an ending that is certain to have you on the verge of tears. Gish is simply a marvel, Davis as cantankerously indomitable as ever. Together, they carve out a memorable movie memorial in roles for once worthy of their own greatness. (Review, courtesy of TV Times)

For more information and audio clips, see my Whales of August page (The Sound of Vincent Price)

Nicolas Roeg: London's BFI celebrates the legacy of the visionary British director

2011-03-02T10:00:00.002Z

This March the BFI Southbank is celebrating the work of Nicolas Roeg.

From The Masque of the Red Death, Roger Corman's lurid tale about an evil prince (Vincent Price) who sells his soul to the devil, to Puffball, Roeg's long-awaited return to the big screen, here's a chance to savour one of Britain's most visionary, maverick directors and his amazing collection of works in which taboos are embraced and explored.

Other highlights include screenings of Performance (with producer Sandy Liberson), The Man Who Fell to Earth (introduced by screenwriter Paul Mayersberg), and Eureka (which Roeg will introduce himself). Jenny Agutter will also be attendance at the screening of Walkabout on Saturday 6 March.

Meanwhile, Sight & Sound magazine presents The Roeg Legacy on Tuesday 22 March, in which Nick James leads a discussion about the director's ouevre.

For more information, log onto the BFI's website.

Farewell, Jane Russell!

2011-03-01T12:56:00.008Z

Yep! Another Hollywood legend has left this mortal coil. RIP Jane Russell. What a woman! What an amazing life!.

I can just picture her now sharing a cocktail or two with her former leading men Victor Mature (Las Vegas Story) and Robert Mitchum (His Kind of Woman), while Hoagy Carmichael tinkles the ivories and Vincent lets rip his sly sense of humour.

Scream and Scream Again's Michael Gothard in The Valley

2011-02-21T10:20:00.003Z

In the cult classic Scream and Scream Again, future James Bond baddie Michael Gothard famously played the blood-sucking human cyborg Keith, the serial-killer creation of Vincent Price's Dr Browning.

But did you know that Gothard was really quite an actor himself, appearing in such avant-garde fare as Don Levy's surreal suicide underground cult Herostratus and Barbet Shroeder's psychedelic road movie The Valley (now out on Blu-ray).

For more on this 1972 rediscovered classic, read my review...

Boris Karloff: More Than a Monster Biography

2011-02-07T15:12:00.006Z

I'm really enjoying this new biography on Boris Karloff, which traces the actor's career from plain Billy Pratt from Enfield, London to becoming the first King of Horror.

It's also got some great recollections about Karloff's film projects with Vinnie.
A must for all horror fans!

Read my full review at MovieTalk.

Catch House of Wax in 3D on YouTube

2011-02-04T15:36:00.007Z

While researching my article for the 3D Japanese ghost story Shock Labyrinth, I came across some clips on YouTube of The House of Wax and The Mad Magician in 3D.

I'm going to dig out my old red/glasses and try it this weekend.

Vincentennial: Coming Soon!

2011-01-28T11:28:00.005Z

Just discovered this fantastic promo from Cinema St Louis for Vincent's 100th birthday celebrations in his home town of St Louis, Missouri.

Scheduled for May 20-27, 2011, at multiple venues (Washington University, Missouri History Museum, Hi-Pointe Theatre, Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries), the Vincentennial will include the following:

1. Screenings of Price’s major films - from Service De Luxe to Theatre of Blood, and Tim Burton’s short Vincent (subject to availability).

2. Participation by filmmakers/actors, critics, and academics, who will conduct interviews, introduce and discuss films, and present lectures and special events. Invitees will include Victoria Price, his daughter and biographer.

3. Exhibit of Price-related artifacts, artwork, and memorabilia at the Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries.

As more info comes to hand, I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, check out the Vincentennial Facebook page and also Victoria Price's website dedicated to her father's legacy.

I Spit On Your Grave Remake

2011-01-21T11:12:00.004Z

Just seen I Spit On Your Grave.... and the ingenious death scenes reminded me of a gory version of Theatre of Blood. Read my full review.

A Tour of Dali's House... in Dali's Car

2011-01-13T14:26:00.001Z

Being a big art fan himself, Vincent would appreciate this video I've just done on my recent visit to the Casa-Museo Salvador Dali in Port Lligat, Catalonia.

La actual Casa-museo de Portlligat fue la única casa estable de Salvador Dalí; el lugar donde vivió y trabajó habitualmente hasta que, en 1982, con la muerte de Gala, fijó su residencia en el Castillo de Púbol.

Catch Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story tonight on Sky Arts 1

2011-01-09T14:00:00.004Z

Throughout the 1950's and 60's, William Castle produced and directed a series of horror films marked by their outrageous audience participation gimmicks. Castle treated moviegoers to buzzing seats, flying skeletons, luminescent ghosts and life insurance policies — and they loved every minute of it.

Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story is a documentary about the last great American showman. It is a rags to riches tale of a legend of exploitation and master of self-promotion, yet a man privately plagued by a fear of failure and a desperate desire to be respected among his peers.

Starting as a contract director for Columbia Pictures' notorious Harry Cohn, Castle would solidify his place as a brand name in horror in 1958 with Macabre. After mortgaging his house to make the film and haunted by the thought of audience indifference, Castle developed a surefire publicity stunt to attract a crowd.
Every patron would be insured by Lloyd's of London in case of "death by fright." Although nobody collected, audiences flocked to the theaters and Castle knew he had something he could take to the bank.

William Castle became a household name - an immensely popular master of ceremonies, with fan clubs and hoards of adoring fans at each town he visited. But despite his success, Castle craved the respect and accolades given to contemporaries like Alfred Hitchcock.He strived his whole career for a property that would prove his merit as an artist, which would finally come with his production of Rosemary's Baby.

Spine Tingler! traces how an obscure director for hire reinvented himself as a pop-culture icon. From his first job as Bela Lugosi's assistant to butting heads with Robert Evans, this jaw-dropping tale is told through revealing interviews with daughter Terry Castle, John Waters, Joe Dante, Leonard Maltin, Roger Corman, John Badham, Diane Baker, Marcel Marceau, and many more. Plus, there's a chance to catch the incomparable Vincent Price in clips from House on Haunted Hill and The Tingler.

Catch it tonight on Sky Arts 1 (Sky 243/HD 244; Virgin 284) at 4.35am and on Monday (10 January) at 3.30pm

Vinnie sings his heart out in Basil, The Great Mouse Detective

2011-01-09T10:00:00.006Z

Catch it tonight on Cinemagic HD (Sk 631) at 7pm

Look out Sherlock Holmes! Super sleuth Basil of Baker Street is hot on the trail of arch rival Professor Ratigan (Vincent Price) in this delightful Disney classic. Basil embarks on the greatest case of his career when London's master toymaker is kidnapped - and ends up pitting his wits against his old adversary, who wants to become "supreme ruler of all mousedom". Purr-fect!

Now, let's all sing along with Vincent...

Vincent Price Presents: The Vincentennial Issues

2010-12-17T15:40:00.000Z

Bluewater - the company behind the hit-and-miss Vincent Price Presents comic series - have announced that they will be releasing three separate titles during the Vincentennial next year, including an omnibus edition containing the first 25 issues of the horror anthology series in July.

Vincent Price Presents first appeared on Halloween of 2008, incorporating the late actor's likeness; sometimes as narrator and sometimes as a character. Several of Price’s iconic roles (like Dr Anton Phibes) have been drawn on during the run, while several Poe stories have been revisited.

Love 'em or hate 'em, it's great seeing Vincent's legacy is living on in new avenues like these comics, and I'm really chuffed that Vincent's daughter Victoria is heading up the '100 Year Legacy Campaign' in a bid to capture a new generation of fans, as well as life-long Price enthusiasts like myself.

My spies also tell me there's a series of radio drama's based on Bluewater's series in the pipeline. All I can say is that it will be a very brave man indeed to try and imitate Price's mellifulous voice. Hopefully, it won't be as bad as Nickolas Grace's high-camp attempt in the BBC4 radio play, Vincent Price and the Horror of The English Blood Beast which was broadcast in March of 2010.

LoveFilm loves Vincent Price

2010-12-15T12:57:00.013Z

OMG! I've just stumbled on a real find. If you live in the UK and subscribe to LoveFilm you can now view a host of Vincent Price classics anytime you want, through their Watch Now streaming service.

To save you the time, here's my Vincent Price LoveFilm playlist:

The Ten Commandments (1956)
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Fall of the House of Usher (1960)
Tales of Terror (1962)
The Raven (1963)
The Haunted Palace (1963)
War Gods of the Deep (1965)
House of 1000 Dolls (1967)
The Oblong Box (1969)
Scream and Scream Again (1970)
Cry of the Banshee (1970)
Madhouse (1974)
The Monster Club (1980)

Now isn't this a great idea. Do you know of any other streaming services like this? If so, email me now.

Vincent Price's voice-over in Spirits of the Dead comes to Blu-ray

2010-10-25T10:00:00.001+01:00

In an era long, long ago, a group of celebrated actors and directors pooled their collective talents to create a haunting homage to the work of Edgar Allan Poe. To top it off, that master of the macabre, Vincent Price, lent his mellifluous tones to introduce each tale of terror.

The film in question is 1969's Spirits of the Dead (aka Histories extraordinaires), a curious mix of European art-house cinema and American International Pictures horror hokum, that gave esteemed directors Roger Vadim, Louis Malle and Frederico Fellini a chance at bring Poe's vision to the big screen, following Roger Corman's successful efforts that made Vincent Price the king of horror.

In Metzengerstein, Vadim directs his then-wife Jane Fonda (they had just completed the sci-fi romp Barberella) in a campy, operatic tale about a debauched heiress who harbours an incestuous desire for her cousin (played by Peter Fonda).

In the Louis Malle-helmed William Wilson, loosely based on one of Poe's best stories, France's matinee idol of the day Alain Delon takes on the role of a 19th-century Austrian solider in occupied Italy who becomes tormented by his doppleganger.

The final tale is by the celebrated director, Frederico Fellini. Derived from Poe's Never Bet the Devil Your Head, Toby Dammit sees Terence Stamp playing a washed-up alcoholic actor who enters Faustian territory when he begins having visions of a little girl and her lost ball.

While Vadim and Malle's efforts drew mix reactions on the film's original release, Fellini's entry was highly praised - thanks to its dreamlike visuals and dark themes, heavily influenced by Fellini's La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2. Until 2008, when Toby Dammit was restored, Fellini's effort was long regarded as a lost masterpiece.

Thankfully, that is no more as Arrow's new Blu-ray release contains a new transfer from a new High Definition restoration of the original film negative, and is a huge improvement over previous releases.

And that's not all, as Stamp's original English soundtrack has been reinstated, as well as the rare Vincent Price narration that was used for the US cinema release.

Other special features include, a 60-page booklet featuring Edgar Allan Poe’s original short stories, essays by Tim Lucas and Peter Bondanella, and reprints of the original lobby cards and posters.

For lovers of European cinema, Edgar Allan Poe and Vincent Price, this is a serious must-have.

Released 25 October

Competition Time | Vincent Price in Fritz Lang's While the City Sleeps

2010-10-11T10:00:00.009+01:00

Director Fritz Lang's underrated film noir is finally getting a decent DVD release.Vincent Price plays the foppish heir to a publishing empire who pits his three top journalist against each other to catch a maniac dubbed The Lipstick Killer (aka Drew Barrymore's dad John Barrymore Jr) and scoop the story.

This is tense, intelligent thriller that deserves to be reappraised, featuring a great cast (including George Sanders and Ida Lupino) and superb cinematography by noir maestro Ernest Laszlo (Kiss Me Deadly).

For your chance to win a copy of the DVD, head over to MovieTalk now.

A History of Horror with Mark Gatiss tonight on BB4 at 9pm

2010-10-11T10:00:00.005+01:00

Mark Gatiss celebrates the horror film in a new three-part series for BBC4, starting tonight at 9pm.

Mark begins his exploration of the genre by looking at the golden age of Hollywood horror of the 1930's and 1940's, examining some iconic films directed by James Whale (including Bride Of Frankenstein - which gets a screening straight after this episode).

The second episode looks at Hammer's 1958 remake of Dracula, which made stars of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. It was at this time that horror films turned to colour and sex, tapping into an increasingly permissive society.

The last programme in the series explores the graphic new wave of horror cinema from 1968's Night Of The Living Dead to John Carpenter's Halloween 10 years later, which also heralded the era of the slasher film.

Sadly, it looks as though Mark doesn't touch on Roger Corman's contributions to the genre with his successful Poe/Price efforts... but hopefully he can save that for a three-part special of its own sometime soon.

Hammer fans should head to London this Halloween

2010-09-27T16:03:00.010+01:00

Halloween 2010 is fast approaching and word has reached me that Don Fearney is organising a Hammer fan event that's not to be missed.

The event, which takes place at the Cine Lumiere in South Kensington on Saturday October 30, will see the launch of Hammer Films: The Unsung Heroes, Wayne Kinsey's lovingly crafted homage to the team behind the legendary studio. Veteran actress Barbara Shelley, who wrote the forward, will also be in attendance for a signing session.

On stage, Peter Cushing's secretary Joyce Broughton will be interviewed about her years with the Hammer legend, while Quatermass 2 star Vera Day will look back at her film career.

The highlight of the event will be the premier of Fearney's horror feature, Grave Tales - a portmanteau film in the tradition of the classic Amicus films – starring Brian Murphy of George & Mildred fame.

Tickets for the event are available for just £15 from Donald Fearney at 25 High Hill Ferry, Bakers Hill, London, E5 9HG (tel: 0208 8066915).

2010-09-16T10:51:00.006+01:00

Just been reviewing Casanova 70, starring Marcello Mastroianni and Virna Lisi, and who do I see playing a circus lion tamer but the lovely Liana Orfei who appeared opposit Vincent Price and Jeanne Crain in 1961's Nefertiti, Queen of the Nile.

It made want to check out the film again. Boy! Vincent's eyeliner is just out of this world.

Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story on Sky Arts

2010-09-13T10:00:00.002+01:00

The award-winning 2007 documentary, Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story, directed by Jeffrey Schwarz and focusing on the director's life and work finally gets a screening in the UK.

Catch it on Sky Arts 1 (Saturday, 18 September 2010 at 4.45pm).

Although it won't be screened in glorious Percepto, it will be available in HD.

Kultguy talks to True Blood's Nelsan Ellis

2010-09-08T10:29:00.005+01:00

Now here's a treat. Nelsan Ellis from True Blood talks to me about the second series, which airs on Channel 4 tomorrow night.

Pete's Peek | The erotic 1970s arthouse cult Daughters of Darkness remains a stylish masterpiece

2010-09-06T16:51:00.000+01:00

Pete’s Peek | The erotic 1970s arthouse cult Daughters of Darkness remains a stylish masterpiece

Vincent Price's 1968 musical Darling of the Day is reborn

2010-08-25T13:26:00.005+01:00

Darling of the Day tells the story of a celebrated artist yearning for anonymity. He fakes his own death and assumes his valet's identity but carries on painting - which means that his art mysteriously keeps reappearing.

The show is based on Arnold Bennett's The Great Adventure, and was adapted by Jule Styne (Gypsy, Funny Girl), E.Y. Harburg (Finian’s Window, Wizard of Oz) and Nunnally Johnson (The Grapes of Wrath, Roxie Hart).

The 1968 show, which originally starred Vincent Price and Patricia Routledge, is being resurrected as part of the Sadler's Well's Lost Musicals season in London, from 22 August to 19 September.

So, if you're in London... this is a real trip down memory lane.

For tickets and information, go to the Sadler's Wells website.

The Sound of Vincent Price YouTube Channel now has 600 subscribers

2010-08-20T11:30:00.003+01:00

Ok, so Lady GaGa's got 16 million Facebook fans and 20,000 Twitter followers, but I'm chuffed that The Sound of Vincent Price website now has 600 subscribers. The legend lives on.

Check out my latest upload, Masters of Fantasy, a documentary profiling Vincent's career.

Vincent Price in 1947's The Web | Watch it now!

2010-08-18T12:53:00.006+01:00

Vincent Price played the elegant but sinister industrialist Andrew Colby in the 1947 film noir The Web.

Its been a long time since I watched this and its still a solid piece of film-making, with great performances from Ella Raines (whatever happened to her?), Edmond O'Brien and William Bendix.

Watch it now!

Watch The Bribe and Moss Ross now!

2010-08-10T15:58:00.004+01:00

I have just posted the films Moss Rose (1947) and The Bribe (1949) for Vinnie fans to enjoy.

Hope you like them.

Pete's Peek | Ray Harryhausen reveals his 90th birthday treat

2010-06-29T10:28:00.000+01:00

Take a look at what's happening today at the London Film Museum

Who knew Dr Phibes was a hoodie!

2010-06-16T13:30:00.007+01:00

Hey Phibes fans, just comes across this unique piece of merchandising from the American death metal band The Black Dahlia Murder.

Its a hoody featuring artwork inspired by The Abominable Dr Phibes. How cool is that?

Pete's Peek | Enter the wild, wild world of RoboGeisha

2010-06-07T15:03:00.003+01:00

It's like a crazy update of Dr Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine, minus Vinnie. Check it out!

RIP Dennis Hopper

2010-06-01T15:00:00.005+01:00

Dennis Hopper, best known as the director and star of Easy Rider and for his roles in Hoosiers, Blue Velvet and Apocalypse Now, died on Saturday in Venice, California of prostate cancer. He turned 74 two weeks ago. He was also a great friend of the late Vincent Price, sharing not only two film credits (1957's Story of Mankind and 1993's Heart of Justice) but also a life-long passion for collecting art.

Born May 17, 1936 in Dodge City, Kansas, Hopper was a life-long fixture in Hollywood. His long career included roles in some of the best or most well-known films from each decade of the last half-century. In the '50s he appeared in two of James Dean's three films; as one of the goons, troubling Dean's Jim Stark in 1955's Rebel Without a Cause, then as Jordan Benedict III in Giant. Hopper became friends with Dean, who died in a car accident in September of 1955, as his star was on the rise.

Hopper spent much of the '60s on television, usually playing a nervous, fidgety criminal but Hopper ended the decade with a triumph. He directed and starred in Easy Rider, a film made on a shoestring that became a nation-wide phenomenon and that helped define the hippie generation (at least for people who weren't really of that generation). Hopper played Billy, half of an iconic duo, looking for America with Wyatt (aka Captain America), played by Peter Fonda (who also co-wrote the film). The memorable third act line from Wyatt, "You know Billy, we blew it" would bedevil critics as they hounded both actors for the meaning of the line for the next forty years. Nevertheless the film was nominated for an Academy Award for the script and neither men ever essentially divulged what that line truly meant.

The film made so much money that Hopper was allowed to indulge in his whims and darker demons through the next thirteen years, first directing the bizarre The Last Movie and thereafter cementing his reputation as an erratic, difficult person to be around and to employ.

The '70s included Hopper's underrated turn as Tom Ripley in Wim Wenders's The American Friend and as a photographer-turned-high-priest proselytizing for Marlon Brando's jungle-god Kurtz in Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now.

Hopper's rumored drug addictions and abusive demeanor while high were part of his mystique until 1983 when a nearly catatonic Hopper was found wandering in the woods in Mexico naked. He entered rehab shortly after which then resulted in a rumored 30-year-dedication to sobriety and another one of his comebacks.
1986 was a particularly kind year to Hopper as Blue Velvet and Hoosiers (and a minor role in River's Edge) put him back on Hollywood's radar. The role in Hooseers, of an alcoholic who struggles to become an assistant basketball coach, earned him an Oscar nomination. But it was his completely creepy turn as Frank Booth, sucking from an air tank in David Lynch's disturbing, great Blue Velvet that stuck with people and gave Pabst Blue Ribbon a reason to celebrate.

The '90s included great roles in John Dahl's noir-western Red Rock West ('93) and Tony Scott's True Romance ('93) and another chance to prove what a true villain looked and felt like in Jan De Bont's Speed.

Hopper was married five times, including a week long marriage to Michelle Phillips in 1970, and, lastly, to Victoria Duffy. Hopper landed in the tabloids again as earlier this month, ailing badly, he filed for divorce from Duffy, citing irreconcilable differences. Rumors swirled that the divorce was in truth prompted by Hopper's oldest daughter, Marin, and was principally inspired by a dispute over Hopper's estate.

Hopper is survived by four children, including Galen, a six-year old whom he had with Duffy.

Happy 99th Birthday Vincent

2010-05-26T16:22:00.003+01:00

Yes, 27 May is Vinnie's birthday.

Don't forget to check out Richard Squires new Facebook page, where I found this lovely little pic.

Pete

2010-05-07T15:12:00.001+01:00

Pete’s Peek | Freddy’s back in the all-new Nightmare on Elm Street

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Competition time | Win Belgian shocker Left Bank on DVD

2010-05-07T11:00:00.001+01:00

Competition time | Win Belgian shocker Left Bank on DVD

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Pete

2010-05-06T14:34:00.001+01:00

Pete’s Peek | Belgian occult horror Left Bank will leave you gasping

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The Whales of August on TCM tonight!

2010-04-28T12:54:00.005+01:00

Wednesday, 28 April, 7.10pm & TCM2, 2.10am

The Whales of August is a little gem from 1986 about two elderly sisters living on an island off the coast of New England.

Not only was director Lindsay Anderson to be congratulated on making one of his finest films, but also in achieving the almost impossible in getting legends Lillian Gish and Bette Davis to play the sisters.

Gish edges out her rival by a whisker with her intuitive warmth, but that isn't to say Davis doesn't have some striking, subtle and emotive moments. Also good are Ann Sothern, as the well-meaning lifelong friend of the sisters and Vincent Price as the Russian emigré who tries to batten on to the sisters before confessing that 'I have spent my life visiting friends'.

Full of poignant moments, the film has an ending that is certain to have you on the verge of tears. Gish is simply a marvel, Davis as cantankerously indomitable as ever. Together, they carve out a memorable movie memorial in roles for once worthy of their own greatness.

House of Long Shadows finally gets an official DVD release

2010-03-29T14:22:00.004+01:00

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced that it will be offering 27 additional MGM titles, including never-before-released award-winning classic films, made-for-TV movies and television shows via CreateSpace’s DVD on Demand service.

Beginning 22 March, fans can pre-order their favorite classic films in this exciting second wave of titles followed by the television series from the new collection, which will be available soon.

The entire collection of MGM DVD-on-Demand titles will be showcased at www.amazon.com/mgmcollection. The dedicated online destination will serve as a central hub, with links to pages featuring original trailers for films including, Fitzwilly, The Honey Pot, Hurricane Streets, Valentino and more.

“We are delighted to continue our association with CreateSpace DVD on Demand, a perfect way for us to provide fans convenient access to timeless MGM movies and television shows that are not readily available in the marketplace,” said Eric Doctorow, General Manager, MGM Worldwide at Fox. “The new MGM Limited Edition Collection section will make it even easier for customers to find these film and TV gems on Amazon.com.”

CreateSpace DVD on Demand enables film and TV studios such as Twentieth Century Fox to make a wide variety of content available efficiently, inexpensively and with little risk, since titles are sold directly in response to customer demand.

Showcasing an assortment of award-nominated films, the latest wave of titles includes House of Long Shadows, Pete Walker's spooky horror starring those titans of terror, Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing and John Carradine.

Pete

2010-03-29T10:57:00.001+01:00

Pete’s Peek | The House of the Devil is destined for cult status

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Pete

2010-03-29T10:55:00.001+01:00

Pete’s Peek | Catch George A Romero’s gory masterpiece Day of the Dead on Blu-ray

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Pete’s Peek | A triple dose of terror from Dario Argento on DVD

2010-03-22T17:19:00.001Z

Pete’s Peek | A triple dose of terror from Dario Argento on DVD

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All New Doctor Who begins April 3 on BBC1 & BBC HD

2010-03-22T11:21:00.004Z

With the dappy bowtie and suit and angular face, Matt Smith is like a young Vincent Price. Hope his performance is as exciting.

Vinnie's favourite performance, The Eve of St Mark

2010-03-17T10:00:00.001Z

The Eve of St Mark
Wednesday, 17 March, 12.50pm
Film4 (Sky 315, Virgin 444, Freeview 15, Freesat 300)

Set your remote for this 1944 World War II drama in which William Eythe's farmboy is drafted into the US army in 1942 and sees action in the Philippines on the island of Corregidor.

Vinnie plays the poetry-mad Southern private, Francis Marion, in what the actor said was one of his best performances.

Catch Vinnie in action on my YouTube Channel.

From Disney to Tim Burton - a celebration of Alice through the Ages

2010-03-10T17:07:00.001Z

From Disney to Tim Burton - a celebration of Alice through the Ages

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BBC Radio 4 Saturday Play: Vincent Price and The Horror of The English Blood Beast

2010-03-08T13:27:00.001Z

By Matthew Broughton.

In 1967, Vincent Price came to the UK to make the horror movie Witchfinder General. It was the best performance of his career, and the worst few months of his life. This play takes a light-hearted look behind the scenes of the making of this classic British film.

LISTEN NOW on iPLAYER

Pete

2010-02-24T10:26:00.001Z

Pete’s Peek | Fritz Lang’s classic thriller M gets the Blu-ray treatment

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Catch Vincent Price in glorious high-definition on MGM HD

2010-02-18T11:02:00.004Z

MGM HD, the new high-def channel on Sky 345 is showing a terrifying trio of classic Vincent Price films on Sunday 21 February, 2010.

First up, The Pit & the Pendulum at 9pm

Then there's Tales of Terror at 10.25pm

Finally, catch the brilliantly bonkers Theatre of Blood at 12m't

What a treat for Vinnie fans.

The Long Night score released

2010-02-18T10:33:00.004Z

Screen Archives have just released the 1947 score to The Long Night, which includes music not used in the final film, produced using RKO acetates from the Dimitri Tiomkin Collection at the University of Southern California Cinema and Television Library.

Anatole Litvak’s The Long Night was a gritty slice of film noir remake of Marcel Carne’s 1939 masterpiece of poetic realism, Le Jour Se Leve. The Long Night features Henry Fonda in his prime, and a great over-the-top performance by Vincent Price.

In a drab Midwestern industrial town, blue collar war veteran Joe Adams (Fonda), popular with friends and neighbors, inexplicably murders flamboyant magician Maximilian (Price) for unclear reasons. Although hordes of police and snipers surround his tiny one room apartment and escape seems impossible, Joe refuses to surrender. During the siege he reflects about his romantic relationships with two women, wholesome Jo Ann (Barbara Bel Geddes) and hardened showgirl Charlene (Ann Dvorak), both of whom also share a history with Maximilian.

If you haven't had a chance to catch this classic, then do go out and rent/buy the movie and then the score. You won't be disappointed.

Witchfinder General on BBC2, 5 February, 1am

2010-02-05T10:00:00.000Z

Catch Vinnie in the chilling Michael Reeves classic tonight on BBC2.

Plus, catch Dr Gangrene's look at the 1967 film.

Pete

2010-02-03T10:31:00.001Z

Pete’s Peek | Meet London’s funniest serial killer, Tony

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Edward Scissorhands, Sky Screen 1 HD, 3 February, 4.10pm

2010-02-03T10:00:00.003Z

With Tim Burton's reimagining of Alice in Wonderland about to hit cinema screens, here's a chance to catch Johnn Depp and Vincent Price in the 1990 bittersweet fantasy.

Dragonwyck on Film4, 3 February, 1.10pm

2010-02-03T10:00:00.001Z

Vincent's favourite film performance gets a screening on Film4 today.

Scream and Scream Again, Sky Movies Classics, 29 January, 1.05am

2010-01-28T17:10:00.000Z

Vinnie, Chris and Pete star in the bloody chiller that just gets better with age.

The Fly on Film4, 29 January, 3pm

2010-01-28T17:00:00.000Z

Help me! Please help me! Vinnie stars in the all-time classic. What batter way to spend a winter's afternoon?

Leave Her to Heaven, Channel 4, 29 January, 1.20pm

2010-01-28T16:50:00.000Z

The divine Gene Tierney gives Cornel Wilde the runaround in the classic 1945 melodrama.