Films of William Castle – Shanks (1974)

Shanks
Release date: October 9, 1974

Cast:
Marcel Marceau as Malcolm Shanks/Old Walker
Tsilla Chelton as Mrs. Barton
Phillipe Clay as Mr. Barton
Cindy Eilbacher as Celia

Written by Ranald Graham 
Directed by William Castle

The people in this movie are fictitious. Only the ghosts are real.

William Castle Promotional Gimmick:
There’s no gimmick for this one.

Plot:
A mute puppeteer uses an invention from his dead employer to animate dead bodies.

Richard’s Thoughts:
What an odd film. I know some people love it for its’ non-conventional approach but I struggled with some of the material. I think Marcel Marceau gives an interesting performance but the source material seems all over the place. It’s supposed to be a grim fairy tale (pun intended I’m sure) and at times it seems to pull it off. Opening moments with the Bartons seem from another world but almost too cruel. Maybe that’s where the fairy tale part comes in. As the movie progresses, it seems we continue to go down the rabbit hole as the use of dead bodies for entertainment is strange and not that funny.

Then, a random biker gang is thrown into the story (spoilers ahead). This leads to a very dark turn as we have to endure the assault of young Celia (who Shanks has an odd relationship with that borders as inappropriate considering her age). Another disturbing factor is that actress Cindy Eilbacher was only 15 at the time of the filming. Seeing a young girl brutally manhandled just isn’t what I look for in a movie. Thankfully, the implied rape scene is off camera but the fact that it exists at all is a major turn-off for me. And the last sequence where Shanks is dancing with the animated corpse of Celia? Not charming at all. Sure, we get a little twist at the end but it really doesn’t make the scenario any better. In fact, I think it shows how disturbed Shanks may have really been. Such a dark end for the directing career of William Castle. Personally, I can’t recommend this one.

Trivia:
William Castle appears in the film as the grocer.

Films of William Castle – The Spirit is Willing (1967)

The Spirit is Willing
Release date: July 1967

Cast:
Sid Caesar as Ben Powell
Vera Miles as Kate Powell
Barry Gordon as Steve Powell
John McGiver as Uncle George
Cass Daley as Felicity
Jill Townsend as Jenny/Priscilla/Carol
John Astin as Dr. Frieden

Based on the novel by Nathanial Benchley
Screenplay by Ben Starr 
Directed by William Castle

The people in this movie are fictitious. Only the ghosts are real.

William Castle Promotional Gimmick:
There’s no gimmick for this one.

Plot:
The Powell family is planning a fun-filled summer at a vacation home. Unfortunately, the local ghosts have other plans.

Richard’s Thoughts:
I’ve never been a big Sid Caesar fan. Comedy is subjective and I’ve just never really enjoyed his films or TV work. So, that is one hurdle to overcome with this film. The length is another as it is about 20 minutes too long at 100 minutes. The opening scenes with the annoying Steve hating everything just aren’t funny. All of the character actors are fun to watch, especially John McGiver’s performance as Uncle George. One exception is John Astin, who I thought would be funnier. Some of his lines about sexual identity haven’t aged very well and don’t come across as funny as they could have even if you could put yourself back into the time in which the film was made. Again, I don’t think William Castle could do straightforward comedy well and this was a struggle at times. Not an overall loss but put it in low on your list of Castle films to watch.     

Karla’s Thoughts:
I really liked it despite some of the flaws. I wished the parents had actually seen the ghosts at some point and the movie needed a bit more of a wrap-up. What happened to the other ghosts? Did they ever find out that Uncle George was dead? And some of the sexual orientation humor is very dated. I’d probably watch it again despite this issues but it could have been better.   

Trivia:
Vic Mizzy also did the music for The Addams Family television series and five Don Knotts films, including The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966).

Films of William Castle – The Old Dark House (1963)

The Old Dark House
Release date: October 13, 1963

Cast:
Tom Poston as Tom Penderel
Robert Morley as Roderick Femm
Janette Scott as Cecily Femm
Joyce Grenfell as Agatha Femm
Mervyn Johns as Potiphar Femm
Fenella Fielding as Morgana Femm
Peter Bull as Caspar and Jasper Femm
Danny Green as Morgan Femm

Based on the novel by J.B. Priestly
Written by Robert Dillon
Directed by William Castle

You see, it’s an old house. Old and dark.

William Castle Promotional Gimmick:
There’s no gimmick for this one.

Plot:
An American car salesman spends a dark and stormy night at the Femm mansion, where madness and murder go hand-in-hand.

Richard’s Thoughts:
Let’s just all agree that the original 1932 film with Boris Karloff is a vastly superior film. In fact, the two films are so different that they shouldn’t be compared. If you can accomplish that, then you might find something to enjoy in this version. It’s quirky and even funny…at times. I think I’ve determined that William Castle just wasn’t made for true comedy but this is the best of his attempts. Many of the intended “funny” moments here are too forced and, well, not that funny. Tom Poston actually does quite well and some of the supporting cast, especially Robert Morley and Mervyn Johns, are quite good. If only they had something a little better to work with. I did enjoy it more this time around as the film is harmless and even mildly entertaining, so I will revisit this one again. It’s just better to keep your expectations low. 

Karla’s Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this one. William Castle should have done more horror comedies. I wasn’t sure who was really behind it all until the big reveal. I also especially liked how all of the murders were unique. I would gladly watch this one again. 

Trivia:
The movie was filmed in color but released only in black and white to movie theaters in the United States. However, color prints were provided to television stations once it was available in syndication.

Films of William Castle – Mr. Sardonicus (1961)

Mr. Sardonicus
Release date: October 18, 1961

Cast:
Ronald Lewis as Sir Robert Cargrave
Audrey Dalton as Baroness Maude Sardonicus
Guy Rolfe as Baron Sardonicus
Oskar Homolka as Krull

Written by Ray Russell 
Directed by William Castle

When my master says, “Krull, do this thing,” I do the thing, whatever it may be.

William Castle Promotional Gimmick:
Viewers were given a Punishment Poll card to use during the climax of the film to decide if Mr. Sardonicus was to receive more punishment due to his cruelty.

Plot:
A cruel Baron has had his face frozen into a horrific smile and needs the help of a prominent doctor to cure him. However, the doctor was once in love with the Baron’s wife and the Baron’s affliction has turned him into a truly sadistic man. Can the doctor find a way to cure him and save the women he loves? 

Richard’s Thoughts:
I’ve always enjoyed this one every time I watch it, despite the fact that there are some things that don’t quite make sense to me. For starters, why does the Baroness feel compelled to stay when she is clearly not in love nor is she loved by the Baron? The explanations given don’t work for me. And we must throw out any scientific explanations for the Baron’s affliction. Put those aside and the Baron’s appearance is quite horrifying. It’s an interesting story, with hints of sadism not expected in a Castle film. I’d recommend it for a fun rainy afternoon.

Karla’s Thoughts:
I thought the overall premise seemed a bit silly with the freezing face. The lead character really had no redeeming qualities as he was so cruel. However, it was nice to see that he was at least a nice man before the accident. But afterwards, he was so cruel. I’m glad the servant got his revenge and that the other characters had a happy ending. I’d watch it again but I wouldn’t necessarily seek it out.

Trivia:
An alternate version was made for drive-ins in which William Castle would ask the audience to flash their headlights during the Punishment Poll. However, this footage no longer exists.

Films of William Castle – Homicidal (1961)

Homicidal
Release date: June 28, 1961

Cast:
Glenn Corbett as Karl Anderson
Patricia Webster as Miriam Webster
Eugenie Leontovich as Helga Swenson
Jean Arless as Emily

Written by Robb White 
Directed by William Castle

If you do not leave this house in the next minute, I will kill you!

William Castle Promotional Gimmick:
A special “fright break” gave viewers the opportunity to walk away from the film if it was too scary and go to the Coward’s Corner.

Plot:
Warren and Miriam Webster are poised to collect an inheritance but Warren is in love with a strange woman named Emily. It seems there is much more than meets the eye with the murderous Emily.

Richard’s Thoughts:
This was my first time watching the movie and some of the plot points were spoiled for me going into it. However, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. It’s a little quirky at times and it’s definitely is channeling Psycho, which I think overall is a superior film. But there are some truly tense moments and the cast is adequate. The ultimate reveal seemed a little off to me and certain elements haven’t necessarily aged well. Definitely worth checking out though as it is a very well-made film.

Trivia:
A clip from this film appears in Zotz! (1962) as two characters go to see the film at a drive-in.

Films of William Castle – 13 Ghosts (1960)

13 Ghosts
Release date: August 5, 1960

Cast:
Charles Herbert as Buck Zorba
Jo Morrow as Medea Zorba
Martin Milner as Benjamen Rush
Rosemary De Camp as Hilda Zorba
Donald Woods as Cyrus Zorba
Margaret Hamilton as Elaine Zacharides 

Written by Robb White 
Directed by William Castle

Emilio! He killed his wife, his mother-in-law and his sister-in-law with a meat cleaver. Whack! Whack! Whack! You’d better stand over there.

William Castle Promotional Gimmick:
Filmed in “Illusion-O”, theater goers were given ghost-viewers to use whenever ghosts appeared on screen. It allowed them to either see the ghosts (done through a color-tinting process) or make them disappear.

Plot:
The Zorba family is destitute but they’ve just inherited a house that seems the answer to their prayers. Or is it? It comes with some rather interesting ghosts, a housekeeper that might remind you of a witch and there may be more than meets the eye to some of the interesting events happening in the house.

Richard’s Thoughts:
What a fun movie! It never takes itself too seriously and the gimmick is still fun to experience today. Depending on how and where you watch it, you may automatically see the ghosts or you may have to have a modern ghost viewer, which comes with home media releases. We tried that and it worked out fine. The family’s situation is certainly an odd one, as is their inherited housekeeper, played marvelously by the Wicked Witch herself, Margaret Hamilton. There are some genuinely creepy moments, at least by 1961 standards. Highly recommended!

Karla’s Thoughts:
I really like this one as it was just so much fun to watch. I like the idea of the family trying to figure out what was going on in the house. I also really liked the ghost viewer gimmick and thought it was well done. I’d definitely watch this one again.

Trivia:
The exterior of the Zorba house is actually the Winchester Mystery House located in San Jose, California.

Classic Horrors Club Podcast – The Films of William Castle

May we have your attention please?

Prove to us that you’re brave enough to make it through the entire episode… Listen for the “Scream Break,” then follow the instructions to email us the code word to receive a special “Certificate of Survival.”

In episode 79 of the Classic Horrors Club Podcast, Jeff and I discuss the life and career of William Castle. We’re not sure how great a director he was, but he was definitely a great showman, using creative gimmicks to get butts in seats. We take an in-depth look at two of his films, Macabre (1958) and The Night Walker (1964) as we ride a roller coaster of success.

Then, be sure to check out the video companion on our YouTube channel. Put faces to the words… if you dare!

Call us at (616) 649-2582 (CLUB), email at classichorrors.club@gmail.com or join us in our clubhouse at https://www.facebook.com/groups/classichorrors.club/!

We’d also appreciate if you’d give us an honest rating on Apple Podcasts or SoundCloud. Thank you!

You can find Jeff at:

• Classic Horrors Club
• Codex Omniversa

Coming up next month, we’re celebrating the films of Mr. BIG, Bert I. Gordon! We know we’re going to take a look at Earth vs. the Spider (1958) but what will the second film be? Is it Food of the Gods (1976) or Empire of the Ants (1977)? You get to decide by placing your vote on our Facebook group page. Not a member? Then join today or send us a message with your specific vote.

Films of William Castle – The Tingler (1959)

The Tingler
Release date: July 29, 1959

Cast:
Vincent Price as Dr. Warren Chapin
Judith Evelyn as Mrs. Martha Ryerson Higgins
Darryl Hickman as David Morris
Patricia Cutts as Isabel Chapin
Pamela Lincoln as Lucy Stevens
Phillip Coolidge as Ollie Higgins  

Written by Robb White 
Directed by William Castle

Remember, if you scream at just the right time, it might just save your life.

William Castle Promotional Gimmick:
Filmed in “Percepto”, which was really a buzzer placed under specific seats in the movie theater and manually buzzed at specific frightening moments to simulate the effects of the tingler.

Plot:
A scientist has discovered a parasite in human beings, the “tingler”, that feeds on fear. Can he remove the tingler from the human body? If so, what will happen if it gets loose?

Richard’s Thoughts:
The Tingler was made during the prime of William Castle’s career, following on the success of House of Haunted Hill (1959), also starring Vincent Price, and preceding 13 Ghosts (1960). William Castle’s opening is similar to that of Frankenstein (1931), a warning of the fear to follow. It is classic Castle and Price, cheesy with unintentional humor scattered throughout. From the LSD trip Price undergoes to the ridiculously moving Tingler, it is almost impossible not to have fun with this one.

While filmed in black and white, the bathroom sequence during the scaring of Martha features red blood in the sink and bathtub. I remember seeing this when I was young on the Creature Feature. My Dad had gone to bed and when I told him about it the next morning, he didn’t believe me, sure I had fallen asleep. When it was eventually replayed, my Dad stayed awake this time and I was vindicated. Dad was amazed at the sequence.

Karla’s Thoughts:
I don’t really care for this one, probably because I can’t get over the incredibly far fetched idea of the tingler. I just can’t wrap my head around it. However, I did really enjoy Vincent Price in it but the overall cruel plot is a bit of a turn off for me. Even the blood gimmick couldn’t save this one for me.

Trivia:
The tingler is a large-scale model of a velvet worm, similar to an earthworm and an arthropod.

Films of William Castle – House on Haunted Hill (1959)

House on Haunted Hill
Release date: February 17, 1959

Cast:
Vincent Price as Frederick Loren
Carol Ohmart as Annabelle Loren
Richard Long as Lance Schroeder

Written by Robb White 
Directed by William Castle

Only ghosts in the house are glad we’re here.

William Castle Promotional Gimmick:
Filmed in “Emergo”, which was really a lighted plastic skeleton flying over the audience in the theater at a key moment in the film.

Plot:
Millionaire Frederick Loren and his wife Annabelle are holding a haunted house party in a home where seven murders have occurred. Five people are invited and each will walk away with $10,000 if they stay the night…and if they can survive the ghosts and murderous intentions.

Richard’s Thoughts:
This is one of my all-time personal favorite Vincent Price films. While not in a gothic setting and Price isn’t really the bad guy here, we still have that wonderful Price charm wrapped up in a William Castle bow. There are some creepy moments but nothing ever truly crosses the line. Rather, it comes across as a big Halloween trick or treat scare. The supporting cast was entertaining, although I wish I had a dime for every time Nora (Carolyn Craig) screamed as it got a little tedious. Even though everything gets explained in the end, there are events that occurred that never really get answered, such as the doorknob moving when nobody was there or how the rope moved on its’ own. So, maybe it was a little haunted after all?

Karla’s Thoughts:
I absolutely love this movie. It’s one of my all-time favorite Vincent Price films, along with the Phibes movies and The Raven (1963). I enjoy how his wife is faking her own death and all of the setup involved in her scheme. The scare moments are a lot of fun. I have to watch this one every year, if not more.

Trivia:
Exterior shots were filmed at the Ennis Brown House, designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1924.

Films of William Castle – The Whistler (1944)

The Whistler
Release date: March 30, 1944

Cast:
Richard Dix as Earl Conrad
Gloria Stuart as Alice Walker
J. Carrol Naish as The Killer

Based on the CBS radio program by J. Donald Wilson
Written by Eric Taylor
Directed by William Castle

I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night. 

William Castle Promotional Gimmick:
There was no gimmick in this film as it came years before William Castle incorporated them into the promotion for his films.

Plot:
A man depressed over the death of his wife is ready to end it all and hires a hitman to kill him. However, once he finds out his wife is alive, he wants to cancel the deal but it’s not as easy as that as the killer wants to finish the job.

Richard’s Thoughts:
After having this on DVD for far too many years, it was nice to finally sit down and watch it. I love Richard Dix as his acting style is quite unique. Seeing him on screen immediately took me to his Val Lewton film, The Ghost Ship (1943). I also loved seeing J. Carrol Naish as he is just so great as the villain. While the overall story is a great film noir tale, adding the presence of The Whistler was fun and including him in the story via some supernatural elements was a unique twist on the established radio character. A great start to the film series that has left me wanting to finally dive in and watch them all.

Karla’s Thoughts:
I loved it! It almost reminded me of a Sherlock Holmes film at times. I enjoyed the ending and how The Whistler is almost involved in the story, unlike the radio series. It added a supernatural element to the film. I definitely want to watch more of the series.

Trivia:
Based on the CBS radio program of the same name from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955. It was the first of an eight film series, all of which starred Richard Dix.