Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The Best Vincent Price Movies

Ok, ok these probably aren't the best Vincent Price movies. After looking through the Vincent Price filmography on imdb.com, I've come to realize that there are approximately 100 movies of his I haven't seen. Somehow I've missed out on some amazing sounding movies, such as "Confessions of an Opium Eater," "More Dead Than Alive," and "Bloodbath at the House of Death."

So this list isn't exactly comprehensive. But they are my favorites, so that's something.

Before I reveal my amazing list, I have to confess: I love Vincent Price! Especially around this time of year. Yes, he's over the top and yes, his movies are generally kind of lame, but have you heard him talk? Amazing.

Anyway, on to the list ...

Dragonwyck
A nice country girl moves into a big creepy mansion with some creepy relatives and basically everything you would expect to happen in a big creepy mansion with creepy relatives happens.

The Tomb of Ligeia
I'm pretty sure this is the first Vincent Price movie I ever saw. It's one of many he made based on Edgar Allen Poe stories. They all have the same weird 60's feel, and star fairly ugly people. Except Vincent, of course. Anyway, in this one, he's obsessed with his dead wife and believes she may be haunting his new hot wife. Craziness ensues.

The Fall of the House of Usher
Another Edgar Allen Poe inspired film, featuring Vincent with some very white hair. According to imdb.com, one of it's taglines is "Edgar Allan Poe's overwhelming tale of EVIL & TORMENT." Not sure how you can pass that up.

Edward Scissorhands
Ok, I realize that Vincent doesn't technically star in it, but it's still a great movie! And he plays the old, sad, slightly creepy man living in an attic quite well.

The Pit and the Pendulum
Another Poe one. If you're into medieval torture methods and burying people alive, this one's for you.

House on Haunted Hill
A good ole' black and white horror film. There are actually some pretty scary moments, I think, mixed in with some cheezy special effects. It's pretty much the whole package.

House of Wax
He's sure in a lot of movies with the word "House" in the title. Anyway, this movie is a good time. Vincent is pretty creepy in it and there are some genuinely scary parts. Also huge vats of wax, if you're into that sort of thing.

Honorable Mention: (This didn't make the list because it's not actually a movie and Vincent Price is not actually in it) Sunday, Cruddy Sunday, an excellent Simpsons episode where Marge and Lisa use the "Vincent Price's Egg Magic" craft kit, and he answers their customer service questions when they have problems with it. He also pops up at the end driving a bus.

Meanwhile, if you're in the mood for some Vincent Price this Halloween, TCM will be showing a number of his films on the 30th and 31st, starting with The Tingler.