Watch The Comedy of Terrors
- Approved
- 1964
- 1 hr 23 min
-
6.5 (7,211)
The Comedy of Terrors, released in 1963, is a classic horror-comedy film directed by Jacques Tourneur and starring three of the greatest horror actors of all time: Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Boris Karloff. The movie is a lighthearted, humorous take on the horror genre, with witty dialogue and an all-star cast that is sure to please horror fans and comedy enthusiasts alike.
The film follows the story of Waldo Trumbull (Vincent Price), a struggling funeral home owner who is in debt to his landlord, Mr. Black (Basil Rathbone). In an effort to drum up more business, Waldo and his assistant Felix Gillie (Peter Lorre) begin to kill off potential clients in order to provide their own services. However, their plans are complicated when Waldo's estranged wife, Amaryllis Trumbull (Joyce Jameson), returns to town and threatens to expose their schemes. As the body count rises and the men scramble to cover their tracks, they soon find themselves in over their heads.
The movie features some of the greatest horror-comedy scenes in cinema history, including a hilarious graveyard sequence in which Waldo and Felix inadvertently dig up the wrong grave and accidentally unleash a live cat on a group of mourners. The film also features some truly remarkable performances from its talented cast. Vincent Price is at his usual best, bringing his signature mix of charm and menace to the role of Waldo. Peter Lorre, who was known for his portrayals of creepy villains, is surprisingly lovable as Felix, and his comic timing is impeccable. Boris Karloff, who plays Waldo's senile father-in-law Amos Hinchley, is delightfully daffy and steals every scene he's in.
In addition to its strong performances, The Comedy of Terrors also benefits from its impeccable production values. The film's sets, costumes, and makeup are all top-notch, and the spooky atmosphere of the funeral home and its surroundings makes the movie a perfect fit for Halloween viewing.
One of the film's most enduring legacies is its theme song, "The Last of the Secret Agents?" by Lee Hazlewood. The catchy tune perfectly captures the movie's campy tone and has since become a cult classic in its own right.
Overall, The Comedy of Terrors is a classic horror-comedy that is not to be missed. Its quotable dialogue, memorable characters, and memorable scenes make it a must-see for both horror and comedy fans. If you're looking for a Halloween movie that will have you laughing out loud, The Comedy of Terrors is the perfect choice.
The Comedy of Terrors is a 1964 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.