Watch The Curse of the Living Corpse

The Curse of the Living Corpse is a 1964 horror movie directed by Del Tenney. The film stars Roy Scheider, Helen Waren, Robert Milli, and Candace Hilligoss. The story is set in the early 20th century and revolves around the wealthy and dysfunctional Sinclair family. The patriarch of the family, Rufus Sinclair, dies and leaves behind a peculiar will. He instructs his family to stay in their mansion for one week after his death or risk losing their inheritance. However, during that time, they are terrorized by a mysterious figure who seems to be taking revenge on them one by one. As the family members start turning up dead, they begin to suspect that Rufus may have staged his own death in order to enact his revenge from beyond the grave.

The Curse of the Living Corpse is a classic B-movie horror film with a slow build-up of suspense and tension. The film is reminiscent of the old-fashioned gothic horror tales of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The black-and-white cinematography adds to the eerie atmosphere, creating a moody and creepy ambiance.

The film’s strongest asset is its cast. The lineup features some of cinema’s most talented actors, including Roy Scheider, who was relatively unknown at the time. Scheider delivers a standout performance as the troubled son of the Sinclair family, who is grappling with his own demons. His portrayal of a man on the brink of insanity is both chilling and unforgettable.

Helen Waren is another standout performer in the film. She plays Cecilia Sinclair, the overbearing matriarch of the family. Waren brings a certain gravitas to the role, making Cecilia a character you love to hate. Robert Milli, who plays the family patriarch, Rufus Sinclair, is another standout. Milli’s performance is intense and captivating, even in death.

The Curse of the Living Corpse also has some interesting themes that it explores. The film delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of a wealthy family, including the dangers of greed and the ramifications of withholding love and affection. It also highlights the dangers of obsession and the consequences of blindly following orders.

Despite its impressive cast and Gothic atmosphere, The Curse of the Living Corpse falls short in some areas. The film’s pacing is slow, and at times, it feels as if the plot is dragging. Some of the horror elements feel outdated by modern standards, and the twist ending feels underwhelming.

Overall, The Curse of the Living Corpse is an enjoyable B-movie horror film that fans of the genre will appreciate. The film’s atmospheric setting and strong performances elevate it above average horror fare, and it has remained a cult classic for fans of gothic horror for over 50 years.

The Curse of the Living Corpse is a 1963 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.