Watch The Oblong Box

The Oblong Box, released in 1969, is a horror movie that stars a host of legendary actors, including Vincent Price, Alister Williamson, and Christopher Lee. Directed by Gordon Hessler, the film is based on a story by Edgar Allan Poe and is set in the 19th century. The movie follows the story of Sir Edward Markham (played by Alister Williamson), who returns to his family's estate after being away in Africa for several years. However, his arrival is not the joyous occasion that he had hoped for. His brother Julian (played by Vincent Price) is horrified by his appearance and refuses to let him back into the family home. Sir Edward soon discovers that Julian has been involved in a series of macabre activities, including grave-robbing and the use of freshly procured cadavers for medical experiments.

Sir Edward eventually learns that Julian is keeping a terrible secret locked away in a mysterious oblong box, which is hidden away in his cellar. Despite his brother's warnings to stay away from the box, Sir Edward becomes obsessed with its contents and begins to unravel the terrifying truth behind Julian's actions.

One of the standout features of The Oblong Box is its cast. Vincent Price is particularly impressive as Julian, the deranged and sinister older brother. His performance is suitably unsettling, and he brings a real sense of menace to the role. Alister Williamson also gives a solid performance as the film's protagonist, although his character is somewhat overshadowed by Vincent Price's more memorable turn as his villainous brother.

The film's atmosphere is another highlight. The 19th-century setting and gothic aesthetic lend the movie a moody and unsettling tone, which is further enhanced by the use of low lighting and shadowy, dimly lit locations. The movie also features some impressive set design, particularly in the scenes set in Julian's home, which is suitably spooky and atmospheric.

One element of the movie that may not sit well with modern audiences is its portrayal of race. The film includes several scenes of African tribesmen that can be seen as exoticizing and stereotyping, although it is worth bearing in mind that the movie was made in a different time and cultural context.

As far as horror movies go, The Oblong Box is not particularly graphic or gory, although there are certainly some disturbing and unsettling moments throughout. The film's emphasis is more on psychological horror than physical terror, building tension and suspense to create a sense of unease and the fear of the unknown.

Overall, The Oblong Box is a solid, if slightly dated, horror movie that will certainly appeal to fans of classic horror films. Its cast, setting, and atmosphere all make for an enjoyable viewing experience, and while it may not be the most memorable horror movie ever made, it is a solid entry in the genre.

The Oblong Box is a 1969 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.