House on Haunted Hill (1959)

William Castle was a famous director who added gimmicks and effects to some of the movie theaters where his films were shown. While this added to the viewing experience to those that went to those theaters, it's a shame that Mr. Castle didn't have the faith that his films were scary enough to stand on their own. Or maybe he did realize that his films weren't that scary and that they needed all the help they could get! A great example of where one his films fails to deliver any real scares is his original version of "House on Haunted Hill". Starring Vincent Price, this film lacked the same intensity and thrills that "House of Wax" had, which was made six years earlier. "House on Haunted Hill" had a great premise but the effects in the movie feel more like set up for the effects and gimmicks that took place in the theaters. As a combined piece of performance art, "House on Haunted Hill" excels while as a horror movie, it's merely adequate.

Seeing this version does increase the entertainment value and appreciation of the 1999 remake.


Frederick Loren is an eccentric million who is throwing a party for his fourth wife's birthday. He has rented an old, haunted house and has invited five guests to come and stay the night with the promise of paying each guest $10,000 if they stay until the morning. One of the guests is actually the owner of the house, who takes the group on a tour and tells them about the various brutal and violent murders that have occurred at the residence over the years. Nora Manning, an employee at one of Mr. Loren's companies, begins to explore the house and witnesses various ghoulish sights. Later that night, when the party truly begins, Mr. Loren gives each guest a loaded pistol for protection. Loren's wife, Annabelle, tries to convince the group that her husband is insane and it trying to kill her. Everyone becomes weary of him as well as the events happening in the house. It is soon revealed that Annabelle is having an affair with one of the invited guests and this is the perfect oppurituninty to kill Mr. Loren. So who will kill who, and will it be the living or the dead that strikes the fatal blow?