Review: The Pit and the Pendulum
The Pit and the Pendulum (1961) is the second of seven collaborations between director Roger Corman and legendary actor Vincent Price to be based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe, and it certainly is one of the best (the series would reach it’s absolute zenith with their sixth Poe collaboration, The Masque of the Red Death (1964), arguably one of the best horror films ever made). The Pit and the Pendulum builds upon it’s predecessor House of Usher (1960) in almost every way imaginable- the film feels like a puzzle box with the masterful director Roger Corman carefully unravelling each element of the story and building towards a startling finale.
The story is simple: it set in 16th century Spain, where Francis Barnard (John Kerr) arrives at the castle of Nicholas Medina (Vincent Price), the husband of Barnard’s sister (Barbara Steele) who has passed away. Barnard received no explanation as to his sister’s demise, and demands answers. However, Medina’s sensitivity and unwillingness to broach the subject raises suspicion in Barnard’s eyes. He is determined to stay in the castle until a satisfactory explanation is given. But it seems something or someone is haunting the castle; and soon enough, all involved become increasingly paranoid as the gruesome history of this castle comes to bear upon them all.
By today’s standards, Pit and the Pendulum is not scary whatsoever, and may in fact come off as somewhat corny; but it is in it’s respective era, in the over-acting on display (especially the wonderful Vincent Price) and the incredibly focused storytelling that the film has it’s appeal; it never loosens up, the atmosphere is always foreboding, and the colour is a constant visual splendour. This film more than any other, perhaps, proves Roger Corman to be the king of low-budget horror filmmaking.
The film’s quality is a testament to the talent of everyone involved – Roger Corman’s deliberate and moody pace, the enormously beautiful set-design, the stirring and haunting score by Les Baxter, and a simply brilliant screenplay by horror auteur Richard Matheson (whose finest moment has to be the 1954 horror/science-fiction novel I Am Legend, also the basis of another Vincent Price feature and the inspiration behind the cult-classic The Omega Man). Everyone involved is on top-form – especially horror icon Price, who portrays a mad, weak and crumbling man in Nicholas Medina. Horror empress Barbara Steele also has a small role in the film, one that I wish had been expanded considering her brilliant performance in the Italian gothic horror of Black Sunday (1960) just the year prior.
Perhaps the greatest strength of the film over it’s predecessor House of Usher is how adventurous the adaptation is; House of Usher lengthened but never particularly expanded the plot of it’s basis, Poe’s short story The Fall of the House of Usher, leaving the viewer with a feeling that the film was somewhat overlong. Matheson learned from this, and instead expands the even shorter story of The Pit and the Pendulum by adding elements from a host of other Poe stories – whilst not explicit, one cannot help but be reminded of Poe classics such as The Black Cat, The Premature Burial, and The Cask of Amontillado. The result of this is that, despite not holding itself that much to the original story, the film tops most other Poe adaptations in that it sticks to the essence of Poe’s storytelling, the result of which is cinematic magic.
The film’s quality is a testament to the talent of everyone involved – Roger Corman’s deliberate and moody pace, the enormously beautiful set-design, the stirring and haunting score by Les Baxter, and a simply brilliant screenplay by horror auteur Richard Matheson. Everyone involved is on top-form – especially horror icon Price, who portrays a mad, weak and crumbling man in Nicholas Medina.
So it’s safe to say that the film is fantastic – how about this particular Blu-ray release from Arrow Films? For those that are unfamiliar with the label, Arrow Films is a UK distributor that specializes in releasing cult and world cinema films to Blu-ray that otherwise may have gone unnoticed or forgotten. The result is an astonishing backlog of horror classics, many of them obscure, which should delight any connoisseur of the genre. Their Blu-ray releases come in clear cases, housing a lengthy booklet of essays on the film and extensive special features, as well as top-notch restorations of the respective films. Arrow truly puts together a great set with their releases, and this particular release is no exception. The restoration is astounding – the picture is clear and vibrant, especially important considering Corman’s use of colour. The opening shot of colour mist and ink is particularly hypnotic. There is also an appropriate amount of film grain on screen, retaining fantastic detail in picture. The sound is also very good, although it is noticeable in some of the quieter scenes that there is a slight hiss, but considering the age of the film that can be forgiven. In fact, some could say that it adds much to the atmosphere of the film.
In terms of special features there is a good selection present. Two commentaries are included, one with director Roger Corman and one with noted film critic Tim Lucas, and both provide enlightening detail to the film and it’s production. The real treat on this disc though is “The Story Behind the Swinging Blade”, an all-new documentary detailing the making of the film. Arrow Video has assembled director Roger Corman, star Barbara Steele, and Price’s daughter Victoria Price. As you would expect, it’s a real treat to hear these three talk about the details of the production. Two further novelties that are presented on the disc are “An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe”, a 1970 television special in which Vincent Price narrates four Poe stories before a live audience, and specially filmed footage for the 1968 television special, as the film did not meet the 2-hour time slot. The original theatrical trailer is also included.
All around, Arrow Films has truly spoilt horror connoisseurs with this release. I must also direct you to their release of House of Usher (under the full name The Fall of the House of Usher), another Poe/Corman/Price film. Having released two films of Corman’s Poe cycle (and a selection of other Price films), I can only hope that The Masque of the Red Death is soon to follow.
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