BLACK SABBATH (1963)
Starring: Boris Karloff, Mark Damon, Susy Andersen, Massimo Righi
Directed by: Mario Bava
Aptly directed by Mario Bava, Black Sabbath represents one of the best horror films containing separate short stories. In the original Italian print, the order of the stories are different then in the American version. Also, Boris Karloff does not narrate in the Italian version.
This is the rare occasion I find the American reedited version of a foreign horror film better than the original. The Italian film, in reordered sequence, doesn't seem to fit with the flow of the story as well the American print.
We're first treated to a
ghoulish story of a nurse in care of a sickly old woman who dealt with
magic. Upon the old woman's death, the nurse steals a beautiful ring from
the corpse. Afterwards she is haunted by the reanimated old woman, or is
she?
Though the corpse of the old woman is an obvious dummy, the expression on
it's face and it's awkward movements still chill you to the bone. Bava's
lighting of these scenes make for one of the most frightening moments in
cinema.
The second story, the weakest of the three, involves two French prostitutes receiving phone calls from a man they murdered. Although a few scenes manage minor shudders, this short is out of place and seems to belong in another film.
The third stars Boris Karloff himself in his only vampire role he ever played in his very long career. He plays a "Wurdalak", a vampire who only kills those closest to them. This segment is eerily played out, especially when the young son of one of Karloff's grandchildren returns from the grave, calling out for his mother.
Director Bava helmed a
number of great films, but Black Sabbath tops the list. His years spent as a
cinematographer
help
him make this film, with it's limited effects budget, a very scary piece of
work. If you haven't experienced one of his films, start here (with the
American print).
My Rating: (AMERICAN
VERSION)
My Rating:
(ITALIAN VERSION)
REVIEWED BY TONY BERNARDINI
