House of Usher (1960)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Roger Corman

Writers:

Richard Matheson (writer)
Edgar Allan Poe (story)

Release Date:

22 June 1960 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

Edgar Allan Poe's overwhelming tale of EVIL & TORMENT

Plot:

After a long journey, Philip arrives at the Usher mansion seeking his loved one, Madeline. Upon arriving...

Plot Keywords:

Curse | Death | Mansion | Cult Director | Grave

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

Vincent Price	...	Roderick Usher
Mark Damon	...	Philip Winthrop
Myrna Fahey	...	Madeline Usher
Harry Ellerbe	...	Bristol
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Eleanor LeFaber	...	Ghost
Ruth Oklander	...	Ghost
Géraldine Paulette	...	Ghost

Also Known As:

The Fall of the House of Usher (UK) (USA) (alternative title)
The Mysterious House of Usher (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

79 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Norway:(Banned) (1960 - 1974) | Netherlands:16 (DVD rating) | UK:15 | Argentina:16 | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 (1974) | USA:Unrated | Australia:PG | UK:X (original rating) | Canada:PG

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Company:

Alta Vista Productions

Trivia:

This film was one of the early examples of American International Pictures' occasional practice of distributing a feature under two different titles. In some areas the main title, and the ad campaign, read "The Fall of the House of Usher." In other areas, the main title, and the ad campaign, read simply "House of Usher." This also carried over to the 16mm U.S. television syndication prints in which one, or the other title, would appear on the print itself.

Goofs:

Continuity: Although Bristol has Philip remove his boots as soon as he arrives, and Roderick makes a big deal of it, Philip only has them off for the initial meeting. He has his boots on for the remainder of the film.

Quotes:

Roderick Usher: [shouting] Be done.
Philip Winthrop: What?
Roderick Usher: I think I rave.
Philip Winthrop: You said be done.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies (2001)

Vincent Price and the Plague of Evil!!

House of Usher is the first Edgar Allan Poe adaptation in a series (seven, to be exact) directed by Roger Corman, and probably my number one recommendation if you're looking for a good old-fashioned spooky tale. Corman merely lays the stress on the comedy-factor in his later efforts, but House of Usher still has the ability to frighten the bejezus out of you through a complex plot, a nightmarish atmosphere and horrific decors. The screenplay is very loyal to Poe's tale of the Ushers…Two remaining siblings, cursed and constantly punished for the evil of their criminal ancestors. Price is brilliant as usual in his role of the over-concerned Roderick Usher, convinced that his fade is sealed and his remaining days are doomed. Multiple memorable highlights in this film, like for example a ghoulish dream-sequence, a breath taking decent in the family vault and a truly petrifying act of vengeance! Classic and successful combination of mysterious gothic and stylish horror, not to be missed if you're a fan!