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House of Wax
Classics movie directed by André De Toth and Michael Curtiz
House of Waxbrought Vincent Price into the horror genre, where he fit as snugly as a scalpel in a mad scientist's hand. A remake of the 1933 filmMystery of the Wax Museum, this entertaining Gothic shocker casts Price as a sculptor of wax figures; his … see full wiki
Director:
Michael Curtiz,
André De Toth
Genre:
Classics
1 review about House of Wax
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+1
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This introduction starring Vincent Price, starts out with Price, owner of the House of Wax, as a congenial character hoping to expand his business and get out of debt by taking in a partner. The partner(Roy Roberts), however, has a different idea as he sets the museum on fire, destroying all of Price's time consuming and beautiful works. In addition, trapped in the fire, Price loses not only his ability to function as an artist any longer because of burns, but also his sanity, as Price generally does in most movies.
Years later, Price returns to construct his wax sculptures, with the aid of assistants (one, by the way, being a quite young Charles Bronson), opening his new House of Wax featuring the decadent and depraved of society. Price, totally mad but very lucrative, begins to stalk those in whom he sees beauty, to become the base of his wax figures - using their bodies and dipping them into hot wax. One of his prized possessions is the former nasty partner, Roy Roberts, a major find for him! Hmmm, found him one day, just hanging around.
Outwardly Price appears just as handsome as before, but it is but a facade. Under his mask he is horribly disfigured and scarred. A face that is shown during each of his kills, or acquisitions. He does a fantastic job of acting and really seems to get into this part.
Anyway, Price goes after his greatest conquest, the lovely Phyllis Kirk, to be used as his model for Marie Antoinette. Ms. Kirk was a friend of the vivacious and somewhat easy' friend, Carolyn Jones. Ms. Jones becomes one of the wonderful statues in the House of Wax, Joan de Arc, leading Ms. Kirk to believe that Price is up to something not quite so friendly. Through her insistence and almost her loss of life, the truth is discovered. Poor Vincent!
Sitting on the sidelines
How darn irritating was it with the paddleball carny barker endlessly plying his trade in front of the House for it's open house. I don't know why it was thrown in, it had no relevance to the movie at all, guess it was a new feature that Warner was trying out at the time, 3-D. Fortunately, they only show him a few times, so you can pretty much forget about him the rest of the time.
Carolyn Jones was ridiculously young in this and had a waist about 6" in diameter! My God, how did the woman walk upright? She isn't around very long, just a few scenes, but she has one of the most obnoxious voices and chalkboard screeching laughs to ever be shown on the screen. But she was flighty and perky and just what was needed to set the tone for the more serious friend, Phyllis Kirk, who brings Price down.
Bronson played the part of a mute in the movie, so you never hear his distinctive voice. This was before he became a star' and he was billed as Charles Buchinsky. Appearing in just a few scenes, he is the perfect foil for the evil and demented Price.
The acting by all seemed very melodramatic, as did most acting during this time frame. Add to the fact that it was set in the late 1800's, early 1900's, it makes the movie even more surreal. The costumes stayed true to the times, as did the conversations.
Most notably, when the caretakers are bringing Ms. Jones into the morgue, they discussed an automobile accident that had happened that day. One remarks that they did not think automobiles went fast enough to do any damage and the other responds with, give them time, they will.
Another scene is when Ms. Kirk and her beau, Paul Picerni, are in a dancehall. She is sipping sarsaparilla and he is having a light wine while she peeks from under her eyelids at the performance on stage - CanCan dancers. She asks if "good girls" come to establishments like this with the performers showing their .... ummm .... skirts. She was practically blushing! Too cute.
All in all, I enjoyed the movie and the characterizations. Some of the scenery is quite beautiful but the background music, alluding to the demented Price, is irritating beyond belief.
Director Andre de Toth, Producer Brian Foy, Writer Crane Wilbur
Thanks,
Susi "_
Recommended:
Yes
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Adrianna
March 22, 2011
I remember liking this film when I was younger. I admired Vincent Price's roles in horror movies, one of the few "oldie" actors I liked at such a young age. Now, I've expanded my interest in these timeless classics. Lots of fun!
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woopak_the_thrill
March 21, 2011
Hi, Susi, glad to see you posting reviews again and thanks for posting the classics!
SusiDee34
March 22, 2011
yeah, I fried my computer ... once again ... I do love the classics, they have a special feel and look to them, thanks
Adrianna
March 22, 2011
Too bad about frying your computer. I've had that happen before. No fun!
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Scotman
March 21, 2011
Great review, an oldie but a goodie.
SusiDee34
March 22, 2011
thanks
Scotman
March 22, 2011
Yes. I surprised myself by finding that I never wrote a review for this! I've seen the film a few times but may do so again just to do a thorough write-up.
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