House of Usher (1960)

“Is there no end to your horrors?”  13 September 2019

Phillip Winthrop (Mark Damon) arrives at the Usher mansion seeking his fiancé, Madeline (Myrna Fahey).  Instead, he’s met by Madeline’s brother, Roderick (Vincent Price). Roderick informs him that Madeline cannot leave the house as she is suffering from a mysterious affliction related to an Usher family curse.  Phillip has trouble believing that explanation and fears that Roderick is either keeping his beloved imprisoned or, even worse, trying to murder her. 

I have internet “friends” who adore House of Usher.  I, however, do not share their enthusiasm. As far as the Corman-Poe films are concerned, I much prefer Pit and the Pendulum, The Masque of the Red Death, or even The Raven.  The problem I have with House of Usher is pacing. I enjoy a good slow-burn horror as much as the next person, but I find the first 2/3 of this movie all but sleep inducing.  The story moves at a snail’s pace. By the time the terrific third act kicks in, it’s too late for me. And that’s a shame because the film’s finale is very entertaining and goes a long way to redeeming the whole thing in my eyes. 

I will also give House of Usher some credit on two other fronts.  First, most of the acting is quite good. Price gives an incredible performance - perhaps one of his best.  He’s amazing. And once Mark Damon warms up, the rest of the cast is almost as strong. Second, House of Usher looks better than it has any right to.  Corman’s budget for the entire production is listed on IMDb at $200,000. Visually, he certainly got a lot of bang for his buck. 

5/10