The Comedy of Terrors (1964)

This movie is going to seem dated as heck due to the style and over the top performances, but it has some great moments and a farcical storyline that works well in places, not so much in others. Worth seeing for Price and Lore fans and anyone that liked the old style Hammer style movie.

Four of classic Hollywood's biggest horror icons together in a macabre comedy? Even if you're not a die-hard horror fan how can you turn down a film like this (if only Bela Lugosi had lived longer). Each icon in The Comedy of Terrors plays to their strengths in this sitcom like set up in which a group of characters, not all of whom can stand each other are forced to live and work together and have no way out of it. Surely there was potential in this to be a TV sitcom, at the short and sweet run time of only 83 minutes it feels like an extended TV episode.Right of the bat the exposition explaining the film's set up is a joy to listen to with the perfect comic timing from Vincent Price mercilessly insulting everyone to Boris Karloff's random one liners. Despite the film's macabre tone it does have an innocent element to it such as Price's reaction to Peter Lorre's poorly made coffin, "No one in their right mind would be caught dead in a thing like that"; nothing beats a distinguished actor delivering a corny pun.Basil Rathbone is presented as the villain of the film, partially due to him being Basil Rathbone acting in an antagonist manner however his character isn't doing anything wrong, he's just trying to collect the debt he is owed from his tenants. Then again going all the way back to the bible, those who collect owed money are always portrayed with scorn. After The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Comedy of Terrors has to be Basil Rathbone's best ever moments on screen, showing off the full range of his talents from his swordsmanship and ability to recite Shakespeare all while hamming it up.Vincent Price's anti hero is one real bad guy of the film, causing misery to those around him. Yet we still gravitate towards him in a reverse of the Basil Rathbone situation; because he's Vincent Price. The relationship between Price and Lorre is the centre piece of the film in a Pinky and The Brain like dynamic. I'm also surprised I didn't notice Peter Lorre's mask double until I had it pointed out to me, it's the one aspect of the film which is actually creepy. Likewise the other great member is the great Orangey aka Rhubarb the cat. As a cat lover I appreciate the shots of the many shots the mean looking but still adorable feline.

I must say that the combination of Vincent Price and Peter Lore works big time. I really enjoyed the comedy that ran throughout this film. To be honest I wish that Hollywood would make a lot more films like this rather than just rehash old movies as they seem to be doing these days. These old films really show of the actors. Vincent Price gave everything you expected of him. Peter Lore care a virtuoso performance and the we have the legend that is Boris Karloff in the background. I have to say that Basil Rathbone's character did get a bit annoying. The not dying I could understand in a movie such as this but the quoting from plays really was annoying plus, at the end, he didn't actually do much. So, anyway, watch it and make up your own mind. I guess those of a certain age my enjoy it, younger people maybe not, but who knows. Worth a watch anyway, just to find out.

"Comedy of Terrors" features stars like Boris Karloff, Vincent Price and Peter Lorre, the latter one being a favourite actor of mine. This film is an enjoyable mixture of comedy and horror movie - the kind you preferably watch on Halloween night, but also can watch any other time of the year, of course. There are numerous funny, deeply sarcastic scenes. While Price, playing the bancrupt undertaker, delivers his lines with bone-dry sarcasm, Lorre stars as the slightly naive right hand man. The only fault I could find with this film is that I thought Amaryillis'(the undertaker's wife) singing scenes not only too shrill but a bit over the top.Otherwise this is one of the funniest films I have yet had the pleasure to watch.