I watched THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM last night. Released in 1961, it was the second color film produced and directed by Roger Corman that was based on a work by Edgar Allan Poe. The first, HOUSE OF USHER (1960), was a bonafide hit and Corman, along with his favorite lead actor Vincent Price, had a heullava ride in the 1960s giving us at least one new “Poe pic” per year.
As it turns out, I also recently read (for the first time), the original Poe short story THE PIT AND THE PENDUUM. There’s not much story there as the narrative follows a prisoner of the Spanish Inquisition discovering all of the many deadly devices and traps that can kill at any time. It’s well written but it, as does a lot of Poe’s work, relies more on mood and tone than actual narrative.
So, it was up to screenwriter Richard Matheson to flesh things out and provide a story to engage the audience, holding the dreaded “pit and pendulum” until Act Three.
The story deals with family curses, the fear of being buried alive, insanity and a final twist that I did not see coming. Vincent Price delivers another of his great Poe performances starting out as a sympathetic and tortured nobleman who descends into utter madness.
All of the behind the camera work is top notch. There’s a terrific score by Les Baxter, Floyd Crosby delivers moody and atmospheric cinematography and Daniel Haller’s art direction and design are a true stand out, especially during the climax of the film.
There’s a lot to like about this film. Whether you’re a fan of Corman, Price, Poe or Gothic horror in general, there’s something here for everyone.
Highly recommended.
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