When I was a kid we went to the Saturday Matinee at the local movie theater to see two feature films. Most of the movies were great, black and white, B-class, campy horror films that we all loved. The same actors would appear in different films, the features usually being versions of horror classics such as Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, The Mummy, and of course aliens, zombies, demons, witches, and others.
Why are classic horror movies still popular?
The old horror movies are part of the American Halloween tradition and nostalgia. Our family loved the closeness and family vibe of movie nights with old classics, pizza, popcorn, drinks, and desserts. And, it is fun introducing young people to old classics.
Because they are truly an American art form like westerns and film noir. Produced by master directors and performed by great iconic actors. Old school excellence, retro vibe. The real thing, no gimmicks, no special effects, no CGI, no AI.
Atmosphere: horror, delve into psychological depth. Build suspense, anxiety, anticipation, paranoia.
Style: campy, in glorious black and white, skillful use of shadows, film noir style, creepy music.
Subtext: suggestion, leave much to the imagination, less is more.
Seductive: vampires and other spirits luring and tempting their prey, often erotic overtones like Dracula
Vincent Price
American actor Vincent Price (1911-1993) is the ultimate suave, polite gentleman, devious villain planning evil things. A popular master of the horror genre and a talented versatile character actor in drama, mystery, and comedy. He performed on stage, TV, radio, and over 100 movies. Some of his most famous horror films include:
The House of Wax, 1953
The Fly, 1958
The Tingler, 1959
The House on Haunted Hill, 1959
The Pit and the Pendulum, 1961
Tales of Terror, 1962, with Peter Lorrie and Basil Rathbone
The Raven, 1963, with Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre
The Comedy of Terrors, 1963 with Peter Lorre, Basil Rathbone, and Boris Karloff
Masque of the Red Death, 1964
The Last Man on Earth, 1964
The Adominable Dr. Phipps, 1971
“House on Haunted Hill” trailer
This William Castle directed classic has a devoted cult following. Vincent Price plays an eccentric millionaire who challenges five people to spend the night in a haunted house in-order to win $10,000. Highly acclaimed as one of the great horror films with a wonderful campy and spooky atmosphere.
Details: House On Haunted Hill, horror, 1959, U.S., Allied Artists, director William Castle, cast: Vincent Price, Carol Olmart, Richard Long, Alan Marshal. Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes 80%, IMDB 6.7/10.
Boris Karloff
British actor Boris Karloff (1887-1969) was versatile in stage, film, TV, and radio in the genres of drama, crime, film noir, comedy, and horror. Best known for playing the Creature in Frankenstein and the Mummy. In big demand, producers would jokingly say that “he got parts because he looked like Boris Karloff.” Some of his famous horror movies include:
Frankenstein, 1931, with Colin Clive
The Mummy, 1932
The Old Dark House, 1932, with Charles Laughton
The Black Cat, 1934, with Bela Lugosi
The Bride of Frankenstein, 1935, with Elsa Lancaster
Son of Frankenstein, 1939, with Basil Rathbone and Bela Lugosi
The Body Snatcher, 1945
The Raven, 1963, with Vincent Price and Peter Lorre
The Comedy of Terrors, 1963 with Peter Lorre, Basil Rathbone, and Boris Karloff
Black Sabbath, 1963
Targets, 1968
“Bride of Frankenstein” trailer
Boris Karloff, Elsa Lancaster, and Colin Clive give a highly praised performance of a subplot story from Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. Considered one of the best horror movies ever and universally acclaimed as a great movie overall with a broad cult following. The story is about Dr. Frankenstein being coerced and manipulated to create a bride for his created Monster.
Details: Bride of Frankenstein, Gothic horror, 1935, U.S., Universal, director James Whale, cast: Boris Karloff, Elsa Lancaster, Colin Clive. Awards: Oscar nomination, National Film Registry. Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes 98%. IMDB 7.8/10, Roger Ebert 4/4.
Christopher Lee
A talented and versatile British actor, Christopher Lee (1922 to 2015) had a career spanning 60 years in film and TV. Known for his tremendous film presence and his deep commanding voice. He played Dracula in seven films and also performed in a James Bond film, Star Wars, The Hobbit trilogy, Lord of the Rings trilogy, and five Tim Burton films. His leading horror films include:
The Curse of Frankenstein, 1957, with Peter Cushing
Horror of Dracula, 1958, with Peter Cushing
The Hound of the Baskervelles, 1959. With Peter Cushing
The Mummy, 1959, with Peter Cushing
The Gorgon, 1964, with Peter Cushing
Dracula: Prince of Darkness, 1966
The Wicker Man, 1973
“The Wicker Man” trailer
A chilling and disturbing British folk horror movie that is universally acclaimed and has become a cult classic, Called the “Citizen Kane of horror movies.” Christopher Lee considered it his best movie. The story is about a Scottish police officer investigating a reported missing girl from an agricultural community on an isolated island. A devout Christian, he is appalled that the island’s inhabitants worship old Celtic Druid religion. He believed the girl is going to be a killed in a pagan ritual human sacrifice. He soon learns it is a trap, he is the intended sacrifice.
Details: The Wicker Man, British folk horror, 1973, UK, British Lion Films, director Robin Hardy, cast: Edward Woodward, Chrisopher Lee, Britt Ekland. Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes 92%, IMDB 7.5/10.
Peter Cushing
British actor Peter Cushing (1913 to 1994) performed in British Shakespearean theatre, films, and TV. He played Dr. Frankenstein in six films and Dr. Van Helsing in five Dracula movies. He worked often with Christopher Lee and Vincent Price. His leading horror films include:
The Curse of Frankenstein, 1957
Horror of Dracula, 1958, with Christopher Lee
The Mummy, 1959, with Christopher Lee
The Hound of the Baskervilles, 1959, with Christopher Lee
Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, 1969
House of the Long Shadows, 1983, with Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and John Carraidine
“Horror of Dracula” trailer
A retelling of the Bram Stoker novel where Dr. Van Helsing tracks down Dracula across Europe. Christopher Lee plays Dracula and Peter Cushing plays Dr. Van Helsing. Highly acclaimed, considered one of the best movies of both Lee and Cushing. Chritopher Lee created the modern vampire version – erotic, fangs, red eyes, more violence and blood.
Details: Horror of Dracula, Gothic horror, 1959, British, director Terence Fisher, cast: Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Michael Gough, Melissa Stribling. Awards: British Film Institute. Rankings: Rotten Tomatoes 89%, IMDB 7.2/10.
Bela Lugosi
Hungarian actor Bela Lugosi (1892-1956) performed on the stage and in numerous films in Hungary before coming to the U.S. With his success in Dracula, 1931, he was typecast as a horror film vampire, mad doctor, or villian. He co-starred in many movies with Boris Karloff. His leading horror films include:
Dracula, 1931
White Zombie, 1932
The Black Cat, 1934, with Boris Karloff
The Raven, 1935, with Boris Karloff
The Invisible Ray, 1936, with Boris Karloff
Son of Frankenstein, 1939, with Basil Rathbone and Boris Karloff
Black Friday, 1940, with Boris Karloff
The Wolfman, 1941, with Lon Chany Jr. and Claude Rains
“Dracula” trailer
An iconic classic and early talkie pioneer film with a huge cult following. Highly acclaimed, Roger Ebert listed it as a ‘Great film’. Praised for being creepy and campy. Based on the Bram Stoker Gothic novel. Transylvanian vampire Count Dracula leaves his castle for England where he preys on victims drinking their blood. Doctor Van Helsing discovers him and tracks him down to kill him.
Details: Dracula, Gothic horror, 1931, U.S., Universal, director Tod Browning, cast: Bela Lugosi, David Manners, Helen Chandler, Dwight Frye, Edward Van Sloan. Awards: National Film Registry. Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes 96%. IMDB 7.3/10, Roger Ebert 4/4.
Lon Chany Jr.
American actor Lon Chany Jr. (1906-1973) was the son of the Hollywood silent film legend Lon Chany Sr. Talented on his own, he played in many supporting roles on stage, film, and TV, playing in drama, adventure, action, westerns, and comedies. He developed a success in horror, being the only actor to play the Wolfman, Dracula, Mummy, and Frankenstein’s monster. His leading horror films include
The Wolfman, 1941, with Claude Rains and Bela Lugosi
The Ghost of Frankenstein, 1942, with Bela Lugosi
The Mummy’s Tomb, 1942,
Son of Dracula, 1943
Frankenstein Meets Wolfman, 1943, with Bela Lugosi
The Mummy’s Ghost, 1944
The Haunted Palace, 1963, with Vincent Price
“The Wolfman” trailer
Highly acclaimed as one of the greatest horror movies ever made. Lon Chany Jr. in his iconic role as a werewolf. The story is about Larry Talbot who kills a wolf that has bitten him. A fortune teller tells him he is cursed to be a werewolf. Soon he turns into a wolf-man during a full moon and kills several people until he is killed himself.
Details: The Wolfman, Gothic horror. 1941, U.S., Universal, director George Waggoner, cast: Lon Chany Jr., Bela Lugosi, Claude Rains, Warren William, Ralph Bellamy, Patric Knowles. Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes 91%, IMDB 7.2/10, Leonard Maltin 3.5/4.
Basil Rathbone
Highly acclaimed British actor Basil Rathbone (1892-1967) is famous for portraying detective Sherlock Holmes in 14 films. An accomplished Shakespearian actor who also specialized in playing suave villians. He worked on stage, film, and radio, winning a Tony Award and two Oscar nominations. His leading horror movies include:
Son of Frankenstein, 1930, with Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi
The Hound of the Baskervilles, 1939, with Nigel Bruce
The Woman In Green, 1945, with Nigel Bruce
The House of Fear, 1945, with Nigel Bruce
The Black Sleep, 1956, Basil Rathbone, John Carradine, Lon Chany Jr., Bela Lugosi
The Tales of Terror, 1962, with Vincent Price and Peter Lorre
The Comedy of Terrors, 1963, with Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, and Peter Lorre
“The Hound of the Baskervilles” trailer
Sherlock Holmes is retained to investigate the attempted murder of Sir Henry Baskerville, the last of the Baskerville family line. The Baskerville’s family legend is that they are under a curse of a demonic hound that stalks the moors and will kill them.
Details: The Hound of the Baskervilles, mystery horror, 1939, U.S., 20th Century Fox, director Sidney Lanfield, cast: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Richard Greene, Wendy Barris. Awards: American Film Registry. Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes 91%, IMDB 7.4/10.
Claude Rains
Claude Rains (1889-1961) was a major British actor of stage, film, and TV, playing in drama, action, adventure, mystery, and horror. He received a Tony, 4 Oscar nominations, and a Grammy nomination. Rains began acting in the London Westend stage then on Broadway, later he appeared in major films and TV, such as Casablanca and Notorious. His leading horror films include:
The Invisible Man, 1933
The Wolfman, 1941, with Lon Chany Jr. and Bela Lugosi
The Phantom of the Opera, 1943
“The Invisible Man” trailer
Iconic, bizarre, and creepy movie based on the H.G. Wells novel. Highly praised. A scientist discovers a formula that makes him invisible but it also makes him criminally insane.
Details: The Invisible Man trailer, 1933, U.S., Universal, director James Whale, cast: Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, William Harris, Henry Travis. Awards: National Film Registry. Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes 95%, IMDB 7.6/10.
Peter Lorre
Hungarian actor Peter Lorre (1904 to 1964) is known for his creepy persona and timidly devious villain characters. He performed on European stage and film before he escaped to the U.S to avoid the Nazis. Lorre gained international fame playing a serial child killer in M, 1931. He performed in Alfred Hitchcock films, crime, mystery, espionage, sci fi, and horror. He gained fame performing with Humphrey Bogart in The Maltese Falcon and Casablanca. His leading horror films include:
M, 1931
Mad Love, 1935
Arsenic and Old Lace, 1955, with Cary Grant and Raymond Massey
The Beast with Five Fingers, 1946
Tales of Terror, 1962, with Vincent Price, and Basil Rathbone
The Raven, 1963, with Vincent Price and Boris Karloff
The Comedy of Terrors, 1963, with Vincent Price, Basil Rathbone, and Boris Karloff
M trailer
Peter Lorre excels as a creepy, emotionally disturbed serial child killer in Berlin. After several child murders, the police drive a hard manhunt and try to stop a panic. The local crime syndicate launches a hunt of their own because the murders have disrupted their operations. The syndicate catches and hold their own ‘court’ but the police arrive. The movie is considered one of the greatest and most influential movies ever made, universally acclaimed.
Details: M, psychological horror, 1931, Germany, director Fritz Lang, cast: Peter Lorre, Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes 100%, IMDB 8.3/10, Roger Ebert 4/4.
John Carradine
American character actor John Carradine performed in 351 film and TV credits. Very versatile, he played in drama, action, adventure, westerns, horror, and comedy. He was known for his deep resonant voice. Carradine started on the stage on Broadway and Shakespearean theatre. He got his start in the movies in Cecille B. DeMilles’s epics and John Ford’s westerns. He played Count Dracula several times. His leading horror films include:
House of Frankenstein, 1944, with Boris Karloff and Lon Chany Jr.
The Mummy’s Ghost, 1944, with Lon Chany Jr.
Bluebeard, 1944
House of Dracula, 1945, with Lon Chany Jr.
The Black Sleep, 1956, Basil Rathbone, John Carradine, Lon Chany Jr., and Bela Lugosi
The Sentinel, 1977
Nocturna: Granddaughter of Dracula, 1979
The Howling, 1981
House of the Long Shadows, 1983, with Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing
“House of Frankenstein” trailer
A creepy and campy film that brings iconic horror characters together. Considered John Carradine’s best horror film. Dr. Gustav Nieman, a deranged scientist played by Boris Karloff, escapes prison. On the run he encounters Count Dracula, played by John Carradine, then travels to Frankenstein’s castle where finds and revives the bodies of the Wolfman played by Lon Chany Jr., and Frankenstein’s monster, played by Glen Strange. Nieman plans to use them to seek revenge.
Details: House of Frankenstein, Gothic horror, 1944, U.S., Universal, director Eric Kenton, cast: Boris Karloff, John Carradine, Lon Chany Jr., Glen Strange, J. Carrol Naish. Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes 55%, IMDB 6.6/10.
Multiple Horror Stars’ Films
House of Long Shadows, 1983
Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, John Carradine
Tales of Terror, 1962
Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Basil Rathbone
A few others
Son of Frankenstein, 1939, Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi
The Wolfman, 1941, Lon Chany Jr., Bele Lugosi, Claude Rains
House of Frankenstein, 1944, John Carradine, Boris Karloff, Lon Chany Jr.
The Black Sleep, 1956, Basil Rathbone, John Carradine, Lon Chany Jr., Bela Lugosi
The Raven, 1963, Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre
The Comedy of Errors, 1963, Vincent Price, Peter Lorre. Boris Karloff, Basil Rathbone
