Like it or not, this film has earned legendary status. Produced on a miniscule budget by the Halperin Brothers, otherwise known for shlocky poverty-row films. This film creates its own eerie universe with a combination of filmmaking elements, like the black spiritual music track, the satanic Bela Lugosi and his motley crew of zombies, fairy-tale like sets and wonderful black and white photography. The extreme age of the movie has also added a lot of texture to the experience, with at times barely recognizeable sound and ubiquitous film grain. The hammy style of acting is unloaded by the truckload. Included here is the plastic love story of nebbishy Neil and his idiotic bride Madeleine, the hand-wringing jealousy of Beaumont, the evil treachery of butler Silver, the uncanny Dr. Bruner and Clarence Muse who also makes an appearance in this film in an uncharacteristic "scared black" role. Then of course, there is Lugosi. He is the very eyes of Satan in this movie and also scores big points with a sick sense of humor (of the zombies working in his Sugar Mill: "They don't mind working long hours".)
One of the highlights of this picture is Lugosi's introduction of the zombies. FREDERICK PETERS, ("Chauvin, the High Executioner, who once almost executed me!") represents a watershed mark in cinematic ugliness. The overall hammy and el-cheapo aspect of this film makes it even more amazing how creepy it is.
Like Carnival of Souls, it seems to thrive BECAUSE of a thimble-sized budget.
One of the highlights of this picture is Lugosi's introduction of the zombies. FREDERICK PETERS, ("Chauvin, the High Executioner, who once almost executed me!") represents a watershed mark in cinematic ugliness. The overall hammy and el-cheapo aspect of this film makes it even more amazing how creepy it is.
Like Carnival of Souls, it seems to thrive BECAUSE of a thimble-sized budget.