The Raven (1963)

☆ ☆ ☆ ½

The Raven (1963) – R. Corman

Somewhere in the middle of the series of Poe films that Roger Corman did with Vincent Price comes this (not exactly faithful) version of The Raven.  Sure, we start off with some lines from the famous poem – and the black bird in question is soon tap-tap-tapping on the window – but everything quickly devolves into delightful silliness.  It turns out that the raven is actually Peter Lorre, a magician/wizard who has been enchanted by the powerful head of their order, played by Boris Karloff.  He needs Vincent Price’s help to change him back (with a potion) and once that’s happened, the two of them are off to face Karloff who apparently has stolen the soul of poor dead Lenore (Hazel Court).  They are joined by Price’s daughter (Olive Sturgess) and Lorre’s son (Jack Nicholson, yes, him).  Karloff’s castle is amazingly art-directed from the outside in line with Corman’s use of candy-colours and campy 60s settings/costumes.  I was then interrupted and had to return to the film in the morning, when the kids joined me just in time for the battle of wizards, Price vs. Karloff, which was great fun!  (Rotoscoped laser beams and all!).  I’m surprised that I hadn’t heard of this one when I was a kid myself…  (Of course, Corman’s other Poe films aren’t comedies and might contain too much dread for children).