Tuesday, October 6, 2015

AMoCH: The Screaming Skull

Title: The Screaming Skull
Year: 1958
Starring: John Hudson, Peggy Webber, Russ Conway
Summary: A newlywed couple returns from their honeymoon to the estate of the man’s late wife. The bride, a wealthy but extremely neurotic woman, uneasily settles into the home, walking the gardens of the estate that are meticulously kept by a strange gardener following the wishes of the deceased woman. The new lady of the house is tormented by the sudden appearance of skulls throughout the house and grounds. Is it the deceased woman coming back to drive her away or are there more sinister motives behind the skulls?

A few thoughts just from reading the synopsis: What could be more sinister than your husband’s dead wife trying to scare you to death? And what is it with the prevalence of newly married couples in horror movies? Is it related to the prevalence of female characters who have sex and then die? Also, this is basically Rebecca, yeah? I haven’t actually seen or read it, but it sounds awfully familiar.

It opens with a narration that says you might die of fright during this movie, but not to worry. The producers have reserved a coffin for you. Even from the opening music, this movie is trying hard to be scary. I’m guessing the effect would have been better in 1958. I don’t have a lot to say about this movie. It’s the latest so far, but besides a skull bouncing down the steps, it’s ultimately forgettable.

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