Review of Homicidal (1961) by Krista C — 10 Sep 2007

Directory William Castle created a series of gimmick movies in the early 60's, and this was one of them. For this movie, it is introduced to the audience by Castle who warns the viewers of the terror they are about to witness.

Before the final scenes, a 'Fright Break' is displayed as a 45 second clock on the screen. The audience is told to leave the theater if they are to frightened to watch the ending. I'm sure in 1961 this really worked.

My favorite Castle gimmick was 13 Ghosts and the red/blue glasses issued to the audience before the movie. Red to see the ghosts, blue if you were to scared and did not want to see them. I recall this was viewed as really 'cool' in 1960, but I was dismayed that I could still see the ghosts without the glasses on, so only the blue ones really did anything (the red only enhanced the ghosts, as I recall.).

Anyway, this movie is entertaining and has a nice twist at the end. Not bad for a B movie maker.