Review of House of Wax (1953) by Robert L — 03 Jan 2011

This has to be one of my all time favourite Vincent Price movies. In this he plays Henry Jarrod, a brilliant wax figurines sculptor. Who is believed to have died in a fire that burnt down his wax museum? But in fact he is very much alive, but has been left terribly burned, disfigured and "paralyzed.

" But with the help of two apprentices (One played by A young Charles Bronson) he reopens a new wax museum compete with a new gruesome chamber of horrors exhibit. That just happen to contain some very life like wax figures that look just like recent victims of murders.

I think you will already know what to anticipate going into this film. A little camp, a little hammy yes but there are some really memorable and creepy scenes. Like when the films Heroine is being chased through the dark and gloomy New York streets by the cloaked and disfigured Jarrod.

Also when Vincent Price's wax mask is shattered to reveal his disfigured face is truly unforgettable. This was originally a 3-D film but I have only ever seen it 2-D. But it is very clear when things were supposed to be popping out from the screen.

A true classic.