Review of The Comedy of Terrors (1964) by Amy D — 27 Feb 2011
The Triumvirate of Terror unite in this dark comedy written by Richard Matheson. Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone star in this horror comedy. This is actually a pretty funny farce. Price plays an undertaker who finding himself in dire financial straits takes it upon himself to scare up some business. This is actually a pretty funny movie, Price is an absolute rogue in this, cold, acerbic and calculating. Peter Lorre is a bumbling and meek assistant and constant foil to Price's machinations. Karloff's turns in a pleasant performance as Price's senile Father-In-Law. Rathbone is Price's Landlord who become a target by threatening to evict Price for non-payment.
The dialog is sharp and sometimes very biting to humorous effect. This a character and dialog driven film, although there are also several pratfalls that work pretty effectively. The direction and cinematography are actually quite sublime.
This one is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of any of the main players, Richard Matheson or Gothic Horror.
This review of The Comedy of Terrors (1964) was written by Amy D on 27 Feb 2011.
The Comedy of Terrors has generally received positive reviews.
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