Thank you again CasaNegra. An extremely underrated if not forgotten key piece of Mexican classic Horror finally gets a decent release on DVD. To be honest, I have never found this one even on VHS and I'm from Mèxico damn it. The movie was shown at 11:00 P.M. on local t.v. but it's been a while since it aired for the last time. Oh, and forget about the English title! I has minimal or nothing to do with the plot. In fact, the word "ultratumba" was used in many Mexican Horror movies from that time. "Graveyard Mysteryes" would be a more adequate title.
Anyways, this movie perfectly displays how Mexican Horror cinema was highly influenced by Gothic atmospheres and stories. In the likes of "La Maldiciòn de la Llorona", this movie centers it's creepiness on settings and atmosphere. The settings are ahead of it's time because it was very difficult back in the 50's to film on mental institutions; the graveyard setting is also terrifying and macabre. By the way, that setting reminds me of my favorite scene of the movie; the "living dead" doctor returning to play his violin. That's a scene that hasn't vanished from my mind since a child.
The plot is very interesting and perfectly displays Mexican culture's opinion for death and how sometimes, we (Mexicans) can't accept or deal with it. Yes, there are some unitentionally funny moments mainly because in Mexican culture there's a high amount of "happiness" and "humor" even on the most difficult and sad moments.
The score is another important part of the movie. The orchestra truly created a chilling score that plays an important role in the most important moments. Gastòn Santos and Beatriz Aguirre shine with their performances.
Please, track down this movie and you will notice that Mexican Gothic can match anytime European Gothic. If you enjoyed this movie, I urge you to watch "La Maldiciòn de la Llorona". It's truly sad that in my country these kind of movies aren't even known!
Anyways, this movie perfectly displays how Mexican Horror cinema was highly influenced by Gothic atmospheres and stories. In the likes of "La Maldiciòn de la Llorona", this movie centers it's creepiness on settings and atmosphere. The settings are ahead of it's time because it was very difficult back in the 50's to film on mental institutions; the graveyard setting is also terrifying and macabre. By the way, that setting reminds me of my favorite scene of the movie; the "living dead" doctor returning to play his violin. That's a scene that hasn't vanished from my mind since a child.
The plot is very interesting and perfectly displays Mexican culture's opinion for death and how sometimes, we (Mexicans) can't accept or deal with it. Yes, there are some unitentionally funny moments mainly because in Mexican culture there's a high amount of "happiness" and "humor" even on the most difficult and sad moments.
The score is another important part of the movie. The orchestra truly created a chilling score that plays an important role in the most important moments. Gastòn Santos and Beatriz Aguirre shine with their performances.
Please, track down this movie and you will notice that Mexican Gothic can match anytime European Gothic. If you enjoyed this movie, I urge you to watch "La Maldiciòn de la Llorona". It's truly sad that in my country these kind of movies aren't even known!