Three-part horror anthology: in "Morella", a young woman (Maggie Pierce) returns to her widowed father's mansion after 26 years, and finds him hostile at first, guilt-ridden later. But there is someone else in the house who has awaited her return all these years....Vincent Price has at least one great line ("I did bury her, but I couldn't leave her there! That would be deranged!"), and the payoff is illogical but effective. In "The Black Cat", a pathetic drunkard (Peter Lorre) finds out that his wife is cheating on him - and thinks of a drastic solution. This tale is mostly played for laughs (seeing Price tasting wine is Priceless!); it's a little too long, but inventively directed and has a clever twist ending (if you haven't read the story). In "The Case of Mr. Valdemar", a wicked hypnotist (Basil Rathbone) thinks he can trap the dying Price's mind in the exact moment of death forever. It's a great idea, and Price gives a moving performance, but the ending is king of weak. Overall, I think the second segment is the most successful one, but the entire movie is worth seeing. *** out of 4.
Review of Tales of Terror
