Yerye Beirut Movies
A brilliant geologist sends a team to search the depths of the earth in an effort to learn the origin of some strange signals they've been picking up on their equipment. They discover a rock formation with an interior life that can communicate telepathically. They bring the mass to the surface and determine that the entity is "pure crystallized intelligence," and they believe many of the secrets of existence can be answered by studying the stone. However, the only message the mysterious rock is forthcoming with is what kind of food it needs, namely a particular chemical that can only be produced by the bodies of people in the throes of terror. To this end, Dr. Mantel (Boris Karloff) devises something called the Fear Chamber, where kidnapped prostitutes are frightened out of their wits with spiders, snakes, and faked Satanic rituals in order to obtain this precious chemical. Though the scientist and his assistants take pains not to physically harm their subjects, the weird living rock begins growing tentacles and soon learns how to capture its prey and extract the fluids itself, leading to the death of a lady burglar. The scientists realize what a deadly force they've unleashed on the surface world, though efforts to destroy the creature are complicated by its ability to control human minds and generate its own electricity. ~ Fred Beldin, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Boris Karloff, Julissa, (more)
- 1968
One of four low-rent Mexican horror productions from the 1960s which featured an ailing Boris Karloff in supporting roles (and released after his death), this sci-fi/horror quickie features Karloff as a 19th-century scientist who invents a powerful energy device capable of rendering any weapon useless. Although we're led to believe that military forces will soon step in to nab the device, the scientist's laboratory is suddenly invaded by aliens -- who consider the raygun too dangerous to be allowed to fall into human hands. To achieve their ends, the invaders take over the bodies of the scientist and his assistant, who also happens to be responsible for a series of sex-killings in the surrounding village. Several confusing plot twists later, Karloff regains control of his senses and sets the machine to self-destruct before it can fall into evil hands. The filmmakers barely had enough talent to adhere to the simplest of storylines, much less this hodgepodge of cut-rate H.G. Wells posturing and sleazy exploitation. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
Viruta and Capulina star as a dumb and dumber duo in this unexceptional, slapstick comedy by (Agustin P. Delgado). In the manner of the Three Stooges minus one, or a weak Laurel and Hardy, the inept pair go chasing after a gang of criminals in Algiers. Rodolfo Landa plays a menacing official who sparks terror in the heart of the criminals, and Donna Behar is a chanteuse who adds a few melodies in both Spanish and Arabic to the proceedings. Since Viruta and Capulina are well-known to other Mexicans from their television performances, audiences in that country are ready to laugh from the moment the two comics appear on the screen. Without that background, this comedy may not be quite as funny outside of its home borders. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- 1957
In this sequel to the Mexican horror movie The Vampire, the villainous Hungarian Count Duval rises again after a servant pulls the stake out of his heart. Upon resuscitation, the bloodsucking blueblood becomes a bat. Soon he is wreaking bloody havoc upon the hapless Mexican people. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- 1956
Battle Shock and War Shock were the titles bestowed by British distributors upon the Paul Henreid-directed psychological drama A Woman's Devotion. Ralph Meeker stars as Trevor Stevenson, an emotionally scarred World War II veteran who has channelled his fears and phobias into his painting. At present, he is in Acapulco on his honeymoon with bride, Stella (Janice Rule). Shortly after Trevor's arrival, two women are murdered. The audience is presented with a "lady or the tiger" situation, with clues pointing to Trevor's guilt or innocence depending upon one's point-of-view. Henreid cagily avoids telling us the whole story -- continuing to withhold information right up to the grim finale. Trevor's behavior in the climactic scenes is an interesting precursor to the "crazed Vietnam vet" school of drama. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ralph Meeker, Janice Rule, (more)
- 1955
Seven Cities of Gold is the story of Father Junipero Serra (Michael Rennie), the 18th century Jesuit priest who founded the first missions in California. Based on the novel by Isabelle Gibson Ziegler, the film adds a dash of intrigue and adventure to the story in the person of a Spanish military commander (Anthony Quinn) who clashes with the altrustic, peace-loving Father Serra. The tenuous relationship between the Spaniards and the local Indians is endangered when one of the military officers (Richard Egan) betrays an Indian girl (Rita Moreno). To avoid wholesale bloodshed, the errant officer willingly submits to tribal tortures to make amends for his misdeeds. Too melodramatic for some tastes, Seven Cities of Gold is redeemed by the breathtakingly beautiful color cinematography of Lucien Ballard. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Egan, Anthony Quinn, (more)
