Robert Bloch Movies
Robert Bloch penned of dozens of suspenseful mysteries, sci-fi novels and scores of short stories. In the early 1960s, after his best-selling book Psycho was adapted into Hitchcock's film, Bloch himself became a screenwriter of mystery, suspense, and horror movies, including such chillers as Strait Jacket (1964), The Skull (1965) and The House That Dripped Blood (1971). Bloch has also penned many television scripts for series such as Boris Karloff's Thriller. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Independent film director Gus Van Sant attempts a first in American film history: a shot-by-shot remake of the classic 1960 Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho. With a few minor, modern-day changes (including filming it in color), his version is essentially the same film with a different cast and the same Bernard Hermann music. Psycho was and still is the story of Marion Crane (previously played by Janet Leigh and now by Anne Heche), an adulterous woman who steals a stack of money from her boss and hits the road hoping for financial freedom. Pulling over in an old motel for the night, she meets the creepy owner of the Bates Motel, Norman Bates (Vince Vaughn doing his best Anthony Perkins), who lives with his jealous nagging mother. Most people know the film Psycho for what happens next -- the shower scene, where Marion is brutally stabbed in the most over-analyzed scene in movie history. The money, the car, and Marion's remains are quickly sunk in a nearby swamp. As a detective (William H. Macy) and Marion's sister Lila (Julianne Moore) come looking for her, they begin to uncover the dark mysterious secret lurking in Norman Bates' life. ~ Arthur Borman, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vince Vaughn, Anne Heche, (more)
- 1992
This documentary offers an in-depth look at the history and allure of horror movies. Plenty of clips are included as are fascinating interviews with such contemporary masters as Clive Barker, John Carpenter, Wes Craven and William Friedkin. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1985
- Add The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal to QueueAdd The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal to top of Queue
The works of "Puppetoon" creator and special effects wizard George Pal are perhaps best seen separately and in toto rather than lumped together in fragmentary form. The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal contains an abundance of enjoyable film clips, but most are far too short for the audience to fully appreciate Pal's cinematic contributions. The narration suffers from banality, while the overall pacing of the documentary is lumpy. Still, for those who've never seen Pal's Puppetoon shorts, or his early features The Great Rupert (1950) and Destination Moon, this compilation serves as a tantalizing teaser. Paul Frees narrates The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal, while several Pal associates and admirers, including Ray Bradbury, Roy Disney, Ray Harryhausen and Walter Lantz, are interviewed. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
We'll confess not to having seen The Amazing Captain Nemo, principally because we can't find it anywhere. It's our loss, because it certainly sounds fascinating. Jose Ferrer stars as Nemo, the demented but essentially well-meaning technological genius created by Jules Verne in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. In what seems to have been a one-time-only occasion, Ferrer costars with his namesake Mel Ferrer. Also in the star-heavy cast is Burgess Meredith as an eccentric professor and Lynda Day George as the all-around heroine. The film was largely photographed by Lamar Boren, the undersea expert responsible for the soggy cinematography of Creature from the Black Lagoon and Flipper. Given the cast and the director (Alex March), we suspect that The Amazing Captain Nemo was filmed for television, then deflected to theaters to make back its cost. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Did some clumsy oaf in the film lab misspell the title Mannikin? No, the misspelling was a deliberate device of author Robert (Psycho) Bloch, calculated to unsettle the audience from the start. Ronee Blakely of Nashville fame and Keir Dullea star in this terrifying mood piece. She's a singer, he's a mysterious stranger; her dreams of success on her own terms are corrupted when she's possessed by a demonic spirit. Mannikin runs a scant 28 minutes, making full and frightening use of every one of those minutes ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
This interesting made-for-TV period gangster-horror piece -- written by Psycho author Robert Bloch -- stars George Hamilton as a military man in 1930s Chicago who pounds the pavement in search of answers after his brother's wrongful execution. His investigations plunge him into a dark world even more sinister than the gangland circles he is forced to penetrate, leading him to the domain of a diabolical scientist, Varek (Ray Milland), who is plotting to seize control of the entire city with his army of walking dead. Directed by horror veteran Curtis Harrington, this plays very much like a '30s pulp novel come to life with plenty of menacing noir atmosphere, creepy monsters, and some well-mounted shocks. The Dead Don't Die is also enhanced by good uniform performances and the presence of the undeniably spooky Reggie Nalder. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Cat Creature is a heady Curtis Harrington combination of high-gloss production values and spinechilling terror. A curse imposed thousands of years ago by a cat goddess wreaks havoc in the 20th century--all for the purpose of retrieving a long-lost golden amulet. Gale Sondergaard, whose association with things horrific went back to 1944's Sherlock Holmes and the Spider Woman, is suitably hissable as the cat queen; also in the cast is fright-flick veteran John Carradine and second-generation spooker Peter Lorre Jr. Screenwriter Robert Bloch intended this film as an affectionate throwback to the stylized horror films of old. Cat Creature is the sort of film that removes the "potboiler" stigma from the made-for-TV form. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
Four short stories by master of macabre Robert Bloch are related by the inmates of a mental institution. In the first story, Richard Todd murders his wife and cuts her body into little pieces -- but that doesn't stop her from seeking revenge. In the second, Peter Cushing orders crooked tailor Barry Morse to weave a coat from a magic fabric in order to bring Cushing's son back from the dead (this one was previously dramatized on the TV series Thriller). The third story stars Charlotte Rampling as a schizophrenic whose "doppelganger" is manifested in the person of Britt Ekland. The final tale involves demented toymaker Herbert Lom and his army of killer robots. Robert Bloch himself adapted his original source material for the screen. Asylum was also known as House of Crazies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Cushing, Britt Ekland, (more)
This anthology picture about a bad-luck mansion is a thriller with four episodes--all framed by a police investigation. A review of the files of the local policeman (John Bennett) shows that everyone who has owned the mansion has died in a horrible fashion. In the first episode, "Method for Murder," the obsessions of a mystery writer (Denholm Elliott) provide his wife with an opportunity to do him in. In the second, "Waxworks," Peter Cushing is the unhappy recipient of the attentions of a jealous husband. The third, "Sweets to the Sweet," has Christopher Lee fall victim to his charming little daughter, who plays with voodoo dolls. In "The Cloak," Jon Pertwee (best known for his TV portrayal of Dr. Who) is a horror-film star who insists on authenticity in his costumes. Somehow, he is given the cloak of a real vampire, with humorously ghoulish results. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Hammer recut and repackaged two installments of their popular television series Journey to the Unknown (one of the earliest projects of longtime Hammer director Roy Ward Baker) for this theatrical release. The first tale involves a guest at an unusual masquerade party at which he is given an unflattering look at his past misdeeds; the second installment stars The Haunting's Julie Harris as a rich woman pursued by a slimy, gold-digging potential suitor who meets his comeuppance thanks to an ancient Indian spirit. Though rather staid in comparison to Baker's flamboyant anthology work for Amicus, this is nevertheless a moody and stylish pair of tales, if not fully representative of the series' finer moments. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- 1967
The mysterious death of an Enterprise crew member causes Captain Kirk to survey a threatening planet in this episode from the second season of the enduringly popular science fiction series. The crew member's death appears to be related to his recent visit to a nearby planet, and, accompanied by Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy, Kirk beams to the world's surface to investigate. There, the trio of Enterprise officers unexpectedly find a world inhabited by ancient, Earth-based symbols of evil, including a group of witches who proclaim the Enterprise's imminent doom. Further exploration proves these supernatural creatures are actually the creations of a pair of powerful aliens, who plan to keep the starship and its crew hostage, forcing Kirk and the others to seek a method of escape. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
The Torture Garden is an "omnibus" chiller, adapted from four short stories by Robert Bloch (Psycho). Each is introduced by Burgess Meredith, playing a sinister carnival barker by the name of Dr. Diabolo. The doctor's audience consists of five people, four of whom are apprised of their ultimate fates as Diabolo weaves his stories. In "Enoch," a young playboy falls under the spell of a cannibalistic cat. In "Terror Over Hollywood," a famous movie star is revealed to be an android. In "Mr. Steinway," the "villain" is a killer piano. And in "The Man Who Collected Poe," the title character murders another collector over a valuable Poe manuscript--only to receive retribution from ol' Edgar himself. If we told you anything about the fifth person in Meredith's audience, we'd be giving away the ending, wouldn't we now? The individual episodes tend to rise and fall depending upon the strength of their stars. Among those present in Torture Garden are horror-flick regulars Jack Palance, Peter Cushing, Robert Hutton, Michael Ripper and Niall McGinniss. No, this isn't a Hammer Production; it was put together by Hammer's principal British rival of the 1960s, Amicus Films. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Palance, Burgess Meredith, (more)
- 1967
Gena Rowlands guest stars as Baroness Ingrid Blangstead, the power-mad owner of a health spa frequented by the vain wives of the world's top leaders. In exchange for certain political favors, the Baroness promises to use a new youth serum on her female clients. UNCLE agents April and Mark try to thwart the villainess' scheme -- and as a result, Mark is injected with a "reverse" serum which transforms him into an octogenarian. Veteran Asian actor Philip Ahn appears as Premier Dao, with Miiko Taka as his wife. Scripted by Richard DeRoy from a story by DeRoy and Robert Bloch (of Psycho fame), "The Fountain of Youth Affair" originally aired on February 7, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Noted British horror director Freddie Francis and author Robert Bloch, who wrote Psycho, combined their talents for this tale of terror. Pop singer Vicki Robbins (Suzanna Leigh) collapses from exhaustion and takes a vacation on a small resort island. She soon meets Mr. Hargrove (Guy Doleman), a difficult man with a failing marriage who owns the resort and keeps bees as a hobby. Charming Manfred (Frank Finlay), who also lives on the island, keeps bees as well, and he soon strikes up a friendship with Vicki. However, when first a dog and then Hargrove's wife are killed by bee stings, Vicki discovers that someone on the island is breeding a strain of killer bees, and she has to find out who is responsible and what can be done before they kill again. Keep an eye peeled for a short appearance by the British beat combo The Birds, whose guitarist, Ron Wood, would later become a star playing with The Faces (featuring Rod Stewart) and The Rolling Stones. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Suzanna Leigh, Frank Finlay, (more)
- 1967
After suffering a minor head injury, the Enterprise's chief engineer, Scotty, is ordered by Dr. McCoy to take a brief leave -- as part of his recovery process, of course -- in this episode of the popular sci-fi television series. Reluctantly, Scotty puts aside his workaholic tendencies and joins the doctor and Captain Kirk in traveling to a planet that bears a strong resemblance to 19th-century London. At first quaint, the parallels to Earth culture become frightening when the society proves to have its own variation on Jack the Ripper, and Scotty is accused of the crimes. The other officers attempt to defend their friend against the charges, but mounting evidence refutes their arguments for innocence. Even worse, Scotty not only lacks an alibi, but has begun suffering from blackouts which leave him with no memory of his activities during the times of the murders. The script for Wolf in the Fold was written by Robert Bloch, best known for the novel that inspired Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Though scripted by Psycho author Robert Bloch, this is neither a sequel nor a variant on the Alfred Hitchcock classic. Instead, we are presented with a more subdued British version of an Italian "giallo" thriller, as interpreted by acclaimed director Freddie Francis. The plot involves a pattern of grisly murders whose perpetrator leaves a small doll by the body of each victim. The plot thickens as police eventually link each of the victims to the lost fortune of a German tycoon, whose dirty business dealings were uncovered shortly after World War II; what seems at first to be the work of a single revenge-minded maniac hints at a wider-reaching and more devious plot. Bloch's script, though lean and filled with surprises, is a bit too overloaded with manipulative twists, red herrings, and futile attempts to outdo Psycho's manic intensity, but Francis still builds sufficient momentum to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Wymark, Margaret Johnston, (more)
- 1966
Kelly and Scotty are handed their most difficult assignment to date when they are ordered to protect Kathy Sherman (Mary Jane Saunders), the spoiled-rotten daughter of an American VIP. The troublesome Kathy has sparked international incidents wherever she has gone, and it is up to our heroes to make sure that she doesn't do the same in Mexico. The trouble, however, really begins when the impulsive Kathy purchases a valuable pre-Columbian statue-an object highly coveted by a wide variety of disreputable types. Based on a story by Robert Bloch of Psycho fame, "There Was a Little Girl" was scripted by Stephen Kandel. Adroitly combining laughs with genuine thrills, the episode first aired on April 6, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
The Enterprise must thwart a mad scientist who plans to exterminate the human race and replace them with androids in this episode from the first season of the landmark science fiction series. Captain Kirk discovers the plans of the brilliant Dr. Korby while accompanying the Enterprise's Nurse Chapel, who is also Korby's fiancee, on a visit to his remote laboratory. Kirk and Chapel discover that the scientist has been much changed by his recent discovery of alien technology which has allowed the creation of ideal, human-like androids -- including a stunningly attractive female android with whom he seems particularly close. The death of an Enterprise crew member forces Kirk and Chapel to realize that Korby's research has crossed the line into irrational obsession and that they must stop him before they become the next victims. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Lonely spinster Martha (June Lockhart) and taciturn coffin maker Luke (John Anderson) meet each other via a mail-order lonely hearts club. Agreeing to wed Luke sight unseen, Martha subsequently discovers that she is her new husband's second wife; it seems that wife number one died under very mysterious circumstances. Thus, when Luke begins spending an inordinate amount of time puttering in his cellar, Martha's suspicions are aroused -- and before long suspicion gives way to terror...and desperation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- June Lockhart, John Anderson, (more)
- 1965
Former vaudeville headliner Rudolph Bitzner (Franchot Tone) has been washed up for years, reduced to running a cheap motel. As Rudolph dreams of making a spectacular comeback, his young fiancée, Rosie (Sharon Farrell), falls in love with a handsome TV writer named Cliff Allen (Roger Perry). Ultimately, Rudolph confronts Cliff and forces Rosie to choose between them -- or at least that's how it appears in the grim climax of this tale, in which we learn with startling suddenness why the old trouper was once billed as "Rudolph the Great." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Franchot Tone, Sharon Farrell, (more)
Adapted from the Robert Bloch short story "The Skull of the Marquis de Sade," this inventive gothic chiller from Amicus stars Peter Cushing as Professor Maitland, a collector obsessed with obtaining artifacts reputed to have occult powers -- including the title object, believed to be from the crypt of the notorious French nobleman. Shortly after the Professor brings home his latest find, the skull begins making nightly rounds (the gliding camera peers through the eye sockets for the nifty "skull-cam" point-of-view shots) before eventally dominating Maitland's will. Despite the potentially cheesy premise (which sounds better suited to a William Castle project), the film is remarkably subtle and spooky thanks to the deft hand of director Freddie Francis and an excellent performance from Cushing. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, (more)
- 1965
Alfred Hitchcock's long-running suspense anthology wraps up its ten seasons on the air with its 361st episode, directed by a pre-French Connection, pre-Exorcist William Friedkin. John Gavin heads the cast as Johnny Kendall, a trigger-happy cop who is suspended from the force after killing a derelict during a liquor-store holdup. With no other source of income, Johnny heads to a small vacation town to take a job as a watchman. His efforts to keep his temper in check seem to be working until Johnny begins to suspect that his girlfriend, Sandy (Indus Arthur) is fooling around with the local sheriff's ex-deputy (Richard Jaeckel). "Off Season" was written by Robert Bloch, whose most famous collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock is the 1960 chiller Psycho. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Gavin, Dody Heath, (more)
- 1964
Christopher Lee is sublimely typecast as Karl Jorla, a European horror film star who has arrived in Hollywood to make his first American picture. But Jorla has no intention of drawing attention to himself; he not only keeps his production schedule secret, but he also refuses to let anyone know where he is living during his Hollywood stay. The reason? Jorla has run afoul of a cult of devil worshippers, who fear that he intends to expose them in his upcoming film -- and who will stop at nothing to prevent this. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Lee, Gia Scala, (more)
- 1964
The moment he is sprung from prison, smooth-talking Rusty Connors (John Cassavetes) pays a visit to Helen Krause (Ann Sothern), the dowdy widow of Rusty's late cellmate Miles Krause. It seems that Krause had hidden a huge amount of money before he was arrested, and Rusty hopes to persuade Helen to lead him to the loot. Unfortunately, Helen has no idea where the money is, so the two of them piece together the existing clues in order to share the cash once they locate it. Trouble is, Rusty can't be trusted as far as he can be thrown...and neither can Helen. The "Grand Guignol" climax of this episode is made doubly creepy by Bernard Herrmann's chillingly evocative musical score. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ann Sothern, John Cassavetes, (more)
In this chilling blood-tale in "Psycho" style, Robert Bloch modernizes the Lizzy Borden story. A wife (Joan Crawford) literally axes her cheating husband and his lover, witnessed by her three-year-old daughter. Mom is packed off to the insane asylum for 20 years before reuniting with the daughter (Diane Baker). From this point, the axe murders continue along a contrived plot intended to lead the audience astray until the mystery is solved. Crawford's strong performance and the excellently constructed suspense are the best elements of the film -- and the chopping saves the show when the plot tends to slow. ~ Lucinda Ramsey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joan Crawford, Diane Baker, (more)
