The Raven (1963)

 

Producer Roger Corman, very often known for cutting corners financially and delivering a plethora of films per year, did have a period when he wanted colourful and pretty lavish productions because he felt the tales of Edgar Allen Poe deserved this. He was right of course and to this day these Poe adaptations are some of his most enduring works. 

The stellar cast comprised of legends helps as well. 

The poem of 'The Raven' is a pretty dark and melancholic affair, so it is rather surprising that Corman turned it into a dark comedy but somehow it works. It is a genuine fun romp from start to finish, helped immensely by spirited performances.

Vincent Price is Dr Craven, a magician/sorcerer who pines for his late wife Lenore, yet who amuses himself by practicing his feats at home. Things change when a raven visits him. This turns out to be Dr Bedlo who is enchanted by Dr Scarabus. This Scarabus is now the Grand Master of the Brotherhood of Magicians and a former rival of Craven's father. This irks Craven and when Bedlo declares he has seen Craven's late wife at the stead of Scarabus, Craven decides he wants to check it out. 

They are joined by Craven's daughter and Bedlo's son because we need some young people and a little romantic involvement. Scarabus greets them with a lot of hospitality, but soon it transpires that he seeks all the power of Craven to add to his own. This all culminates in a magical battle between Craven and Scarabus. 

Oh, and Lenore actually isn't dead, but a devious woman who just jumps ship to the man with the most power at the drop of a hat. 

You wouldn't expect this film to be as funny as it is, but this is mainly thanks to Peter Lorre and Vincent Price, who are very clearly having a lot of fun with it. Apparently, they also ad-libbed a lot of their lines, to the frustration of Karloff, but this helps the animosity and atmosphere immensely. Especially Lorre is sidesplitting at times with his dry wit. Vincent Price of course is his immaculate self, but manages to convey the pleasure he is having through a raised eyebrow alone. Tough acts to follow to this day. It's the banter that makes this film, as it is rather thin on story anyhow. 

Oh, and the magical battle is roughly ten minutes with no dialogue but trippy effects and slapstick. Sassy!

No doubt most people will find this rather slow and unassuming, but if you like the greats mentioned here, there is a lot of enjoyment to be had. It might not be the best Poe adaptation Corman made, but it is so off-kilter, it becomes something special in its own right.