Post by Jac0bite on Mar 1, 2005 20:22:04 GMT -5
The following review is from the book Horror Classics: A Fan's Guide to 100 Fiendishly Fun Films by Chris Dauten and is copyright 2004 by the author - all rights reserved. The book is available here: www.lulu.com/content/70088
Carnival of Souls
Starring Candace Hilligoss, Frances Feist, Sidney Berger, Art Ellison, Stan Levitt
Directed by Herk Harvey
If you're one of the many (too many) who haven't seen this little gem, let me just tell you: This is the best film you've never seen.
Made in 1962 by Herk Harvey, an industrial filmmaker in Lawrence, Kansas for a ridiculously tiny budget, Carnival of Souls is a cult masterpiece. Harvey shot most of the film locally (a few scenes were shot near Salt Lake City), and used local talent. In fact, some of the cast members were also members of the crew.
The story opens with young Mary Henry (Hilligoss) and her girl friends drag racing against some boys. When the cars reach an old bridge, the girls' car plunges over the side and into the river. While police and onlookers search the river for signs of the car, Mary emerges from the water. She's wet, muddy and in shock. She decides to put her past behind her and takes a job in Utah, playing the organ at a church. On her way to Utah, she passes an old deserted carnival on Salt Lake. It's a spooky image and intrigues Mary for reasons she cannot fathom. She also sees the image of a ghostly face outside her car window. This creepy man continues to plague her, showing up numerous times after she arrives at her new home. She doesn't know what the man wants with her, nor can she explain her own increasingly odd behavior.
Carnival of Souls has very little in the way of special effects, but it doesn't need them. Harvey and crew create such a nightmarish atmosphere and such compelling visuals that this film will keep you thinking long after the final credits have rolled. Viewers who have seen Roger Corman's Night of the Living Dead (1968) will definitely notice the influence that Carnival of Souls had on that film.
Carnival of Souls
Starring Candace Hilligoss, Frances Feist, Sidney Berger, Art Ellison, Stan Levitt
Directed by Herk Harvey
If you're one of the many (too many) who haven't seen this little gem, let me just tell you: This is the best film you've never seen.
Made in 1962 by Herk Harvey, an industrial filmmaker in Lawrence, Kansas for a ridiculously tiny budget, Carnival of Souls is a cult masterpiece. Harvey shot most of the film locally (a few scenes were shot near Salt Lake City), and used local talent. In fact, some of the cast members were also members of the crew.
The story opens with young Mary Henry (Hilligoss) and her girl friends drag racing against some boys. When the cars reach an old bridge, the girls' car plunges over the side and into the river. While police and onlookers search the river for signs of the car, Mary emerges from the water. She's wet, muddy and in shock. She decides to put her past behind her and takes a job in Utah, playing the organ at a church. On her way to Utah, she passes an old deserted carnival on Salt Lake. It's a spooky image and intrigues Mary for reasons she cannot fathom. She also sees the image of a ghostly face outside her car window. This creepy man continues to plague her, showing up numerous times after she arrives at her new home. She doesn't know what the man wants with her, nor can she explain her own increasingly odd behavior.
Carnival of Souls has very little in the way of special effects, but it doesn't need them. Harvey and crew create such a nightmarish atmosphere and such compelling visuals that this film will keep you thinking long after the final credits have rolled. Viewers who have seen Roger Corman's Night of the Living Dead (1968) will definitely notice the influence that Carnival of Souls had on that film.