'Cry Of The Banshee' is effectively a cross between the better known 'Witchfinder General' and 'Blood On Satan's Claw' in theme and style but, sadly, doesn't come close to either film in terms of quality or interest.
The usually good value Vincent Price gives perhaps his most boring performance, seemingly rendered immobile by the dullness of the production, too stupefied to even arch an eyebrow. The story, which has nothing to do with Poe no matter what the posters say, is set in the sixteenth century and concerns an arrogant Lord (Price) and his boorish, spoilt brat children who piss off a local witch coven (by hacking most of them to death) and then feel their wrath, one by one, victims of a supernatural entity called Patrick Mower.
It pains me to say it, but this film is a waste of time. You don't even get to see the monster properly. A very poor show all round.
Despite this film's lackluster reputation -and my own dull memories of it- I re-watched Cry of the Banshee a couple of months ago and really enjoyed it. So much so, that I thought I had re-discovered a classic.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit that the story isn't as good as it could have been, but the grim atmosphere was wonderful.
Maybe I'll try watching it sober next time..