Curse of the Faceless Man
| Curse of the Faceless Man | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Edward L. Cahn |
| Produced by |
Robert E. Kent Edward Small (uncredited) |
| Written by | Jerome Bixby |
| Starring | Richard Anderson/Adele Mara |
| Music by | Gerald Fried |
| Cinematography | Kenneth Peach |
| Edited by | Grant Whytock |
| Distributed by | United Artists |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 67 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Curse of the Faceless Man is a 1958 low-budget horror film, released by Robert E. Kent Productions and United Artists. It was directed by Edward L. Cahn who also directed Creature with the Atom Brain (1955), Invasion of the Saucer Men (1957), and The Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake (1959). The screenplay was written by Jerome Bixby. The film was originally released on a double feature in 1958 with It! The Terror from Beyond Space.
Plot
The petrified body of a gladiator is discovered at Pompeii, wearing a bronze medallion with Etruscan writing on it. An Italian archeologist, Maria Fiorillo (Adele Mara), believes that the robust body is still alive, but Dr. Paul Mallon (Richard Anderson) does not believe her. Every time someone is left alone with the body, they die, with their skulls crushed. Tina Enright (Elaine Edwards) begins to have strange visions and believes that what she knows about the "faceless man" is true.
Cast
- Richard Anderson (Dr. Paul Mallon)
- Elaine Edwards (Tina Enright)
- Adele Mara (Maria Fiorello)
- Luis Van Rooten (Dr. Carlo Fiorello)
Production
The film was produced by Robert E. Kent for Edward Small.[1] Curse of the Faceless Man, along with The Search for Bridey Murphy, were films that actor Richard Anderson referred to as "things I did on my way to something else".[2]
The film's plot bore several similarities to Universal Studios 1932 pre-Code film The Mummy: Both films included a love affair between the title characters, and both "monsters" awakened in modern times and discovered the reincarnation of their ancient lovers.[3] Make-up effects for the title character were done by Layne Britton, with Bob Bryant as the stuntman for the character.[4] The original working title was The Man Without a Face. The monster suit was designed by Charles Gemora.
Reception
Allmovie gave the film a positive review, stating "Gerald Fried's music, especially the twisting suspense theme accompanying Quintilus' awakening and wanderings, keeps the tension high, and the costuming and special effects make the picture work far better than its budget or its reputation would lead one to expect".[5]
Availability
The film was released on VHS by the video company Lost Domain. It was released on DVD in 2006.
See also
References
- ↑ 'Kristin' Seen as Challenge: Kaufman Phones Terry Moore; 'Diamonds' Polished for Laage Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif], November 21, 1957, pg. C11.
- ↑ Tom Weaver (1995). They fought in the creature features: interviews with 23 classic horror, science fiction, and serial stars. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-0019-5.
- ↑ Gary Westfahl (2005). The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy: Themes, Works, and Wonders. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 660–. ISBN 978-0-313-32952-4.
- ↑ John Johnson (1996). Cheap Tricks and Class Acts: Special Effects, Makeup, and Stunts from the Films of the Fantastic Fifties. McFarland. pp. 384–. ISBN 978-0-7864-0093-5.
- ↑ "Curse of the Faceless Man (1958) - Edward L. Cahn | Review". Allmovie. Allmovie.com. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
External links
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