The 1940s were a transformative era for horror cinema.
“The Lodgeris a moodyretelling of the Jack the Ripper legend.
He conjures up immersive shots of shadowy alleys and mist-cloaked streets.
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On the acting side, some of the performances veer into melodrama, butCregar is terrific as the antagonist.
Don’t be alarmed.
“The Queen of Spadesis a Gothic horror based on a short story by preeminent Russian writerAlexander Pushkin.
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The story takes a dark turn when the Countess dies, and her vengeful spirit begins to haunt Suvorin.
The plot is likewise intricate, revealing more and more layers as it runs along.
The villagers believe a legendary, ghostly creature is responsible, but Holmes suspects a more human hand.
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She marries Oliver Reed (Kent Smith), but their relationship remains unconsummated due to her fears.
Cat Peopleis notable for its relative subtlety, dealing in shadows and suggestion, hinting rather than showing.
Indeed, many critics have interpreted the film asa statement on repression and male anxieties surrounding female sexuality.
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Grays methods become increasingly unscrupulous, moving from grave robbing to outright murder.
There’s also some daring innuendo in the dialogue, which would have delighted certain viewers.
The Spiral Staircasefeatures many then-novel point-of-view shots, especially from the killer’s perspective.
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It also helped craft a blueprint that countless comedy horrors would emulate in the decades to follow.
However, he can’t outrun his sins forever.
It’s a timeless story and one of the more thoughtful riffs on the old Faustian legend.
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Not every aspect of it has aged well, butThe Wolf Manis undeniably a classic.
For all these reasons, the film has appeared on several publications' lists ofthe best anthology movies ever.
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NEXT:The 15 Best Hammer Horror Movies, Ranked
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