The Bloody Birth of Horror

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Atom Age Vampire(1960)

BY Anton Giulio Majano

Atom Age Vampire earns its rating on execution rather than legend. Atomic-age nerves help more than the effects.

horror / vampire / sci-fi

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ARCHITECT "LEEANNA"

Black Sunday(1960)

DIRECTED BY Mario Bava

Black Sunday looks like it was lit inside a coffin. Bava turns black-and-white gothic into pure seduction and punishment.

horror

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Blood and Roses(1960)

DIRECTED BY Roger Vadim

Blood and Roses throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / thriller

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Circus of Horrors(1960)

DIRECTED BY Sidney Hayers

Circus of Horrors has a clean hook and atmosphere that covers the seams, which keeps it comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror

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Gabi ng Lagim(1960)

BY Larry Santiago, Felix Villar, Tommy C. David, Pablo Santiago

Gabi ng Lagim either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

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Horrors of Spider Island(1960)

DIRECTED BY Fritz Böttger

Horrors of Spider Island throws creature-feature on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror / creature-feature

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House of Usher(1960)

DIRECTED BY Roger Corman

House of Usher throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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Jigoku(1960)

DIRECTED BY Nobuo Nakagawa

Jigoku has a clean hook and actual staying power, which keeps it dangerously high. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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Katotohanan O Guniguni?(1960)

BY Armando De Guzman, Jose Miranda Cruz, Fely Crisostomo, Tommy C. David

Katotohanan O Guniguni? throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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Mga Alamat Ng Sandaigdig(1960)

BY Jose Miranda Cruz, Johnny Legarda, Manuel Silos, Fely Crisostomo

Mga Alamat Ng Sandaigdig has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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Mill of the Stone Women(1960)

DIRECTED BY Giorgio Ferroni

Mill of the Stone Women throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is a little thin. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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Pagsapit ng Hatinggabi(1960)

BY Teodorico C. Santos, Abraham Cruz, Cesar Gallardo, Cirio H. Santiago

Pagsapit ng Hatinggabi has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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Peeping Tom(1960)

DIRECTED BY Michael Powell

Peeping Tom is ugly in the most intelligent way. It makes looking feel diseased.

horror / psychological

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Psycho(1960)

DIRECTED BY Alfred Hitchcock

A motel nightmare that changed horror by breaking narrative law.

Horror / Thriller / Slasher

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The Brides of Dracula(1960)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

The Brides of Dracula either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands dangerously high. It sticks because the control is real.

horror / vampire

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The Demon of Mount Oe(1960)

DIRECTED BY Tokuzō Tanaka

The Demon of Mount Oe throws occult on screen with real nerve, but the finish is more rough than ruinous. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror / occult / folk-horror

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The Flesh and the Fiends(1960)

DIRECTED BY John Gilling

The Flesh and the Fiends either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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The Full Treatment(1960)

DIRECTED BY Val Guest

The Full Treatment has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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The Ghost Cat of Otama Pond(1960)

BY Yoshihiro Ishikawa

The Ghost Cat of Otama Pond works when the atmosphere feels bruised and intimate, even if the mechanics are more rough than ruinous. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror / ghost / folk-horror

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

The Hands of Orlac(1960)

BY Edmond T. Greville

The Hands of Orlac has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it well below the line. It wants to wound, but mostly grazes.

horror / psychological

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

The Housemaid(1960)

DIRECTED BY Kim Ki-young

The Housemaid throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is razor-sharp. That confidence is the whole game.

horror

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The Hypnotic Eye(1960)

DIRECTED BY George Blair

The Hypnotic Eye has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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The Leech Woman(1960)

DIRECTED BY Edward Dein

The Leech Woman has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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The Little Shop of Horrors(1960)

DIRECTED BY Roger Corman

The Little Shop of Horrors either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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The Playgirls and the Vampire(1960)

DIRECTED BY Piero Regnoli

The Playgirls and the Vampire has a clean hook and a few strong choices that stick, which keeps it comfortably above water. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / vampire

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The Priest and the Beauty(1960)

DIRECTED BY Koji Shima

The Priest and the Beauty has a clean hook and a few strong choices that stick, which keeps it comfortably above water. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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The Secret of the Telegian(1960)

DIRECTED BY Jun Fukuda

The Secret of the Telegian either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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The Stranglers of Bombay(1960)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

The Stranglers of Bombay either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror / thriller

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The Tell-Tale Heart(1960)

DIRECTED BY Ernest Morris

The Tell-Tale Heart has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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The Vampire and the Ballerina(1960)

DIRECTED BY Renato Polselli

The Vampire and the Ballerina throws vampire on screen with real nerve, but the finish is more rough than ruinous. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / vampire

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The World of Vampires(1960)

BY Alfonso Corona Blake

The World of Vampires either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror / vampire

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Tormented(1960)

DIRECTED BY Bert I. Gordon

Tormented either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror

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Village of the Damned(1960)

DIRECTED BY Wolf Rilla

Village of the Damned has a clean hook and a few strong choices that stick, which keeps it comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

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Bloodlust!(1961)

DIRECTED BY Ralph Brooke

Bloodlust! has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror / thriller

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Creature from the Haunted Sea(1961)

BY Roger Corman, Monte Hellman

Creature from the Haunted Sea has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it well below the line. I can see the ache, not always the shape.

horror / ghost / creature-feature

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Doctor Blood's Coffin(1961)

DIRECTED BY Sidney J. Furie

Doctor Blood's Coffin has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it well below the line. I can see the ache, not always the shape.

horror / psychological / thriller

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Homicidal(1961)

DIRECTED BY William Castle

Homicidal either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror / thriller

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Konga(1961)

DIRECTED BY John Lemont

Konga has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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Mr. Sardonicus(1961)

DIRECTED BY William Castle

Mr. Sardonicus either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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Shadow of the Cat(1961)

DIRECTED BY John Gilling

Shadow of the Cat either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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The Beast of Yucca Flats(1961)

DIRECTED BY Coleman Francis

The Beast of Yucca Flats is anti-cinema by mistake. Tor Johnson deserved better than this wreckage.

horror / creature-feature

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The Brainiac(1961)

DIRECTED BY Chano Urueta

The Brainiac throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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The Curse of the Crying Woman(1961)

DIRECTED BY Rafael Baledon

The Curse of the Crying Woman either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

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The Curse of the Werewolf(1961)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

The Curse of the Werewolf has a clean hook and enough craft to carry the premise, which keeps it comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror / werewolf

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The Innocents(1961)

DIRECTED BY Jack Clayton

The Innocents is one of the few ghost stories that actually feels haunted at the molecular level. Beautiful, repressed, and terrifying.

horror / psychological

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The Mask(1961)

DIRECTED BY Julian Roffman

The Mask throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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The Pit and the Pendulum(1961)

DIRECTED BY Roger Corman

The Pit and the Pendulum either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

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Werewolf in a Girls' Dormitory(1961)

DIRECTED BY Paolo Heusch

Werewolf in a Girls' Dormitory throws werewolf on screen with real nerve, but the finish is uneven. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / werewolf

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Beauty and the Beast(1962)

DIRECTED BY Edward L. Cahn

Beauty and the Beast has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / creature-feature

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Cape Fear(1962)

DIRECTED BY J. Lee Thompson

Cape Fear leaves a mood behind, and that matters more than its rougher edges. It wants to wound, but mostly grazes.

horror / creature-feature / psychological

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Carnival of Souls(1962)

DIRECTED BY Herk Harvey

Carnival of Souls feels like waking up dead and trying to finish the week anyway. Cheap on paper, unforgettable in execution.

horror

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Hand of Death(1962)

DIRECTED BY Gene Nelson

Hand of Death throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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Hands of a Stranger(1962)

BY Newt Arnold (as Newton Arnold)

Hands of a Stranger has a clean hook and enough craft to carry the premise, which keeps it comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror

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Slaughter of the Vampires(1962)

DIRECTED BY Roberto Mauri

Slaughter of the Vampires either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / vampire

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Tales of Terror(1962)

DIRECTED BY Roger Corman

Tales of Terror has a clean hook and a few strong choices that stick, which keeps it comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

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The Awful Dr. Orloff(1962)

DIRECTED BY Jesús Franco

The Awful Dr. Orloff has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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The Blancheville Monster(1962)

BY Alberto De Martino

The Blancheville Monster (a.k.a. Horror) either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / creature-feature

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The Brain That Wouldn't Die(1962)

DIRECTED BY Joseph Green

The Brain That Wouldn't Die either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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The Cabinet of Caligari(1962)

DIRECTED BY Roger Kay

The Cabinet of Caligari throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is uneven. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

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The Couch(1962)

DIRECTED BY Owen Crump

The Couch has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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The Damned(1962)

DIRECTED BY Joseph Losey

The Damned either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. It leaves a mark even with the rough edges.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Horrible Dr. Hichcock(1962)

DIRECTED BY Riccardo Freda

The Horrible Dr. Hichcock either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Phantom of the Opera(1962)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

The Phantom of the Opera leaves a mood behind, and that matters more than its rougher edges. The atmosphere keeps the heart beating.

horror / ghost

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

The Premature Burial(1962)

DIRECTED BY Roger Corman

The Premature Burial throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?(1962)

DIRECTED BY Robert Aldrich

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? leaves a mood behind, and that matters more than its rougher edges. It hurts in exactly the right places.

horror / psychological

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Where the Truth Lies(1962)

DIRECTED BY Henri Decoin

Where the Truth Lies either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

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Black Sabbath(1963)

DIRECTED BY Mario Bava

Black Sabbath either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands dangerously high. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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Black Zoo(1963)

DIRECTED BY Robert Gordon

Black Zoo has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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Blood Feast(1963)

BY Herschell Gordon Lewis

Blood Feast has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror / thriller

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Dementia 13(1963)

BY Francis Ford Coppola

Dementia 13 throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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Diary of a Madman(1963)

DIRECTED BY Reginald Le Borg

Diary of a Madman works when the atmosphere feels bruised and intimate, even if the mechanics are thin. I can see the ache, not always the shape.

horror / psychological

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Katarsis(1963)

BY Giuseppe Veggezzi

Katarsis throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Kiss of the Vampire(1963)

DIRECTED BY Don Sharp

Kiss of the Vampire throws vampire on screen with real nerve, but the finish is uneven. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror / vampire

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Maniac(1963)

DIRECTED BY Michael Carreras

Maniac works when the atmosphere feels bruised and intimate, even if the mechanics are thin. The mood is there, but the connection slips.

horror / psychological

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Matango(1963)

DIRECTED BY Ishirō Honda

Matango throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is more rough than ruinous. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Paranoiac(1963)

DIRECTED BY Freddie Francis

Paranoiac has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Slime People(1963)

DIRECTED BY Robert Hutton

Slime People earns its rating on execution rather than legend. Atomic-age nerves help more than the effects.

horror / sci-fi

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ARCHITECT "LEEANNA"

The Birds(1963)

DIRECTED BY Alfred Hitchcock

Nature revolts, explanation dies, and Hitchcock refuses mercy.

Horror / Thriller / Apocalypse

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Blancheville Monster(1963)

BY Alberto De Martino

The Blancheville Monster either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / creature-feature

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The Comedy of Terrors(1963)

DIRECTED BY Jacques Tourneur

The Comedy of Terrors either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Eyes of Annie Jones(1963)

DIRECTED BY Reginald LeBorg

The Eyes of Annie Jones throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is uneven. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror

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The Ghost(1963)

DIRECTED BY Riccardo Freda

The Ghost has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it comfortably above water. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / ghost

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

The Haunted Palace(1963)

DIRECTED BY Roger Corman

The Haunted Palace leaves a mood behind, and that matters more than its rougher edges. The mood is there, but the connection slips.

horror / ghost

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

The Haunting(1963)

DIRECTED BY Robert Wise

The Haunting proves you do not need to show the monster if the walls already sound possessed. Pure pressure, no waste.

horror / psychological

COMMENTS17

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

The Old Dark House(1963)

DIRECTED BY William Castle

The Old Dark House has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Raven(1963)

DIRECTED BY Roger Corman

The Raven throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is uneven. It leaves a mark even with the rough edges.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Terror(1963)

DIRECTED BY Roger Corman

The Terror has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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The Virgin of Nuremberg(1963)

BY Antonio Margheriti

The Virgin of Nuremberg has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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The Whip and the Body(1963)

DIRECTED BY Mario Bava

The Whip and the Body either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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Tomb of Torture(1963)

DIRECTED BY Antonio Boccacci

Tomb of Torture throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Twice-Told Tales(1963)

DIRECTED BY Sidney Salkow

Twice-Told Tales either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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Unearthly Stranger(1963)

DIRECTED BY John Krish

Unearthly Stranger throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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2000 Maniacs(1964)

BY Herschell Gordon Lewis

2000 Maniacs has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it well below the line. It wants to wound, but mostly grazes.

horror / psychological

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul(1964)

BY José Mojica Marins

At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is more rough than ruinous. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Blood and Black Lace(1964)

DIRECTED BY Mario Bava

Blood and Black Lace has a clean hook and enough craft to carry the premise, which keeps it comfortably above water. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / thriller

COMMENTS15

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Castle of Blood (aka Danza Macabre)(1964)

BY Antonio Margheriti, Sergio Corbucci

Castle of Blood (aka Danza Macabre) either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / thriller

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Castle of the Living Dead(1964)

DIRECTED BY Warren Kiefer

Castle of the Living Dead has a clean hook and enough craft to carry the premise, which keeps it comfortably above water. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / zombie

COMMENTS0

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Cave of the Living Dead(1964)

DIRECTED BY Akos von Ratony

Cave of the Living Dead either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror / zombie

COMMENTS0

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Cien Gritos de Terror (100 Cries of Terror)(1964)

DIRECTED BY Ramón Obon

Cien Gritos de Terror (100 Cries of Terror) has a clean hook and enough craft to carry the premise, which keeps it comfortably above water. It leaves a mark even with the rough edges.

horror

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Devil Doll(1964)

DIRECTED BY Lindsay Shonteff

Devil Doll throws occult on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / occult

COMMENTS0

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Dungeon of Harrow(1964)

DIRECTED BY Pat Boyette

Dungeon of Harrow throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is a little thin. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror

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Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte(1964)

DIRECTED BY Robert Aldrich

Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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I Eat Your Skin(1964)

DIRECTED BY Del Tenney

I Eat Your Skin either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. It leaves a mark even with the rough edges.

horror

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Kwaidan(1964)

DIRECTED BY Masaki Kobayashi

Kwaidan is horror as painted ritual. It moves slowly, but every image feels carved, arranged, and cursed.

horror

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Lady in a Cage(1964)

DIRECTED BY Walter Grauman

Lady in a Cage has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Las Luchadoras contra la Momia (The Wrestling Women vs the Aztec Mummy)(1964)

DIRECTED BY René Cardona

Las Luchadoras contra la Momia (The Wrestling Women vs the Aztec Mummy) has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror / mummy

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Onibaba(1964)

DIRECTED BY Kaneto Shindo

Onibaba turns hunger, sex, and violence into one sweating nightmare. The reeds feel as dangerous as the people.

horror

COMMENTS0

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Pyro... The Thing Without a Face(1964)

DIRECTED BY Julio Coll

Pyro... The Thing Without a Face throws creature-feature on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / creature-feature

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Strait-Jacket(1964)

DIRECTED BY William Castle

Strait-Jacket either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Terror in the Crypt(1964)

BY Camillo Mastrocinque

Terror in the Crypt either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Black Torment(1964)

BY Robert Hartford-Davis

The Black Torment has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Creeping Terror(1964)

DIRECTED BY Art J. Nelson

The Creeping Terror has one job—make the monster scary—and still whiffs it. Watching it is like waiting for glue to dry.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Curse of the Living Corpse(1964)

DIRECTED BY Del Tenney

The Curse of the Living Corpse throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb(1964)

DIRECTED BY Michael Carreras

The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / mummy

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Earth Dies Screaming(1964)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

The Earth Dies Screaming leaves a mood behind, and that matters more than its rougher edges. It reaches you before it fully convinces you.

horror / psychological

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

The Evil of Frankenstein(1964)

DIRECTED BY Freddie Francis

The Evil of Frankenstein has a clean hook and enough craft to carry the premise, which keeps it comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Flesh Eaters(1964)

DIRECTED BY Jack Curtis

The Flesh Eaters either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Gorgon(1964)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

The Gorgon throws creature-feature on screen with real nerve, but the finish is uneven. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror / creature-feature

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Horror of It All(1964)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

The Horror of It All has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Horror of Party Beach(1964)

DIRECTED BY Del Tenney

The Horror of Party Beach either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies(1964)

BY Ray Dennis Steckler

The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands face-down on impact. This thing collapses almost immediately.

horror / zombie / creature-feature

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Last Man on Earth(1964)

BY Ubaldo Ragona, Sidney Salkow

The Last Man on Earth throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is a little thin. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Long Hair of Death(1964)

BY Antonio Margheriti

The Long Hair of Death throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Masque of the Red Death(1964)

DIRECTED BY Roger Corman

The Masque of the Red Death either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands dangerously high. The craft actually draws blood.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Night Walker(1964)

DIRECTED BY William Castle

The Night Walker throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Tomb of Ligeia(1964)

DIRECTED BY Roger Corman

The Tomb of Ligeia throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is fully locked in. That confidence is the whole game.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Witchcraft(1964)

DIRECTED BY Don Sharp

Witchcraft either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror / occult

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

A Study in Terror(1965)

DIRECTED BY James Hill

A Study in Terror throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is a little thin. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Bloody Pit of Horror(1965)

DIRECTED BY Massimo Pupillo

Bloody Pit of Horror either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / thriller

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Color Me Blood Red(1965)

BY Herschell Gordon Lewis

Color Me Blood Red throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror / thriller

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Curse of the Fly(1965)

DIRECTED BY Don Sharp

Curse of the Fly either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Dark Intruder(1965)

DIRECTED BY Harvey Hart

Dark Intruder throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Devils of Darkness(1965)

DIRECTED BY Lance Comfort

Devils of Darkness either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror / occult

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Die, Monster, Die!(1965)

DIRECTED BY Daniel Haller

Die, Monster, Die! either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror / creature-feature

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Dr. Terror's House of Horrors(1965)

DIRECTED BY Freddie Francis

Dr. Terror's House of Horrors has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Frankenstein Conquers the World(1965)

DIRECTED BY Ishirō Honda

Frankenstein Conquers the World either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

House of Terrors (Kaidan Semushi Otoko)(1965)

DIRECTED BY Hajime Sato

House of Terrors (Kaidan Semushi Otoko) throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is a little thin. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

I Saw What You Did(1965)

DIRECTED BY William Castle

I Saw What You Did throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Illusion of Blood(1965)

DIRECTED BY Shirō Toyoda

Illusion of Blood either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror / thriller

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Incubus(1965)

DIRECTED BY Leslie Stevens

Incubus has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Kaidan Katame no Otoko(1965)

DIRECTED BY Tsuneo Kobayashi

Kaidan Katame no Otoko has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Lady Morgan's Vengeance(1965)

DIRECTED BY Massimo Pupillo

Lady Morgan's Vengeance either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Monster a Go-Go(1965)

BY Herschell Gordon Lewis, Bill Rebane, Sheldon Seymour

Monster a Go-Go is pure nothing dressed as menace. It spends a whole movie failing to arrive.

horror / creature-feature

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Monsters Crash the Pajama Party(1965)

DIRECTED BY David L. Hewitt

Monsters Crash the Pajama Party throws creature-feature on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / creature-feature

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Nightmare Castle(1965)

DIRECTED BY Mario Caiano

Nightmare Castle throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Orgy of the Dead(1965)

BY Stephen C. Apostolof

Orgy of the Dead either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands face-down on impact. Mostly wreckage, occasionally funny by accident.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Planet of the Vampires(1965)

DIRECTED BY Mario Bava

Planet of the Vampires is a sixties horror piece whose value comes down to control, pacing, and payoff. Atomic-age nerves help more than the effects.

horror / vampire / sci-fi

COMMENTS0

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ARCHITECT "LEEANNA"

Psycho A-Go-Go(1965)

DIRECTED BY Al Adamson

Psycho A-Go-Go has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it well below the line. I can see the ache, not always the shape.

horror / psychological

COMMENTS0

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Repulsion(1965)

DIRECTED BY Roman Polanski

Repulsion doesn’t just depict breakdown—it drags you inside the geometry of it. Nasty, immaculate work.

horror / psychological

COMMENTS14

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Terror-Creatures from the Grave(1965)

DIRECTED BY Massimo Pupillo

Terror-Creatures from the Grave either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / creature-feature

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Beach Girls and the Monster(1965)

DIRECTED BY Jon Hall

The Beach Girls and the Monster either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror / creature-feature

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Beast That Killed Women(1965)

DIRECTED BY Barry Mahon

The Beast That Killed Women throws creature-feature on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / creature-feature

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Collector(1965)

DIRECTED BY William Wyler

The Collector either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Embalmer(1965)

DIRECTED BY Dino Tavella

The Embalmer either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Face of Fu Manchu(1965)

DIRECTED BY Don Sharp

The Face of Fu Manchu has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Nanny(1965)

DIRECTED BY Seth Holt

The Nanny has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Seventh Grave(1965)

BY Garibaldi Serra Caracciolo

The Seventh Grave has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Skull(1965)

DIRECTED BY Freddie Francis

The Skull has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror / thriller

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Two on a Guillotine(1965)

DIRECTED BY William Conrad

Two on a Guillotine throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Un Vampiro para Dos(1965)

DIRECTED BY Pedro Lazaga

Un Vampiro para Dos has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

An Angel for Satan(1966)

BY Camillo Mastrocinque

An Angel for Satan either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / occult / euro-horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Billy the Kid vs. Dracula(1966)

DIRECTED BY William Beaudine

Billy the Kid vs. Dracula throws vampire on screen with real nerve, but the finish is more rough than ruinous. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror / vampire

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Blood Bath(1966)

BY Stephanie Rothman, Jack Hill

Blood Bath either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror / thriller

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Carry on Screaming!(1966)

DIRECTED BY Gerald Thomas

Carry on Screaming! leaves a mood behind, and that matters more than its rougher edges. I can see the ache, not always the shape.

horror / comedy / psychological

COMMENTS0

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Chamber of Horrors(1966)

DIRECTED BY Hy Averback

Chamber of Horrors has a clean hook and atmosphere that covers the seams, which keeps it comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Curse of the Swamp Creature(1966)

DIRECTED BY Larry Buchanan

Curse of the Swamp Creature throws creature-feature on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / creature-feature

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Daimajin(1966)

DIRECTED BY Kimiyoshi Yasuda

Daimajin either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Daimajin Strikes Again(1966)

DIRECTED BY Kimiyoshi Yasuda

Daimajin Strikes Again has a clean hook and a few strong choices that stick, which keeps it comfortably above water. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Death Curse of Tartu(1966)

DIRECTED BY William Grefé

Death Curse of Tartu either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Dracula: Prince of Darkness(1966)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

Dracula: Prince of Darkness either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. It leaves a mark even with the rough edges.

horror / vampire

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Island of Terror(1966)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

Island of Terror throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter(1966)

DIRECTED BY William Beaudine

Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter has a clean hook and chaos instead of craft, which keeps it face-down on impact. Mostly wreckage, occasionally funny by accident.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Kill, Baby, Kill(1966)

DIRECTED BY Mario Bava

Kill, Baby, Kill leaves a mood behind, and that matters more than its rougher edges. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / psychological / euro-horror

COMMENTS0

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Manos: The Hands of Fate(1966)

DIRECTED BY Hal P. Warren

Manos: The Hands of Fate is a disaster with a camera pointed at it. Barely a movie, somehow still a legend.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Munster, Go Home!(1966)

BY Elio Scardamaglia

Munster, Go Home! either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror / comedy

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Naked Evil(1966)

DIRECTED BY Stanley Goulder

Naked Evil has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Picture Mommy Dead(1966)

DIRECTED BY Bert I. Gordon

Picture Mommy Dead has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Queen of Blood(1966)

BY Curtis Harrington

Queen of Blood throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror / thriller

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Rasputin, the Mad Monk(1966)

DIRECTED BY Don Sharp

Rasputin, the Mad Monk has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Return of Daimajin(1966)

DIRECTED BY Kimiyoshi Yasuda

Return of Daimajin throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Seconds(1966)

BY John Frankenheimer

Seconds has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Sting of Death(1966)

DIRECTED BY William Grefé

Sting of Death has a clean hook and a few strong choices that stick, which keeps it comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Terror Beneath the Sea(1966)

DIRECTED BY Hajime Sato

Terror Beneath the Sea either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Black Cat(1966)

DIRECTED BY Harold Hoffman

The Black Cat throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Blood Drinkers(1966)

DIRECTED BY Gerardo de León

The Blood Drinkers has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / thriller

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Deadly Bees(1966)

DIRECTED BY Freddie Francis

The Deadly Bees has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Diabolical Dr. Z(1966)

DIRECTED BY Jesús Franco

The Diabolical Dr. Z either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Empire of Dracula(1966)

DIRECTED BY Federico Curiel

The Empire of Dracula either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. It leaves a mark even with the rough edges.

horror / vampire

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken(1966)

DIRECTED BY Alan Rafkin

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken works when the atmosphere feels bruised and intimate, even if the mechanics are underpowered. The mood is there, but the connection slips.

horror / comedy / ghost

COMMENTS0

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

The Murder Clinic(1966)

BY Lionello De Felice

The Murder Clinic throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Navy vs. the Night Monsters(1966)

DIRECTED BY Michael A. Hoey

The Navy vs. the Night Monsters either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror / creature-feature

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Painted Skin(1966)

DIRECTED BY Bao Fang

The Painted Skin either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Plague of the Zombies(1966)

DIRECTED BY John Gilling

The Plague of the Zombies either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / zombie

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Reptile(1966)

DIRECTED BY John Gilling

The Reptile throws creature-feature on screen with real nerve, but the finish is uneven. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror / creature-feature

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The She Beast(1966)

DIRECTED BY Michael Reeves

The She Beast either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror / creature-feature

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Undertaker and His Pals(1966)

DIRECTED BY David C. Graham

The Undertaker and His Pals has a clean hook and basically no polish, which keeps it face-down on impact. Mostly wreckage, occasionally funny by accident.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Vulture(1966)

BY Lawrence Huntington

The Vulture either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Witches(1966)

DIRECTED BY Cyril Frankel

The Witches has a clean hook and enough craft to carry the premise, which keeps it comfortably above water. It leaves a mark even with the rough edges.

horror / occult

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

A Taste of Blood(1967)

BY Herschell Gordon Lewis

A Taste of Blood has a clean hook and atmosphere that covers the seams, which keeps it comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror / thriller

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Berserk!(1967)

DIRECTED BY Jim O'Connolly

Berserk! throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Blood of the Virgins(1967)

DIRECTED BY Emilio Vieyra

Blood of the Virgins throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror / thriller

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Cauldron of Blood(1967)

DIRECTED BY Santos Alcocer

Cauldron of Blood has a clean hook and atmosphere that covers the seams, which keeps it comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror / thriller

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Creature of Destruction(1967)

DIRECTED BY Larry Buchanan

Creature of Destruction either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror / creature-feature

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Eye of the Devil(1967)

DIRECTED BY J. Lee Thompson

Eye of the Devil has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror / occult

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Frankenstein Created Woman(1967)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

Frankenstein Created Woman throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is uneven. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Games(1967)

BY Curtis Harrington

Games throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is uneven. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Hillbillys in a Haunted House(1967)

DIRECTED BY Jean Yarbrough

Hillbillys in a Haunted House works when the atmosphere feels bruised and intimate, even if the mechanics are more rough than ruinous. The atmosphere keeps the heart beating.

horror / ghost

COMMENTS0

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

It!(1967)

DIRECTED BY Herbert J. Leder

It! has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Maneater of Hydra(1967)

DIRECTED BY Mel Welles

Maneater of Hydra throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Night of the Big Heat(1967)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

Night of the Big Heat either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Quatermass and the Pit(1967)

DIRECTED BY Roy Ward Baker

Quatermass and the Pit is a sixties horror piece whose value comes down to control, pacing, and payoff. Atomic-age nerves help more than the effects.

horror / sci-fi

COMMENTS0

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ARCHITECT "LEEANNA"

She Freak(1967)

DIRECTED BY Byron Mabe

She Freak has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Something Weird(1967)

BY Herschell Gordon Lewis

Something Weird either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror / creature-feature

COMMENTS0

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Fearless Vampire Killers(1967)

DIRECTED BY Roman Polanski

The Fearless Vampire Killers works when the atmosphere feels bruised and intimate, even if the mechanics are more rough than ruinous. The atmosphere keeps the heart beating.

horror / vampire / psychological

COMMENTS0

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

The Frozen Dead(1967)

DIRECTED BY Herbert J. Leder

The Frozen Dead either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. It leaves a mark even with the rough edges.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Gruesome Twosome(1967)

BY Herschell Gordon Lewis

The Gruesome Twosome throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Mummy's Shroud(1967)

DIRECTED BY John Gilling

The Mummy's Shroud either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror / mummy

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Shuttered Room(1967)

DIRECTED BY David Greene

The Shuttered Room earns its rating on execution rather than legend. Atomic-age nerves help more than the effects.

horror / sci-fi

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ARCHITECT "LEEANNA"

The Sorcerers(1967)

DIRECTED BY Michael Reeves

The Sorcerers has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Spirit Is Willing(1967)

DIRECTED BY William Castle

The Spirit Is Willing works when the atmosphere feels bruised and intimate, even if the mechanics are shaky. I can see the ache, not always the shape.

horror / ghost

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Theatre of Death(1967)

DIRECTED BY Samuel Gallu

Theatre of Death throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is shaky. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

This Night I'll Possess Your Corpse(1967)

BY José Mojica Marins

This Night I'll Possess Your Corpse either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Torture Garden(1967)

DIRECTED BY Freddie Francis

Torture Garden has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Viy(1967)

BY Konstantin Yershov

Viy throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is fully locked in. It sticks because the control is real.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Zinda Laash(1967)

DIRECTED BY Khwaja Sarfraz

Zinda Laash either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Corruption(1968)

BY Robert Hartford-Davis

Corruption either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Dracula Has Risen from the Grave(1968)

DIRECTED BY Freddie Francis

Dracula Has Risen from the Grave throws vampire on screen with real nerve, but the finish is a little thin. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror / vampire

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Fear Chamber(1968)

BY Juan Ibáñez, Jack Hill

Fear Chamber has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it well below the line. I can see the ache, not always the shape.

horror / psychological / thriller

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Genocide(1968)

DIRECTED BY Kazui Nihonmatsu

Genocide throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Goke, Body Snatcher from Hell(1968)

DIRECTED BY Hajime Sato

Goke, Body Snatcher from Hell has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror / occult / folk-horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Hour of the Wolf(1968)

DIRECTED BY Ingmar Bergman

Hour of the Wolf has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it dangerously high. It hurts in exactly the right places.

horror / werewolf

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

House of Evil(1968)

BY Juan Ibáñez, Jack Hill

House of Evil throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Kuroneko(1968)

DIRECTED BY Kaneto Shindo

Kuroneko leaves a mood behind, and that matters more than its rougher edges. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Mantis in Lace(1968)

DIRECTED BY William Rostler

Mantis in Lace has a clean hook and isolated moments that almost save it, which keeps it well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Night of the Living Dead(1968)

DIRECTED BY George A. Romero

Night of the Living Dead still feels like civilization tearing open on camera. Mean, lean, and politically radioactive.

horror / zombie

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Nights of the Werewolf(1968)

DIRECTED BY René Govar

Nights of the Werewolf throws werewolf on screen with real nerve, but the finish is a little thin. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror / werewolf

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Rape of the Vampire(1968)

DIRECTED BY Jean Rollin

Rape of the Vampire either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror / vampire / creature-feature

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Rosemary's Baby(1968)

DIRECTED BY Roman Polanski

Rosemary’s Baby turns polite urban life into a trap with perfect manners. The paranoia is so controlled it becomes suffocating.

horror / psychological

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Satanik(1968)

DIRECTED BY Piero Vivarelli

Satanik either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. Style keeps the blood warm.

horror / occult / euro-horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Secret Ceremony(1968)

DIRECTED BY Joseph Losey

Secret Ceremony has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Snake Woman's Curse(1968)

DIRECTED BY Nobuo Nakagawa

Snake Woman's Curse either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Spider Baby(1968)

DIRECTED BY Jack Hill

Spider Baby has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it well below the line. I can see the ache, not always the shape.

horror / creature-feature / psychological

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Spirits of the Dead(1968)

BY Federico Fellini, Louis Malle, Roger Vadim

Spirits of the Dead has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it well below the line. It wants to wound, but mostly grazes.

horror / ghost

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Succubus(1968)

DIRECTED BY Jesús Franco

Succubus has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Astro-Zombies(1968)

DIRECTED BY Ted V. Mikels

The Astro-Zombies throws zombie on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror / zombie

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Blood Beast Terror(1968)

DIRECTED BY Vernon Sewell

The Blood Beast Terror either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. Not flawless, but it gets the job done.

horror / creature-feature / thriller

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Ghastly Ones(1968)

DIRECTED BY Andy Milligan

The Ghastly Ones either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. You can see the movie it wanted to be.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Green Slime(1968)

DIRECTED BY Kinji Fukasaku

The Green Slime either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands well below the line. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Joy of Torture(1968)

DIRECTED BY Teruo Ishii

The Joy of Torture has a clean hook and a premise stronger than the execution, which keeps it well below the line. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Living Skeleton(1968)

DIRECTED BY Hiroshi Matsuno

The Living Skeleton throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Mad Doctor of Blood Island(1968)

DIRECTED BY Eddie Romero

The Mad Doctor of Blood Island has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it comfortably above water. It has a pulse, even when it stumbles.

horror / psychological / thriller

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

The Mark of the Werewolf(1968)

BY Enrique López Eguiluz

The Mark of the Werewolf throws werewolf on screen with real nerve, but the finish is more rough than ruinous. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror / werewolf

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

The Strange World of Coffin Joe(1968)

BY José Mojica Marins

The Strange World of Coffin Joe has a clean hook and some atmosphere but not enough follow-through, which keeps it well below the line. There’s some life in it, but not enough.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Trilogy of Terror(1968)

BY Jose Mojica Marins, Ozualdo Candeias, Luiz Sergio Person

Trilogy of Terror throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Twisted Nerve(1968)

DIRECTED BY Roy Boulting

Twisted Nerve either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. It leaves a mark even with the rough edges.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Blind Beast(1969)

DIRECTED BY Yasuzo Masumura

Blind Beast throws creature-feature on screen with real nerve, but the finish is thin. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror / creature-feature

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Blood of Dracula's Castle(1969)

BY Al Adamson, Jean Hewitt

Blood of Dracula's Castle either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. It leaves a mark even with the rough edges.

horror / vampire / thriller

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Eye of the Cat(1969)

BY David Lowell Rich

Eye of the Cat throws horror on screen with real nerve, but the finish is underpowered. A decent premise gets left on the table.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Fear No Evil(1969)

DIRECTED BY Paul Wendkos

Fear No Evil has feeling in the dark corners, which keeps it well below the line. The mood is there, but the connection slips.

horror / psychological / thriller

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INSTINCT "MINDY"

Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed(1969)

DIRECTED BY Terence Fisher

Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. More hit than miss, and that counts.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Hiroku Kaibyoden(1969)

DIRECTED BY Tokuzo Tanaka

Hiroku Kaibyoden either bites hard or fizzles out; this one lands comfortably above water. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

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EXECUTIONER "ACE"

Horrors of Malformed Men(1969)

DIRECTED BY Teruo Ishii

Horrors of Malformed Men has a clean hook and enough craft to carry the premise, which keeps it comfortably above water. The visual discipline keeps it sharp.

horror

COMMENTS0