From writer Robert Bloch of "Psycho" fame and the gimmick-loving producer-director William Castle comes this entry into that genre crudely referred to by some people as "hag horror". (Popularized by the legendary "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?".) Barbara Stanwyck, in her final feature film, stars as Irene Trent, who's unhappily married to embittered blind man Howard Trent (Hayden Rorke). When Howard dies in a suspicious explosion, she becomes a very rich woman. But she continues to be haunted by recurring dreams, in which she is romanced by a handsome young stranger (Lloyd Bochner). Her well-meaning lawyer friend Barry Morland (Robert Taylor) tries to help her solve this puzzle in her life.
Castle does some great things with atmosphere, and his direction is stylish. One scene certainly leaves an impression, the "wedding" which is attended by mannequins. Ultimately, the story is resolved in a "realistic" manner which does negate all the surrealism created by Castle, cinematographer Harold E. Stine, and company up to that point. It's not a terribly surprising reveal, but it is a fun one, and in general the movie is quite enjoyable, gimmick or no gimmick. It does keep you engrossed for quite a while, although after some time has passed you do get a sense of where it is going. It's also enhanced by a repetitive, but catchy, music score by Vic Mizzy, somewhat reminiscent of the classic 'Twilight Zone' theme.
Stanwyck is very appealing, with top billed Taylor offering solid support as the lawyer. Rorke ('I Dream of Jeannie') is absolutely great; Judi Meredith ("Queen of Blood"), Rochelle Hudson ("Rebel Without a Cause"), Jess Barker ("Scarlet Street"), Marjorie Bennett ("What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?"), and Tetsu Komai ("Island of Lost Souls") co-star. The opening narration, ruminating on the entire concept of dreams and nightmares, is spoken by the great Paul Frees.
Good fun, and rather under rated as far as Castles' output and the entire "older women in shockers" genre goes.
Seven out of 10.
Castle does some great things with atmosphere, and his direction is stylish. One scene certainly leaves an impression, the "wedding" which is attended by mannequins. Ultimately, the story is resolved in a "realistic" manner which does negate all the surrealism created by Castle, cinematographer Harold E. Stine, and company up to that point. It's not a terribly surprising reveal, but it is a fun one, and in general the movie is quite enjoyable, gimmick or no gimmick. It does keep you engrossed for quite a while, although after some time has passed you do get a sense of where it is going. It's also enhanced by a repetitive, but catchy, music score by Vic Mizzy, somewhat reminiscent of the classic 'Twilight Zone' theme.
Stanwyck is very appealing, with top billed Taylor offering solid support as the lawyer. Rorke ('I Dream of Jeannie') is absolutely great; Judi Meredith ("Queen of Blood"), Rochelle Hudson ("Rebel Without a Cause"), Jess Barker ("Scarlet Street"), Marjorie Bennett ("What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?"), and Tetsu Komai ("Island of Lost Souls") co-star. The opening narration, ruminating on the entire concept of dreams and nightmares, is spoken by the great Paul Frees.
Good fun, and rather under rated as far as Castles' output and the entire "older women in shockers" genre goes.
Seven out of 10.