Die, Monster, Die! (1965)

User Rating:

5.3/10   

Director:

Daniel Haller

Writers:

H.P. Lovecraft (story)
Jerry Sohl (writer)

Release Date:

27 October 1965 (USA)

Genre:

Mystery | Horror | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

Face the ultimate in diabolism!

Plot:

A young man visits his fiancé's estate to discover that her wheelchair-bound scientist father has discovered...

Plot Keywords:

Greenhouse | Mother Daughter Relationship | Meteor | Wheel Chair Bound | Burning House

Cast

Boris Karloff	...	Nahum Witley
Nick Adams	...	Stephen Reinhart
Freda Jackson	...	Letitia Witley
Suzan Farmer	...	Susan Witley
Patrick Magee	...	Dr. Henderson
Paul Farrell	...	Jason
Terence de Marney	...	Merwyn
Leslie Dwyer	...	Potter
Harold Goodwin	...	Taxi Driver (UK version)
Sydney Bromley	...	Pierce
Billy Milton	...	Henry
Sheila Raynor	...	Miss Bailey (UK version)

Also Known As:

Colour Out of Space (USA) (working title)
Monster of Terror (UK)
The House at the End of the World

Runtime:

80 min | France:75 min (DVD)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Pathécolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Norway:16 | UK:15 | West Germany:16 | Finland:K-15 (2004 rating) | Italy:VM14 | Argentina:16 | France:-12 | Ireland:12 | Sweden:15 | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

Alta Vista Productions

Trivia:

This was the first directing job for veteran art director/production designer Daniel Haller.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Taxi Driver: Morning!
Stephen Reinhart: Morning. Taxi?

Movie Connections:

Featured in Fantastic Fantasy Fright-o-Rama Show Vol. 1 (1996) (V)

Boris gives us his all

AIP decided to try cashing in on Lovecraft rather than Poe this time around.What we get is an above average movie that is hampered by its budget.

Nick Adams plays Stephen Reinhart who arrives in the small english town of Arkham.When he tries various means to travel to the Witley estate he is rebuffed by the townsfolk and has to walk.We're treated to some decent matte shots of a desolate countryside.

Arriving at the estate the young man is met by Nahum Witley (Boris Karloff).He is pointedly told to leave.Sticking to his guns Steve informs the man that he was invited by Mrs Witley.Of course Susan (Witley's daughter) rushes down to clear up some confusion.

Here we learn that there are some weird goings on involving everyone at the house. A maid has disappeared,weird screams are heard at night and Mrs Witley hides behind curtains.A real miasma lurks in this house. Nahum has a strange secret in the basement that seems to be killing everyone who comes in contact with it.

Rather than go further into the plot which is really basic there are a few things that lift this above your standard haunted (for lack of a better word) house story.This movie just reeks with atmosphere.It is very opressive and claustrophobic.The sets are wonderful and nicely done on the cheap.Boris Karloff gives his usual wonderful performance. Nick Adams actually holds his own here.

On the downside the special effects are very limited due to the budget. A minor quibble.Patrick Magee shows up for a role that will leave you scratching your head wondering what that was all about.

Definitely worth a look if you catch it on AMC or find the dvd cheaply.