Macabre (1958 film)
Encyclopedia
Macabre is a 1958
thriller film directed by William Castle
, written by Robb White
, and starring William Prince
, Jim Backus
, Christine White, Jacqueline Scott
, and Susan Morrow
. It is considered Castle's first foray into using the promotional gimmicks that later made him famous. Some critics call this a suspense film, rather than a horror film, having established a "racing against time" plot-line.
his house to be able to make the thriller independently. Filming took place from August 15, 1958 to August 23, 1958.
Macabre is considered Castle's first foray into using the promotional gimmicks that later made him famous. A certificate for a $1,000 life insurance policy from Lloyd's of London
was given to each customer in case he/she should die of fright during the film. Showings also had ushers dressed in surgical garb with ambulances outside theater.
1958 in film
The year 1958 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* February 16- "In the Money" by William Beaudine is released on this date. It would be the last installment of The Bowery Boys series which began back in 1946....
thriller film directed by William Castle
William Castle
William Castle was an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. Castle was known for directing films with many gimmicks which were ambitiously promoted, despite being reasonably low budget B-movies....
, written by Robb White
Robb White
Robb White was a writer of screenplays, television scripts, and adventure novels; most of the latter had a maritime setting — often the Pacific Navy during World War II. White was best known for juvenile fiction, though he has proven popular with adults as well...
, and starring William Prince
William Prince (actor)
William LeRoy Prince was an American actor who appeared in numerous soap operas and made dozens of guest appearances on primetime series as well as playing villains in movies like The Gauntlet and Spontaneous Combustion.-Biography:Prince was born in Nichols, New York, the son of Myrtle , a nurse...
, Jim Backus
Jim Backus
James Gilmore "Jim" Backus was a radio, television, film, and voice actor. Among his most famous roles are the voice of Mr...
, Christine White, Jacqueline Scott
Jacqueline Scott
Jacqueline Scott is an American actress who has appeared in several films and television programs as well as guest starring in over one hundred television shows...
, and Susan Morrow
Susan Morrow
Susan Morrow was an American actress.-Personal life:Born as Jacqueline Ann Teresa Bernadette Immoor, she was the elder sister of Judith Exner and the first wife of comedian Gary Morton. They were married on December 17, 1953; the marriage was annulled on July 11, 1957...
. It is considered Castle's first foray into using the promotional gimmicks that later made him famous. Some critics call this a suspense film, rather than a horror film, having established a "racing against time" plot-line.
Plot
A doctor's daughter has been kidnapped by a maniac and buried alive. The doctor must race against the clock to find and rescue her before her air runs out and she suffocates. Everything leads up to a surprise ending.Production details
Castle took the bold step to mortgageMortgage
A mortgage is a security interest in real property held by a lender as a security for a debt, usually a loan of money. A mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is the lender's security for a debt...
his house to be able to make the thriller independently. Filming took place from August 15, 1958 to August 23, 1958.
Macabre is considered Castle's first foray into using the promotional gimmicks that later made him famous. A certificate for a $1,000 life insurance policy from Lloyd's of London
Lloyd's of London
Lloyd's, also known as Lloyd's of London, is a British insurance and reinsurance market. It serves as a partially mutualised marketplace where multiple financial backers, underwriters, or members, whether individuals or corporations, come together to pool and spread risk...
was given to each customer in case he/she should die of fright during the film. Showings also had ushers dressed in surgical garb with ambulances outside theater.
Cast
- William PrinceWilliam Prince (actor)William LeRoy Prince was an American actor who appeared in numerous soap operas and made dozens of guest appearances on primetime series as well as playing villains in movies like The Gauntlet and Spontaneous Combustion.-Biography:Prince was born in Nichols, New York, the son of Myrtle , a nurse...
as Doctor Rodney Barrett - Jim BackusJim BackusJames Gilmore "Jim" Backus was a radio, television, film, and voice actor. Among his most famous roles are the voice of Mr...
as Jim Tyloe - Christine White as Nancy Wetherby
- Jacqueline ScottJacqueline ScottJacqueline Scott is an American actress who has appeared in several films and television programs as well as guest starring in over one hundred television shows...
as Polly Baron - Susan MorrowSusan MorrowSusan Morrow was an American actress.-Personal life:Born as Jacqueline Ann Teresa Bernadette Immoor, she was the elder sister of Judith Exner and the first wife of comedian Gary Morton. They were married on December 17, 1953; the marriage was annulled on July 11, 1957...
as Sylvia Stevenson