House of Wax (1953) Review:

The way horror films are portrayed now are nothing as they used to be. The "horrific" acts that are depicted on film today make the older films seem like kids could watch. This is obviously due to the time period they were released. If people from that time saw the films being made today, they might be traumatized for life. Unlike viewers today who are practically desensitized to all that happens on the screen. Yet, the idea of showing horror in a non-violent way walks a fine line between dull or creepy. This film managed to shock audiences as well as give off creepy vibes thanks to its premise. Which in all honesty, when are wax figures not creepy? That's kind of a given.

Phyllis Kirk

This film is a remake of the Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933) staring Vincent Price as Prof. Henry Jarrod, a humble artistic sculptor who enjoys modeling wax figurines. That is until a former business partner Matthew Burke (Roy Roberts) who's not satisfied with his investment, decides to burn down Jarrod's livelihood with him inside. This in turn heavily disfigures Jarrod which causes him to go insane and simultaneously setting up shop again as the House of Wax. Written by Crane Wilbur from Crime Wave (1953), the story for its time can be seen as a re-invigorator of horror genre. This is interesting seeing that the antagonist is clearly revealed from the beginning, which isn't a norm now.

But that doesn't stop the entertainment value of the experience. Seeing how the story plays out with direction from André De Toth (who also directed Crime Wave (1953)) is still an engaging watch. Sadly, not a whole lot is given as to how Jarrod survived the destruction of his first life. Sometimes things are better left untouched, but this particular event feels like it needs an explanation. On top of that, the way some characters are written can be silly at times. It takes all of one shot glass to break a man into spilling the truth. One, partially filled shot glass. That and there are some continuity issues regarding how Jarrod hides his deformities. It's truly nonsensical when you think about it. Then again, in 1953 people may have not thought of it.

The actors cast for this film work well. The legendary Vincent Price is always a joy to watch and listen to with the way he articulates himself. Phyllis Kirk plays Sue Allen, the woman who feels she's being watched from a dark assailant. Her partner Scott Andrews (Paul Picerni) ends up working for Jarrod as a sculptor himself. There, working for Jarrod is Leon Averill (Nedrick Young) and Igor (Charles Bronson). There's also appearances from Carolyn Jones playing Cathy Gray, a friend of Sue Allen, Det. Lt. Tom Brennan (Frank Lovejoy) who tries to put the pieces together on things and Sidney Wallace (Paul Cavanagh) the second partner of Jarrod's to help finance his attractions. All perform credibly.

"Don't mind him,...he's just hanging around"

The effects and practical sets used in this feature were a nice visual treat. The wax figures show in the film do have that strange life-like feel, especially when the plot thickens. The scene where Jarrod's livelihood burns down is very intense too, because as it turns out, the fire actually got out of control while filming. Yikes. Thankfully cinematographer Bert Glennon captured a lot of that footage. Being that he had been filming since the 1920s, I'm sure he'd seen many things by then. He even helped in Alice in Wonderland (1933). Then there's the film score by David Buttolph, which sadly hasn't found an official release. However, the music still entertains with its classic Hollywood movie sound and fits the film’s tone.

Aside from the way some characters are written and the occasional unclear continuity problems, this classic Hollywood horror film is intriguing to watch. Thanks to its cast of actors, very much real effects, creepy atmosphere and music.

Points Earned --> 7:10