Roger Corman’s Poe Adaptations Take Flight
Following the success of House of Usher in 1960, American International Pictures eagerly greenlit another Edgar Allan Poe adaptation with Roger Corman at the helm. Richard Matheson returned to pen the screenplay, significantly expanding Poe’s short story about torture during the Spanish Inquisition into a gothic tale of madness and revenge. With Vincent Price signed on to star and Daniel Haller designing the elaborate sets, Corman aimed to outdo their previous success with an even more ambitious production, working with a budget of $300,000. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the Roger Corman series with a conversation about The Pit and the Pendulum.
Swinging Between Horror and Drama
The film generates interesting discussion around its adaptation choices, particularly how it expands beyond Poe’s original story. While Andy found entertainment value in Vincent Price’s increasingly unhinged performance and the gothic atmosphere, Pete felt the film didn’t deliver enough on its titular torture devices. Both hosts praise the impressive pendulum mechanism and sprawling dungeon sets, though they note the film saves these elements primarily for the finale.
More Than Just Torture Devices
The hosts explore Richard Matheson’s screenplay contributions across multiple Corman-Poe films, discuss the film’s influence on young Stephen King, and analyze how it compares to other adaptations of the period. They also examine the strong box office performance that helped cement AIP’s commitment to more Poe films.
Key Discussion Points:
- Barbara Steele’s memorable performance as Elizabeth
- The effective use of color and dream sequences
- Debates over the film’s marketing using different title variations
- The elaborate castle sets despite the modest budget
- John Kerr’s portrayal of Francis Barnard
- The final shot revealing Elizabeth’s fate
While Pete found the film somewhat lacking in delivering on its horror and torture premise, Andy appreciated its atmospheric gothic qualities and Vincent Price’s commanding presence. Despite their differing opinions, both agree The Pit and the Pendulum represents an important entry in Corman’s Poe cycle that helped establish a formula for future adaptations. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
- Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
- Script Options
- Theatrical trailer
- Original Material
- Letterboxd
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