The Fascinating Origins of a Classic Horror Film
In the early 1960s, director Herk Harvey was driving through Salt Lake City when he stumbled upon an abandoned amusement park. The eerie, desolate atmosphere of the park sparked an idea in Harvey’s mind, and he began to develop a story that would eventually become the classic horror film Carnival of Souls. With a budget of just $33,000 and a cast of mostly unknown actors, Harvey set out to create a film that would capture the haunting atmosphere of that abandoned park. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off the One-and-Done series with a conversation about Harvey’s 1962 film Carnival of Souls.
A Haunting Tale of Life, Death, and Everything in Between
In our discussion of Carnival of Souls, we delve into the film’s unique storytelling approach and its exploration of the liminal space between life and death. We examine how the film’s protagonist, Mary Henry (played by Candace Hilligoss), navigates this space after surviving a tragic car accident, and how her experiences blur the lines between reality and the supernatural.
Throughout our conversation, we touch on several key points, including:
- The film’s effective use of organ music (though perhaps too much?) to create a haunting atmosphere
- The striking visual imagery and how it contributes to the overall tone of the film
- The ambiguity of certain scenes and how they leave room for interpretation
- The film’s influence on later horror movies, such as Jacob’s Ladder and The Sixth Sense
Other Highlights from Our Discussion
- The film’s low-budget production and how it adds to the overall charm
- The performances of the cast, particularly Candace Hilligoss as Mary Henry
- The themes of isolation and disconnection that run throughout the film
- The film’s controversial ending and how it ties into the larger narrative
A Timeless Classic That Continues to Captivate Audiences
Despite its low budget and relatively unknown cast, Carnival of Souls has endured as a classic of the horror genre. Its haunting imagery, ambiguous storytelling, and exploration of existential themes continue to captivate audiences decades after its initial release. While we may have some minor quibbles with certain aspects of the film, we ultimately agree that Carnival of Souls is a movie that deserves to be seen and discussed. 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
- Check out An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge
- Script Options
- Theatrical trailer
- Letterboxd
