La maldición de la Llorona (1963)iMDB Rating: 6.6 Date Released : 9 April 1969 Genre : Horror, Mystery, Thriller Stars : Rosa Arenas, Abel Salazar, Rita Macedo, Carlos López Moctezuma Movie Quality : BRrip Format : MKV Size : 870 MB
They say the old woods are haunted. If anyone dares to go through them at night, they will be killed. At night you can hear the screams as if it is a woman crying. Could the one who is committing these horrible murders be the old woman crying in the night?
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Review :
Mexican horror at its best!
Great atmospheric Mexican horror film! Some special effects are sloppy, but the music and sets are true to the genre. The appearances of the crying woman (la llorana) herself are truly some of the most extremely unnerving moments in a horror film. Worth seeing just for that. The film is best seen in its original Spanish version.
The Frightened City (1961)iMDB Rating: 6.3 Date Released : 20 July 1962 Genre : Crime, Drama Stars : Herbert Lom, Sean Connery, John Gregson, Alfred Marks Movie Quality : HDrip Format : MKV Size : 870 MB
A small time thief is recruited by a mobster to help with the racketeering. He doesn't like the job, but with the mob on his back, a femme fatale in his bed and a sick friend to care for, he will have to keep all his wits about him.
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Review :
above average, with good Sean Connery
The film is above average, well made, but lacking the style or brio that makes a good US or Italian crime film really fun. Sean Connery is great to look at in his leaner, pre-Bond form, and Herbert Lom is excellent. Connery plays a low-level mobster, and Lom is the criminal mastermind behind the mobs. It's interesting to contrast the portrayal of violence in this early 60s British film with American or other later portrayals. The approach here is so banal, and the mobsters are obviously pulling their punches in the fight scenes. The director seems completely uninterested in making the violence realistic or exciting. The final fight, however, has some choreography to it and a few interesting touches. In summation, a paint by numbers job, competent British B film, uninspired film making, but good nostalgic fun.
El beso de ultratumba (1963)iMDB Rating: 6.9 Date Released : 18 July 1964 Genre : Horror, Mystery, Thriller Stars : Sergio Jurado, Alfonso Castaño, Guillermo Álvarez Bianchi, Roberto Araya. A newlywed couple finds themselves broke when the woman's father dies deeply in debt. Forced to sell their belongings, they move into a rundown house from which they get very bad vibes. It's not long before some very strange and disturbing people begin showing up at the house." /> Movie Quality : HDrip Format : MKV Size : 700 MB
A newlywed couple finds themselves broke when the woman's father dies deeply in debt. Forced to sell their belongings, they move into a rundown house from which they get very bad vibes. It's not long before some very strange and disturbing people begin showing up at the house.
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Review :
Marriage isn't always an eternal honeymoon...
El Beso de Ultratumba is a black and white Mexican Horror Drama that is carried away with good acting and clever dialogs. Unfairly underrated ghost story.
The story goes like this: An old couple buried their money on their old mansion (probably in the 17th century). Their life was normal until one night, some thieves (probably horseback thieves) came into their home to steal the money and on their way they cut the old woman's head (the blood still is on the floor!). In desperation, when the husband was about to give them the money, the headless old woman's corpse started to rise, little by little. The thieves tried to escape but then the husband shot them to death. After that, the husband had a heart attack and died.
Legend says that the old couple still prowls in the house , and if you hear the ring of an unexsisting bell, it means that they will appear. That's why nobody ever wants to get in there. The house is an ideal place for those who want to spend their last days...
When a young couple moves to the fore-mentioned house, strange things start to happen. A mysterious beggar makes an appearance, rats, strange sounds in the night, etc. Until the mystery is solved... What is behind the house's secret? Could it be that the alive are more dangerous than the dead? Life insurances aren't always a good option...
"El Beso de Ultratumba" is a movie ahead of it's time. With wicked performances, chilling settings, excellent music, and a good direction. Believe me, this is a quality black and white horror movie with drama elements. The ending twist is very good. Please, try to find this movie and watch it. It's in my opinion, one of the best Mexican Thrillers from the golden era.
The settings are beautiful but that is because Mèxico is a beautiful country. Some exteriors have a nostalgic feeling because the antique Mèxico is shown. Antique, lonely, ghostly settings always make me feel nervous. In this movie, those kind of settings are displayed.
The house where Laura and her husband arrive is creepy alone because it is a very old structure; a typical Mexican home from the 17th century. I'd love to know more about that house's past. The music is average but fits perfect for the movie's purpose. The direction is standard.
At some point the movie is comedic, mainly because of the performance of Laura's husband (who plays an awful drunk). He's a classic macho with good clothes.
Atlas Against the Cyclops (1961)iMDB Rating: 4.8 Date Released : 14 April 1963 Genre : Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance Stars : Gordon Mitchell, Chelo Alonso, Vira Silenti, Aldo Bufi Landi Movie Quality : HDrip Format : MKV Size : 700 MB
Capys, la crudele regina di Sadok, erede di Circe, ha deciso di sacrificare all'ultimo dei ciclopi il piccolo figlio di Re Agisandro, ultimo erede di Ulisse. I guerrieri di Capys distruggono Coos, il villaggio di Agisandro, uccidendo quest'ultimo. Ma il ragazzo viene salvato ed affidato a Maciste. Il mitico eroe, benchè catturato, riesce a liberarsi ed a salvare dal feroce attacco degli uomini della perfida regina il piccolo e la madre di quest'ultimo.
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Review :
One of the more entertaining spear and sandal epics.
This film was retitled to ATLAS AGAINST THE CYCLOPS when it was released in the United States, but our hero is still called "Maciste" in the film. In this one Maciste battles an assortment of bad guys and monsters including the cyclops of the title. Maciste rescues an infant from the cyclops before he dispatches with the one eyed menace.
As far these spear and sandal epics go, this one isn't too bad. It has enough action to hold one interest. It isn't as "talky" as many of the other bigger budgeted entries in the genre. Flashback scenes from this film turned in up in the later Maciste adventure, THE WITCHES CURSE which started Kirk Morris. I would like to see this film in colour, but for some reason all video versions that I have found are in B&W.
The Devil's Agent (1962)iMDB Rating: 6.8 Date Released : 1 September 1962 Genre : Drama, Mystery Stars : Peter van Eyck, Marianne Koch, Macdonald Carey, Christopher Lee Movie Quality : BRrip Format : MKV Size : 870 MB
In East Germany, a double agent falls for a beautiful young escapee from Hungary.
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Review :
On the Other Side of Hades
This flick is a passable representation of what one can call an "economical espionager". Something like what Sean Connery's wayward son Jason might have made if he beat his dad to the punch. It was co-produced by any number of countries, but mostly friendly ones, after-all, it was the early 1960's. Directed by John Paddy Carstairs of British B movie fame who did films like George Sanders "The Saint in London" which was a rarity for the time because it was shot on location. Its all about a Viennese wine merchant becoming a double agent for the United States. The agent is ably played by German and/or Dutch actor Peter Van Eyck, I've never been able to tell what his true nationality was. He gets suckered into the profession by Russian brutes and in those years they were the biggest and baddest of the bads. The cast is good for the time and offered it some good scenery chewing. Macdonald Carey, Mr. Stone Face as usual, Christopher Lee, minus fangs, Billie Whitelaw, a sweetener for certain and Marius Goring doing a dance with numerous demons. "The Devil's Agent" holds up OK though its past is definitely passed.
Sniper's Ridge (1961)iMDB Rating: 6.1 Date Released : 1 February 1961 Genre : War, Drama Stars : Jack Ging, Stanley Clements, John Goddard, Douglas Henderson." /> Movie Quality : BRrip Format : MKV Size : 870 MB
As the Korean War is down to its last days before the armistice, a captain orders his men on a meaningless and dangerous night time mission. Since the men and the captain all know that the war is going to be over, the mission assignment causes a lot of friction which is displayed in several dramatic confrontations between the members of the platoon and the captain. Shot outdoors in what looks very much like a Southern California canyon, with quite a bit of shouting, and a no-name cast with and a low-budget production, AND an at times questionable script, this film could easily be turned off by a viewer with short patience. This person will, however, miss the final half hour or so, a very solid ending which features a tense situation with a land mine. In the panoply of tough and relentless Korean War movies, this one ranks up there with the other tough and low budget but better known ones.
War of the Buttons (1962)iMDB Rating: 7.5 Date Released : 18 April 1962 Genre : Comedy Stars : Jacques Dufilho, Yvette Etiévant, Michel Galabru, Michèle Méritz." /> Movie Quality : BRrip Format : MKV Size : 700 MB
French director are 90 % of the time great for movies with children, because children looks and sounds like real children, not adults in the bodies of childs. I remember seeing this one when I was a kid in the sixties. Years later, I saw it with my adult eyes and the impressions are the same : this is really a film about children! Adults, here, all looks like people from another planet. There are lots a funny gags and we also have the chance to see a forbiddon rural France, very rustic and in relation with nature. Some English director make a remake in the 1990's, but this is the original. A delight!
You Have to Run Fast (1961)iMDB Rating: 6.1 Date Released : 1 July 1961 Genre : Crime, Drama Stars : Craig Hill, Elaine Edwards, Grant Richards, Willis Bouchey. Dr. Frank Harlow is in the process of trying to save a man badly beaten by two gangsters whom he identifies to the police. When the victim dies the charge becomes murder and Harlow hightails it to the far woods where he finds a job as clerk Roger Condon in a sporting-goods store. Harlow's plan is to lay low until the gangsters forget about him. But complications arise from two different sectors. ..." /> Movie Quality : HDrip Format : MKV Size : 870 MB
Dr. Frank Harlow is in the process of trying to save a man badly beaten by two gangsters whom he identifies to the police. When the victim dies the charge becomes murder and Harlow hightails it to the far woods where he finds a job as clerk Roger Condon in a sporting-goods store. Harlow's plan is to lay low until the gangsters forget about him. But complications arise from two different sectors. First, Harlow falls in love with the local beauty Laurie Maitland and second, the murderers find out where he is hiding.
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Review :
you have to run away fast from this one
One more Edward L Cahn calamity feature. And, as usual, produced by a sort of repeat of Sam Katzman : the sinister Robert Kent. The responsible of most of Cahn movies, especially on the last part of his career.
The story of a doctor who is hunted by the mob, because he could testify against them. So, the runaway tries to hide in another country side, far from where he lives. Unfortunately...
A scheme we have already seen a thousand of times. Nothing new. Good guys vs bad guys with predictable results. You can take care of housekeeping while watching this film, or prepare your dinner, I assure
you'll not miss anything at all. You can even get out of your house and go for shopping...When you'll come back, nobody will have to explain to you what happened during your absence.
The Wind of Change (1961)iMDB Rating: 6.5 Date Released : 1 March 1961 Genre : Drama Stars : Donald Pleasence, Johnny Briggs, Ann Lynn, Hilda Fenemore." /> Movie Quality : HDrip Format : MKV Size : 870 MB
Quite an eye opener for it's day, the racist tone is played full pelt by Johnnie Briggs and his seedy gang. After harassing a black man in their local café they decide to catch him and beat him up but he dies from his injuries, and to add to the plot he had been dating Briggs's sister and she is injured in the fracas.
Rather talky at times with strong London accents it plays like an episode of Eastenders, there is lot's of protective talk from Briggs's mum who dominates the household including Briggs's father played by a rather meek Donald Pleassance.
It's not quite clear how Briggs gets caught but with these short films and low budget you tend to forgive the director for any plot holes.
Lot's of bad jive music and slangy talk in the seedy coffee bar where they hang out gives the film a "Beat Girl" type scenario.
The Fiercest Heart (1961)iMDB Rating: 7.0 Date Released : 30 April 1961 Genre : Adventure Stars : Stuart Whitman, Juliet Prowse, Ken Scott, Raymond Massey. Two British soldiers in 1830s South Africa flee military discipline and join a group of Boers heading north on "the Great Trek." In between fighting off Zulu attacks, one of these soldiers falls in love with the trek-leader's granddaughter who has been promised to another man." /> Movie Quality : BRrip Format : MKV Size : 700 MB
Two British soldiers in 1830s South Africa flee military discipline and join a group of Boers heading north on "the Great Trek." In between fighting off Zulu attacks, one of these soldiers falls in love with the trek-leader's granddaughter who has been promised to another man.
La bellezza d'Ippolita (1962)iMDB Rating: 6.4 Date Released : 20 September 1962 Stars : Gina Lollobrigida, Enrico Maria Salerno, Milva, Lars Bloch." /> Movie Quality : HDrip Format : MKV Size : 700 MB
Erik the Conqueror (1961)iMDB Rating: 6.1 Date Released : 12 June 1963 Genre : Action, Adventure Stars : Cameron Mitchell, Alice Kessler, Ellen Kessler, George Ardisson. In the 9th Century, two Viking children, separated since their early childhood with one raised by the British and the other by Vikings, meet after nearly 20 years as rivals as war breaks out between Britian and the Vikings for control of England." /> Movie Quality : BRrip Format : MKV Size : 700 MB
In the 9th Century, two Viking children, separated since their early childhood with one raised by the British and the other by Vikings, meet after nearly 20 years as rivals as war breaks out between Britian and the Vikings for control of England.
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Review :
Viking Epic by Mario Bava A Winner!
ERIK THE CONQUEROR (aka THE INVADERS) was Mario Bava's second directorial assignment after his meteoric success with BLACK SUNDAY (aka MASK OF THE DEMON/LA MASCHERA DEL DEMONIO (1960). ERIK THE CONQUEROR is a tale of intrigue and treachery between Viking forces and the Anglo-Saxon defenders of the British Isles in the year 786 A.D. The story begins as two children are separated from each other during a fierce battle. One of the two is taken and raised by Queen Alice (the stately & beautiful Francoise Christophe) and the other child remains with his Viking people. Both bear tatoos which identify them as brothers. They grow up to face each other in battle but have been tricked by Rutford (a deliciously evil portrayal by Andrea Checchi), a scheming English noble who intends to take the throne he covets for himself. Art direction alone is dazzling with phospherescent hues of crimson, gold, emerald & cobalt blue. There are many macabre touches courtesy of Bava, and in an interview with noted film historian David Del Valle, Cameron Mitchell marvelled at Bava's mastery of trick photography and flawless cinematographic style. Mitchell gives one of his finest performances here as Aaron, the Viking and Giorgio Ardisson is splendid as Erik, his brother and King/defender of Britain. The golden, flaxen beauty of Alice & Ellen Kessler is used o good effect here as the eventual lovers of Erik and Aaron. A must-see for Bava worshippers and required viewing for epic aficionados!
Beauty and the Beast (1962)iMDB Rating: 4.3 Date Released : 8 December 1962 Genre : Family, Fantasy, Horror, Romance Stars : Joyce Taylor, Mark Damon, Eduard Franz, Michael Pate Movie Quality : BRrip Format : MKV Size : 870 MB
Sometime in the Middle Ages. The young duke Eduardo, heir to the throne, is cursed. Every night he changes into a horrible looking monster. An alchemist, killed by Eduardos father, is responsible for this curse. Only a woman who loves Eduardo can overcome it. But Eduardos fiance Althea suffers a shock when she sees him as the monster. Eduardos brother, Prince Bruno, who has also ambitions to follow his father on the throne, stirs up the villagers to kill Eduardo. Then, one night, the mob catches Eduardo...
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Review :
Horrible
Talyor the Beauty and Damon the Beast in this terrible ripoff. It would be better off if this film was not filmed at all, or if it was flushed down the can. Mark Damon's acting was horrible, and the soundtrack sounded like a chainsaw. But I'll give it 1(half)out of 10, because I feel sorry for it.
The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961)iMDB Rating: 6.0 Date Released : 2 April 1961 Genre : Drama, Romance Stars : Angie Dickinson, Peter Finch, Roger Moore, Errol John. While the Nazis regime subjugates European Nations, in Belgian Congo the doctor Rachel Cade tries to cure those troubled people. The colonel Derode falls in love with her but a young American injured pilot upsets his plans." /> Movie Quality : HDrip Format : MKV Size : 870 MB
While the Nazis regime subjugates European Nations, in Belgian Congo the doctor Rachel Cade tries to cure those troubled people. The colonel Derode falls in love with her but a young American injured pilot upsets his plans.
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Review :
THE SINS OF RACHEL CADE (Gordon Douglas, 1961) **1/2
Tolerable romantic/exotic/religious melodrama from producer Henry Blanke, who had earlier been responsible for the more acclaimed THE NUN'S STORY and the more popular THE MIRACLE (both 1959). As a matter of fact, this basically extends the African scenes of the former's second half to take up its entire length but, at the same time, incorporating the emotional/vocational struggle inherent in the latter – and, for good measure, the male stars of each (Peter Finch and Roger Moore respectively) were brought on board for this new venture as well! Anyway, the titular figure is played, quite convincingly, by Angie Dickinson; as for her co-stars, Finch is typically commanding but one has a hard time believing Moore as either a flyer (the setting the eve of WWII) or a doctor (and it is clear he did not take the part seriously himself)! The most prominent among the indigenous community are 'holy man' Juano Hernandez (who holds his own against Finch in the acting stakes) and 'medicine man' Woody Strode (whose contribution is, alas, rather limited). The narrative takes a thoroughly predictable but pleasing route – with earnest (and luscious) Dickinson having as hard a time convincing agnostic Governor Finch of the true faith as the superstitious natives…but the 'miracle' finally occurs when she cures a local boy, whom Hernandez and Strode had already given up for dead because his father had dared defy the gods! Similarly, when Moore's dashing but uncommitted character turns up in the second half, conflict naturally arises between him and Finch over the heroine (since both have no qualms about showing their feelings to the missionary girl)! The denouement, then, is as unlikely (with spiritual grace taking the upper hand over basic human fulfillment) as it is melodramatic, but that's Hollywood for you. While unsurprisingly meandering somewhat over the course of its generous two-hour length, the film emerges a good-looking and mildly enjoyable effort very typical of the time – also marked by a lush score courtesy of veteran Max Steiner (that is perhaps exceedingly reminiscent of his Oscar-winning theme from NOW, VOYAGER [1942]!). Incidentally, while the full title of this one smacks of exploitation which is barely present in the film proper, the print shown on TCM UK actually dropped the heroine's foibles and left us with just her name – an alternate moniker under which, however, it seems never to have been shown until now!
Foxhole in Cairo (1960)iMDB Rating: 5.0 Date Released : 9 March 1962 Genre : War, Drama Stars : James Robertson Justice, Adrian Hoven, Niall MacGinnis, Peter van Eyck." /> Movie Quality : HDrip Format : MKV Size : 700 MB
The movie is based on a true story. Rommel has planted two German spies in Cairo. They are his "ears and eyes" in the British eight army. Rommel is looking for information which can help him plan an attack on Cairo. The plot is good and interesting and the film holds the story together. It is quite clear that the budget is low, most of the scenes are shot in studios. The story is told in a slow pace, sometimes to slow- it never gets exciting! The acting is quite good all over, despite a few minor roles. Actor Michael Caine acts in a minor role as a German; Hans. Foxhole in Cairo is a nice little film, nothing more, and add up to 4/10
Ursus (1961)iMDB Rating: 5.4 Date Released : 11 April 1962 Genre : Action, Fantasy, Adventure Stars : Ed Fury, Cristina Gaioni, Moira Orfei, Mario Scaccia. Ursus returns from war to find his fiancée, Attea, has been kidnapped by a mysterious sect which sacrifices virgins to its patron goddess. Ursus faces much treachery and is forced to display much courage and strength as he and the blind girl Doreide embark upon a quest to retrieve Attea." /> Movie Quality : BRrip Format : MKV Size : 700 MB
Ursus returns from war to find his fiancée, Attea, has been kidnapped by a mysterious sect which sacrifices virgins to its patron goddess. Ursus faces much treachery and is forced to display much courage and strength as he and the blind girl Doreide embark upon a quest to retrieve Attea.
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Review :
Ursus, son of Hercules, does his famous father proud
There's nothing quite like these "maciste" style films from the early 60's; they have a unique charm to them. Great sword & sandals adventure, featuring a muscle bound hero, often a name from Greek Mythology. Ursus was the son of Hercules, and his name means bear; appropriate since that's how strong he is. Ed Fury plays our hero with all the humanity and heroism required. Ursus has weaknesses and is mortal (unlike his Mt. Olympis ancestry) but he can whup the bad guys just fine, thank you.
In addition to the muscular lead, some other familiar but always appealing sword and sandal elements are here. The women are insanely beautiful, and their flowing dresses and magic hair styles supplement this. The blind servant girl is very sympathetically and believably played by pretty Maria Merlo, best in the cast. She captures many difficult emotions; her facial expressions in the Ursus vs. animal death match are spot on. Raven haired knockout Moira Orfei, who appeared in several of these films, plays the kidnapped betrothed of Ursus; whom he sets out to rescue. Along the way, the son of Herc encounters cults, a femme-fatale queen, and an evil empire that needs to be overthrown. Every sub-plot works, and contributes to the story.
For a low budget film, this one surprises. There are a few editing goofs (most notably in the soundtrack music), but the translation dubbing is remarkably well done. A few bits of dialogue are awkward, but yet again it's in a charming fashion that you can't help but love. The "You filthy murderers!" exclamation is perfect, and sets off one of the best mass-mayhem battle scenes ever.
One of the very best of these Italian and Spanish made mythological adventure movies. Very re-watchable stuff.
La maldición de la Llorona (1963)iMDB Rating: 6.6
