Here are my next five movies from my Top Ten Classic Horror series.
Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
Charles Laughton stars in this version and gave a virtuoso performance. The hunchback is a tortured bell ringer in a church. He falls in love with a beautiful gypsy named Esmeralda (Maureen O’Hara). The movie based on Victor Hugo’s novel was nominated for an Oscar for Best Music and Best Sound. It’s a terrifying movie because of the grisly looking Quasimodo—but a touching story as well.
DRACULA (1931)
Mention Dracula and you instantly think of Bela Lugosi. The story is somewhat changed from the 1922 version. Bela made the vampire a little more credible. The vampire in Dracula has a little attitude and is a little more debonair—a little “rico suave.” But I still think Nosferafu was a lot scarier. Bela, however, is the vampire most remember.
KING KONG (1933)
OK this one is more like a thriller than horror, but should be included in my list. Watch this one if only for the early special effects–it’s something.
THE WOLFMAN (1941)
A man turns into an awful wolf during full moons (sounds like some people I know), and he thirsts for human flesh. The all-star cast makes this movie all the worthwhile. The movie has Bela Lugosi, Claude Rains, and Lon Chaney, Jr.as the wolf. You can’t help feeling sad for the wolf–thanks to Chaney’s puppy dog eyes, and sad expression. And let’s not forget the gypsy woman Jessie Arnold–as the woman that overcame the wolf’s evil curse.
THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (1954)
The 1950′s is famous for “B” horror movies and this one is one that is on top of the list. I do remember being so scared of the lizard looking creature/man. Now when I watch it, it’s like being part of the cast of The Mystery Science Theatre 3000–I have a laugh! So if you want a good laugh mixed with a little horror–go for it. It is still a classic.
