Cast
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Boris Karloff
as Gorca (segment "The Wurdalak")
Mark Damon
as Vladimire d'Urfe (segment "The Wurdalak")
Michèle Mercier
as Rosy (segment "The Telephone")
Susy Andersen
as Sdenka (segment "The Wurdalak")
Lidia Alfonsi
as Mary (segment "The Telephone")
Jacqueline Pierreux
as Helen Chester (segment "A Drop Of Water")
Glauco Onorato
as Giorgio (segment "The Wurdalak")
Massimo Righi
as Pietro (segment "The Wurdalak")
Rika Dialina
as Maria (segment "The Wurdalak")
Milo Quesada
as Frank Rainer (segment "The Telephone")
Milly
as The Maid (segment "A Drop Of Water")
Gustavo De Nardo
as Police Inspector (segment "A Drop Of Water")
Harriet Medin
as Neighbor (segment "A Drop Of Water")
Crew
Director
- Mario Bava
Producer
- Lionello Santi
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Boris Karloff introduces this triptych of short stories. I found the first, the shortest, to be the least interesting centring around a greedy nurse who robs a corpse of a valuable ring only to find that it's erstwhile owner isn't quite finished with it, or her, quite yet! The second sees a beautiful woman return to her apartment one evening only to find herself subjected to repeated telephone calls warning her that she shall not see the morning! Michèle Mercier is quite effective as the terrified "Rosy" in this story. Finally, Karloff himself takes to the stage in a rather lengthier, enjoyable, vampire story that sees a travelling count discover the body of a dreaded bandit and take it to a nearby farm. It's only once there, and with the return of the father "Gorca", that he begins to realise that this danger has already been "invited in"! The productions have a very Hammer look to them, the make up and visual effects (especially in the first story) don't hold up so well, but in the main, the three stories are quite solid with portentous messages of revenge for those who would steal or cheat or kill! You are unlikely to recall it a few days after watching, but Bava knew how to do budget/studio horror quite well and the last two stories make a decent fist of developing some sense of menace and threat. Good fun.
May 18, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Black Sabbath presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by blending supernatural elements with realistic human reactions.
Director Mario Bava brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1963, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Black Sabbath took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 836 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 288 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1963, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Black Sabbath shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Hole, which focuses more on action than character development, Black Sabbath subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Technoburger and Punch explore similar territory, Black Sabbath stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 17, 1963
- Runtime: 1h 35m
Where to Watch
