Cast
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Robert Walker Jr.
as Edgar Allan Poe
Cesar Romero
as Dr. Richard Grimaldi
Tom Drake
as Dr. Adam Forrest
Carol Ohmart
as Lisa Grimaldi
Mary Grover
as Lenore
Mario Milano
as Joseph
Karen Kadler
as The Night Nurse (as Karen Hartford)
Frank Packard
as Jonah
Marcia Mae Jones
as Sarah
Dennis Fimple
as Farron
Paul Bryar
as Thomas W. White
Glen Hartford
as Little Boy #2
Crew
Director
- Mohy Quandour
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Drama film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Spectre of Edgar Allan Poe presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Mohy Quandour 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1974, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Spectre of Edgar Allan Poe took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 43 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1974, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: July 29, 1974
- Runtime: 1h 29m