Leofwine_draca
Unlike so many other horror films of the period, HOUSE OF WAX spares no time in cutting to the action. Ten minutes into the film and you have a terrific fight in a burning building, which traditionally doesn't happen till the end of a film like this. The speedy pace of the film is just one of the many, many factors in its favour, and works so that it is never boring.HOUSE OF WAX is essentially a remake of the 1933 classic, MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM, given a fresh breath of life by the advent of the 3D craze of the early '50s, enlivened by films such as CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. And indeed, there are many moments in the film where the 3D process works wonderfully; in fight scenes, things fly towards the screen, and the standout moment comes when a man playing some balls-on-elastic game knocks them repeatedly towards the camera, which must have been quite startling to an audience at that time.Along with the camera trickery, HOUSE OF WAX boasts an impressive performance from a youngish Vincent Price, in a role which helped to make his name synonymous with the horror genre. He would appear in countless flicks later on in the '50s, like THE FLY, THE TINGLER, and THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL. He's perfectly cast as the silky-voiced proprietor of the wax museum, caring for his creations as if they were alive, but becoming a scarred maniac after a fire destroys them all (and there is a certain element of sympathy to be had with Price too; after all, he's been hideously crippled in a fire and his life's work has been destroyed - how would you react?).Price is supported by a fleshed out, capable cast of screaming heroines and butch heroes, the usual bunch you expect from these sort of films. Down in the cast list is also a young Charles Buchinsky, better known these days as Charles Bronson, who went on to star in loads of crime thrillers in the '70s like DEATH WISH. HOUSE OF WAX seems strangely old-fashioned when placed with other atomic monsters and sci-fi flicks which filled cinemas at the time, from INVADERS FROM MARS to WAR OF THE WORLDS and more. The genteel type of horror - crimes are hinted at but never shown explicitly - gives the film a certain kind of charm, and you can't help but think that those who die deserved it anyway (especially the incredibly annoying blonde haired woman who later starred as Morticia in THE ADDAMS FAMILY!).However, the lavish sets and costumes, good special effects (Price's makeup is certainly memorable), melodramatic music, and exciting fight scenes which literally burst to life on screen, helped in no small measure by the 3D process, make the film a very enjoyable watch. Two classic horror images also come from the film - a scarred Price hunting the streets in his fedora and cape; and the scenes showing wax models slowly melting, their eyes popping out and heads dropping. HOUSE OF WAX is definitely a minor classic of the genre, and a lot of fun for nostalgia buffs and Price fans alike.
Johan Louwet
I get stuck on a rating of 8 while it could have been a 9 if they had included the brave female reporter who stole the show in the original "Mystery of the Wax Museum". Fortunately this remake has the always wonderful acting Vincent Price as the wax artist, a role which suits him well. The movie takes its time to build up, doesn't go at a high pace like the original. Things are explained a bit more, characters are more developed and visuals are also quite better than the original. I also thought it was more suspenseful. I prefer the 1890s setting of this movie while the original decided to take the story place in the time of that moment (which was the thirties). Still I'm aware that without the original we wouldn't have had this movie. One of the rare cases where I think a remake is better. The 2005 movie bearing the same title, I haven't seen it but I know what type of movie it is. That one is not worth my time.
SnoopyStyle
Professor Henry Jarrod (Vincent Price) refuses to sensationalize his wax museum like all the others. His meticulous work is second to none but his business partner Matthew Burke wants better attendance. Jarrod refuses to lower his high brow historical recreations and tries to get Sidney Wallace to buy out Burke in 3 months. Burke needs the money now and burns down the building for the $25k insurance. Jarrod refuses and tries to stop Burke. Jarrod is believed to have died in the fire but the insurance takes a long time to settle without Jarrod's body. Just as they give him the $25k, Jarrod is killed by a deformed man who steals the money. The deformed man kills Jarrod's superficial girlfriend Cathy Gray and almost kills her sweet best friend Sue Allen. Police detective Lt. Brennan investigates. The deformed man then steals Cathy's body from the morgue. Jarrod reconnects with Wallace looking for investment to reopen a new exhibition with all the grotesque violence that the public is looking for.This is touted as one of the early big 3-D movies. Although I didn't see it in 3-D, this has the prerequisite puddle ball 3-D effect. I'm sure that is loads of fun but this movie is even more than that. It's a good mass killer movie. Vincent Price is great even stuck in a wheelchair for most of the movie. The story is compelling and a fun house of horrors. It even has a bit of humor although mostly due to its campiness.
jarrodmcdonald-1
House of Wax is a remake of The Mystery of the Wax Museum. It is directed by Andre de Toth in the 3-D process. Technical gimmicks aside, this production is more reverential to the original source material. For instance, great pains have been taken to explain the main character's background; and though his motivation is not completely spelled out, the relationship he has with the imperiled women is much clearer. Vincent Price seems right at home playing this sort of part. So with such perfect casting (including not only Price but Carolyn Jones) and de Toth's assured direction, this is a decent enough version to watch.
