Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Doomtomylo a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Anoushka Slater While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Paynbob It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

gavin6942 Jonathan Drake, while attending his brother's funeral, is shocked to find the head of the deceased is missing. When his brother's skull shows up later in a locked cabinet, Drake realizes an ancient curse placed upon his grandfather by a tribe of South American Jivaro Indians is still in effect and that he himself is the probable next victim.So far the reviews on this seem to be average, or just above average. I would actually place it much higher. Though not a well-known film by any means, I would argue it is among the best horror films of its time, and certainly on par with the work Vincent Price was doing in this period.While the subject matter could easily be comedy (ala Scooby Doo), it is treated seriously and has a creepy vibe to it. Tame by today's standards, I imagine it was actually rather shocking in its own way once upon a time.

AaronCapenBanner Edward L. Cahn directed this obscure film that stars Edward Franz as Jonathan Drake, who is attending his brother's funeral when he finds to his horror that the head is missing, though it turns up later in a cabinet. He then realizes that an old family curse placed on his grandfather by South American Indians is still in effect, and that he may be the next victim. Can he end the curse, and what does it have to do with mysterious Dr. Emil Zurich(played by Henry Daniell)? Remembered fondly by those who saw it on late-night television with its vivid image of a murderous Indian with its mouth sewn shut, is really the only effective thing about this absurd, slow-moving film. Henry Daniell is good though, better than the film deserves.

Sean ONeill Won't bore with the details of the plot; see other reviews.Was in discussion with friends the other night about the TV we watched when we grew up (1960's and 1970's) and of course we all fondly remembered Chiller Theater on Saturday nights. After not thinking about it for nearly 40 years, I recalled that one of my favorites was 4SOJD and wondered if it was even available anymore. Back then in the late 1960's as a 10 year old, I had a strict bedtime during the week, but on Saturday night, my parents were letting me stay up late and we got into the habit of watching Chiller Theater. I remember watching the first few movies, all classic B grade horror at the time, and finding them actually entertaining instead of scary. You could see the zippers on the creatures crawling out the lagoon and the rubber knives and such. Even Dracula (Lugosi kind) and Frankenstein(Karloff) were not all that scary. As a ten year old, I was proud to be able to conquer horror films, but then again, these "horror" files weren't all that scary.Then, one Saturday night, we watched "The Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake" which started out with many of the much beloved B-grade horror trademarks. Campy shots. Cars coming and going, but the camera never moves from the same mount. Great horror music lead by a crazed organist. But in the end, this movie was different from the rest. It actually scared me. I went to bed that night and could not sleep. Every creak and bump in the night convinced me an ancient South American Indian was lurking in the closet. I kept fearing for my head. I never again assumed a film could not get under my skin and make me worry.I will always remember it as one of the perfect B&W horror films from my youth. Would recommend it to someone who wants to "train" their 10-12 year old in what a good old horror film was like. But it may not have the same effect. Most kids can play video games wiping out zombies with much more bloodshed and violence. Perhaps this film was the gem it was because of the time it was released. Doesn't have the competition as it does today.You probably won't bet scared by this movie anymore, but you should watch it for the better than average acting and acceptable story line. And the crazed organist lead sound track. What you should be scared of is the other movie that came with this one as a double billing from Netflix - Boris Karloff in "Voodoo Island". I love MST3K, but they would not touch this one, because it is THAT bad. Boris Karloff bounding around Hawaii avoiding rubber plants and wearing a hat even the Beastie Boys wouldn't touch. You've been warned.

Michael_Elliott Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake, The (1959) ** (out of 4) The Drake family has a curse on it because after the male members die their heads are removed. Before MGM released this on DVD it was pretty hard to see the film and it had a very good reputation from the few who remembered seeing it back in the day. Flash forward to my viewing and I was left very disappointed. The film has a terrific ending but everything leading up to this point is rather dull and boring. The performances are also rather annoying but this is probably due more to the screenplay. The one nice bonus was seeing Henry Daniell from The Body Snatcher fame.