(POSSIBLE SPOILER)
This is a classic b-movie from 1965.The B&W cinematography is beautiful and effective - mucho fog and fake scares but the basic premise - that of kids making prank calls and it coming back to terrify them is truly effective. I saw this when I was quite little and it scared the heck out of me. In fact, this and Snow White are two of my earliest film memories (and Joan Crawford is STILL creepier than the Evil Queen in Snow White). Joan actually has fun as a nasty, scene-stealer neighbor who wants the married man for herself. William Castle (I'm a big fan of his) made many effective, cheapo thrillers: Dr. Sardonicus, Homicidal & Thirteen Ghosts (to name a few). In fact, John Goodamn does a nice job playing a version of Castle in the underrated Joe Dante film, Matinée. But check out this little teenage scarefest and whatever you do - don't prank call someone right after they've killed a mate - they're not in the mood!!
This is a classic b-movie from 1965.The B&W cinematography is beautiful and effective - mucho fog and fake scares but the basic premise - that of kids making prank calls and it coming back to terrify them is truly effective. I saw this when I was quite little and it scared the heck out of me. In fact, this and Snow White are two of my earliest film memories (and Joan Crawford is STILL creepier than the Evil Queen in Snow White). Joan actually has fun as a nasty, scene-stealer neighbor who wants the married man for herself. William Castle (I'm a big fan of his) made many effective, cheapo thrillers: Dr. Sardonicus, Homicidal & Thirteen Ghosts (to name a few). In fact, John Goodamn does a nice job playing a version of Castle in the underrated Joe Dante film, Matinée. But check out this little teenage scarefest and whatever you do - don't prank call someone right after they've killed a mate - they're not in the mood!!