Roger Corman directed this adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's short story, as Vincent Price plays the evil Prince Prospero, who brutally rules over the local peasantry, and abducts a beautiful girl who catches his eye, Francesca(Jane Asher). He promises not to hurt her, but instead seeks to corrupt her innocence by inviting her over to his castle, where many guests have gathered both for their debauchery, as well as an escape from the plague, a red death that ravages the countryside. Prospero's wife Juliana(Hazel Court) is also evil, and promised to Satan. Francesca's village will attempt a rescue, leading to an apocalyptic climax, as sins will be punished...
Superbly written, directed, and acted film is quite literate and atmospheric, with richly saturated colors, striking religious symbolism and a chilling end make this a winner.
Superbly written, directed, and acted film is quite literate and atmospheric, with richly saturated colors, striking religious symbolism and a chilling end make this a winner.