Pit and the Pendulum, The (1961)

Vincent Price is on the rampage again – this time in 16th century Spain – in this marvellous horror tale directed by the King of B Movies, Roger Corman and based on Edgar Allen Poe’s story.

Price plays Nicholas Medina, a mentally tormented nobleman who believes himself to be his own late father, Sebastian – who was one of the most vicious torturers of all time.

The necessary ingredients are all there: the castle on the hill, walled-up coffins, screams in the night and a fantastic torture chamber.

Barbara Steele appears as Medina’s wife, Elizabeth – a woman whose evil scheme turns against her with truly horrifying irony, and wicked dispatch.

John Kerr co-stars as Francis Barnard, the young man whose search for the truth of his sister’s death uncovers a bizarre and ghastly secret.

The movie skillfully weaves elements of psychological horror and Gothic suspense, with a looming, deadly pendulum serving as a symbol of impending doom. The film proved highly influential, inspiring giallo directors like Mario Bava and Dario Argento.

Nicholas Medina/Sebastian Medina
Vincent Price
Francis Barnard
John Kerr
Elizabeth Barnard Medina
Barbara Steele
Catherine Medina
Luana Anders
Doctor Charles Leon
Antony Carbone
Maximillian
Patrick Westwood
Maria
Lynn Bernay
Isabella
Mary Menzies
Bartolome
Charles Victor
Nicholas as a child
Larry Turner

Director
Roger Corman

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