Edgar Allan Poe and Vincent Price are perfect for Halloween season, so let’s continue October’s Trick or Tuesday with one of my faves, The Tomb of Ligeia (1964). Hard to beat this flick for fabulous gothic atmosphere, outside and in. The “tomb” scenes were filmed at the ruined Castle Acre Priory in Norfolk, England, which is gorgeously crumbling. The interiors of Verden Fell’s home are vast, spooky, and filled with creepy knickknacks. The whole thing is a visual feast for this old goth!
The movie is loosely based on Poe’s short story “Ligeia,” published in 1838, about a woman who dies, Ligeia, and her widower, Verden (Price), who soon marries another woman, Rowena (Elizabeth Shepherd). In the original story, Ligeia’s spirit takes over Rowena, but in this film, Ligeia’s spirit has taken the form of a black cat who threatens Rowena.
The costumes by Mary Gibson aren’t bad for 1960s does 1820s. Rowena gets several nice riding habits, complete with hats, and a couple elegant evening gowns. Sure, her hair is bouffant-y, but that’s to be expected.
I really like Verden’s costumes that make Price look extra formal, fussy, and creepy. Also, note how all the men have proper tied cravats! So lovely.
Are you a Vincent Price fan too?
