Thanks to American Movie Classics cable network and my local library, I have been taking an interest in the William Castle films. Knowing nothing about The Tingler, I sat down at home with my pint of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and opened my mind to be entertained. Yes it is a 1950's film. A bit hokey, perhaps. Silly special effects we have seen before and figured out how its done. But I watched The Tingler on its own merit. The dramatic quality, the politeness and kindness of the characters and the evil of others. I do get tired of watching today's horror films that each scene and shot flashes by so quickly, you get a headache. So watching a good, easily-paced black & white film from the 1940's, 1950's or 1960's is relaxing to the eyes and entertaining for me. You don't have to think to hard, just enjoy. If you should happen to see The Tingler on American Movie Classics or get a good high-quality VHS Video or DVD of this film that contains the special color sequence of this black & white film, you are in for a treat. Not for the squeamish. Having seen House On Haunted Hill (1958), 13 Ghosts (1960), and now The Tingler (1959), I will be looking for more films written, produced, or directed by William Castle. (If you are a film buff, this film might help you to recall other films, such as, House On Haunted Hill (1958), The Manitou (1978) and Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan (1982).
Review of The Tingler
