Die, Monster, Die! [DVD]

“Die Monster Die” AKA “Monster of Terror” made in 1965 is an adaptation of the H.P, Lovecraft story “The Colour Out of Space” written in 1927. The story was adapted into feature films again in 1987 as “The Curse”, in 2008 as “Colour From the Dark” and 2010 as “The Color Out of Space”. The story relays the effects of a radioactive meteorite that degraded into the soil poisoning plants and animals alike.The movie stars Boris Karloff as Nahum Witley, and Nick Adams (The Rebel) as Stephen Reinhart. The screenplay by Jerry Sohl moves the story from New England to Great Britain. The movie presents the story as more of a mystery. A haunted house story. At first you don’t know what is going on. The plants in the greenhouse are huge and glow at night. The animals are grotesque. People in the house die mysteriously. They become deformed. And there is something in the basement. Nahum Witley is hostile and appears to be insane. It’s not till the end of the movie where you find out the real reason for it all.Stephen Reinhart is an American visiting his fiancé’s family in Britain. Nahum Witley wants him to leave. Boris Karloff is suitably creepy and larger than life even though he is mostly confined to a wheelchair. Nick Adams seems a little stiff. He seems to do better as a brooding rebel than a loving boyfriend. Suzan Farmer who plays Susan Whitley appears the perfect complacent airhead. She doesn’t know what’s going on or why things are the way they are and she’s lived there all her life.Even though the movie veers from the original story it has its own place as a horror movie. There are some gaps in the storyline but Karloff’s performance makes up for any of that. Plus the movie is sufficiently creepy and weird. If you can overlook the insufficiencies in the story you can enjoy it as a fun spooky movie. If you’re a Boris Karloff fan you’ll like it. If you are a Lovecraft fan you might find it a little sacrilege.

I've read more than once that of all the grisly tales H.P. Lovecraft wrote during his incredible literary career, The Colour Out of Space was his favorite. I'm fairly sure that Lovecraft would have been shocked with the liberties taken with his story by American International Pictures, but all the same Die Monster Die! is a fine, unfairly overlooked Gothic gem. Steeped in an eerie, melancholy atmosphere from the time Nick Adams steps off the train all the way through to the fiery climax, Die Monster Die! is a delight for all horror fans. Though the aforementioned Adams is the protagonist, and a very able one, there's no question the star of the show is the legendary Boris Karloff. Karloff plays the lord of a dilapidated--and possibly cursed--manor who rules his estate with a ruthless desperation, especially where his lovely daughter, played by Suzan Farmer in her first major role, is concerned. Before long, Adams wants to cut his visit short and spirit Suzan away from her enigmatic father and his house of horrors, but it's too late for that and inevitably Karloff's secrets come to a horrifying head. The script certainly isn't loyal to Lovecraft's original story, but it is engaging and well-written in its own way. Daniel Haller's direction is solid and deserves a lot of the credit for the rich, oppressive atmosphere. The cast plays it surprisingly low-key, generally avoiding the histrionics that ruin many similar pictures. Adams is a capable hero, Karloff is as usual marvelous, and the exquisite Suzan Farmer is the kind of girl any man would gladly risk life and limb for. A fine all-round feature that deserves a greater audience.

All considered that the original story came from a pre-nuclear writer, this was almost right. I read the story, and it really was NOT a radioactive thing. It was a combination of chemical and other-wordly thing. But, other than the silly ending, it was better than expected.

This is a sort of "Hammer-esque" gothic horror that basically involves lots of walking around in an old house, mixed with glowing green space rocks from hell. Honestly, its not the best classic horror (or sci-fi) but is entertaining enough ... even if only to see the delightfully creepy performance by Boris Karloff, who really holds this thing together. Not sure if I like Nick Adams so much as the pushy American romantic lead, but passable. His caustic, and at times irritating, character is offset by Susan Farmer's performance. This bluray is a joy to behold. Although its not restored (there are still a few dust spots and scratches to be seen) the image reasonably clear and crisp. Viewers can enjoy this movie's great production values and lighting, which add to the overall atmosphere of suspense and unease. Not quite as enjoyable as those other AIP horror classics with Roger Corman and Vincent Price, but still good fun and deserving of a place in any collection of classic horror. Although don't usually demand a bunch of extras on the bluray (that's not really why I buy them), it's disappointing that this release lacks even subtitle.

I picked this up because of the upcoming Color Out of Space movie, and I wanted to revisit it. This movie may not be for everybody, but when compared apples-to-apples, to other movies from the era and genre, I think it's pretty good. Honestly, the only thing holding me back from giving it 5-stars is just the standard treatment from that era, of female characters being sort of overly meek and afraid. But, it's something that you can't avoid in most of these films, and if you've seen more than one, you're probably used to it. Dialogue is a bit clunky at times, and I question how the old man can get up and down hills and stairs so quickly in that old-fashioned wheelchair. But, everything aside, it's a fun watch.

A young man is summoned to a British estate by his finacee's mother who asks him to get her daughter out immediately. The mother, a mysterious figure, spends her time in a bed canopied by heavy veils. The father, played by Boris Karloff, is in a wheelchair and has mysterious projects going on in the basement. Very good production values and atmospheric sets. The movie isn't very long and establishes enough interest without getting ponderous. Great quality print on Amazon Prime!

Horror for dummies or sleepwalkers you can take your pick. Legendary horror icon Boris Karloff stars as Nahum Witley a wheelchair recluse who lives in a creepy old mansion with his daughter and wife. American played by Nick Adams visits the small village in England and is detered by locals to go there. You think you've seen this before, well you have!Once there Adams encounters a very strange Karloff who just wants him to leave and meets his wife who is bed ridden with some sort of disease and must have the lights off and curtains drawn. Of course daughter who is played by Suzan Farmer is perfectly normal, as she hooks back up with her American boyfriend. Farmer doesn't do anything wrong here but the writers do, picturing her as the queen of numpties- her father has tomatoes the size of footballs and monsters in tanks, there are screams every so often, something hellish is going on in the basement and she is basically forbidden to go around the house and oh someone just died, but she must get to bed you know... Dreary, predictable and story shows an utter contempt for its audience. The only thing going for the film is the house which is heavy on atmosphere and has been done up well. But we're just scraping fragments of meat off the bone in saying that.As for Karloff he was nearing the end of his career and while some of his magic was still there, he isn't really at the races with this movie but does get a fun moment at the end as a glowing green monster! Daniel Haller's directorial debut, movie also goes by the title MONSTER OF TERROR.

Cheesey low rate 60's horror film,only purchased because my fave actor Boris Karloff stars! Nothing like the H P Lovecraft story it's based on but fun all the same.

This was bought for someone else and they loved it. Great service by the provider

Excellent addition to my collection. Delivery & service 1st class, i'm very pleased.

great viewing very clear!