The Oblong Box

Lamoreux · 1st February 2003, 04:07 AM

I just finished watching one of my personal favorites; THE OBLONG BOX. Though not a critical success and not reputed to be a favorite of fans, I've always found it an entertaining film.
In fact, I think Mr. Lee gives a fine, restrained performance as the put-upon surgeon, Dr. Newhartt. Vincent Price, I think too, is remarkably restrained. Besides, I've always been a closet Gordon Hessler fan.
Any other opinions regarding this film?

Doug

**Trevor Ball** · 1st February 2003, 02:23 PM

I think it's a fantastic film, a classic.

LCD · 1st February 2003, 02:51 PM

It's alway interesting to see the inter-action between Mr. Lee and Vincent Price. Mr. Lee gave the role a seriousness that complimented the gruesome aspects of the tale. The red velvet jacket he wore suited him and the period feel.

**Matt Gemmell** · 1st February 2003, 03:45 PM

Whilst not a classic by any means The Oblong Box is a very enjoyable film and one which i find myself liking more as the years go on . .I must be a bit of a nostalgia junkie .

1st February 2003, 04:03 PM

Quote:

I just finished watching one of my personal favorites; THE OBLONG BOX

aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!

I don't have a copy, I think one is on its way, I have been dying to see that one again

star38

**Alfonso Casal** · 1st February 2003, 09:25 PM

Good, solid performances from CL and Mr. Price. But I think the film suffers from not having a strong or memorable enough "monster"/main villain.

**Stacie Herman-Laurence** · 1st February 2003, 09:40 PM

Quote:

But I think the film suffers from not having a strong or memorable enough "monster"/main villain.

I have to agree on this aspect...but all in all, I enjoyed the film

1st February 2003, 09:45 PM

Quote:

I have to agree on this aspect...but all in all, I enjoyed the film

Don't say that, I haven't seen it in so long I can't remenber.

star38

Lamoreux · 1st February 2003, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Good, solid performances from CL and Mr. Price. But I think the film suffers from not having a strong or memorable enough "monster"/main villain.

I've always found it of interest that, due to the bizarre actions and uncertain motivations of many characters, the villains in OBLONG BOX are a bit hard to pin down. Even seemingly sympathetic characters do some villainous things. There are few altogether good or bad characters; they're more complex.
Maybe that's why I like it.

Doug

1st February 2003, 11:54 PM

Quote:

I've always found it of interest that, due to the bizarre actions and uncertain motivations of many characters, the villains in OBLONG BOX are a bit hard to pin down. Even seemingly sympathetic characters do some villainous things. There are few altogether good or bad characters; they're more complex.

A bit like all of us you could say, theres a little devil in us all. :1devil:

star38

**Alfonso Casal** · 2nd February 2003, 12:33 AM

Quote:

I've always found it of interest that, due to the bizarre actions and uncertain motivations of many characters, the villains in OBLONG BOX are a bit hard to pin down. Even seemingly sympathetic characters do some villainous things. There are few altogether good or bad characters; they're more complex.
Maybe that's why I like it.

Doug

You're quite right, there. All of the characters in OBLONG BOX are morally ambiguous. But, and not to spoil it for those who haven't seen the film, the main 'villain,' the one who moves the plot along, was not as well fleshed out as he might have been.

Lamoreux · 2nd February 2003, 05:14 AM

Quote:

... not to spoil it for those who haven't seen the film, the main 'villain,' the one who moves the plot along, was not as well fleshed out as he might have been.

In more ways than one!!!

Doug

**Alfonso Casal** · 2nd February 2003, 05:15 AM

Quote:

In more ways than one!!!

Doug

True that. I gotta watch those mixed metaphors.

Lamoreux · 2nd February 2003, 05:29 AM

Quote:

... I gotta watch those mixed metaphors.

It's not your fault, Alfonso. I haven't been able to take words at their face value since Alan Hale's "physics" joke in THE GIANT SPIDER INVASION; and that was over 25 years ago.

Doug

Ken_S · 2nd February 2003, 04:26 PM

For me the movie was a huge disappointment because it didn't have ANYTHING to do with the original, INGENIOUS story written by E. A. Poe. If you haven't read it, I strongly recommend reading it, because it is one of the very best Poe short stories EVER - and besides, the original story would work marvelously on big screen on its own. (When reading the story, I actually did a "Fantasy Screenplay" out of it with complete temp-tracked soundtrack with music of John Morris and Philippe Sarde).

Now, on it's own the '69 movie OBLONG BOX is far from horror classics, but yet I do agree with most of you that it's kinda enjoyable one. I for one like Alastair Williamson's crimson-masked villain performance very much - he has an unusually strong screen presence, especially since his face is hidden all the time - and despite of his physical outlook (read: weight) he is very believable as the character. The only disappointment was his makeup in the end of the movie - he looks more like a drunken and beaten-up Santa Claus than a memorable movie "monster"...

Christopher Lee and Vincent Price are at their best, as usual.

:) KEN