Diary of a Madman did seem interesting to me, although reading much of a story that has been told many times before any Vincent Price film is worth the viewing at least once. And Diary of a Madman is no exception. It is not perfect however, some of the effects while none are terrible are on the clumsy side, the murder scene especially looked fake, and while the story has a creepy atmosphere and a great climax, it is also rather thin for the running time(nearly an hour and forty minutes) and rather standard and far-fetched even in places. However, the never seen Horla still cuts a menacing psychological presence, and Diary of a Madman is beautifully made, the costumes and sets are really gorgeous to watch and the photography shows a lot of skill. The music has some nice haunting touches, and the writing manages to be intelligent and thoughtful with some tension too. Vincent Price is really wonderful in another of those roles that is made for him, while Nancy Kovack supports him touchingly. All in all, far-fetched at times but I loved the look and Price doesn't disappoint either. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Diary of a Madman
1963
Action / Horror
Diary of a Madman
1963
Action / Horror
Keywords: sculptorpsychokinesis
Plot summary
Simon Cordier's a well-respected magistrate who visits a condemned prisoner, Louis Girot, just before his execution. Girot pleads his innocence insisting he's been taken over by a spirit which forced him to commit the crimes. Cordier doesn't believe him and the man suddenly dies. In the following days, Cordier must face a number of strange occurrences iand begins to wonder if he's now dealing with those same spirits.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
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Well made with a great Price, if far-fetched
Price Versus the Horla
Despite some silly religious symbolism, it was fun, as usual, to watch the painful expressions of the great Vincent Price. The poor guy sentences this guy to death. After he is dead, whatever was inside him that made him evil, goes into Price's body. From then on, this thing called the Horla becomes the driving force in Price's life. When he gets this cheesy green glow in his eyes, he becomes murderous. Price tries to find peace in his avocation, sculpture, but the cute little model he hires becomes his obsession. She is already married but Vincent has designs on her. But worse than the nasty mother of the girl is his Horla friend who makes the relationship impossible. Besides, she was indeed a fortune hunter. This is one of those fun 1960's horror films that I enjoyed when I was a kid. One shouldn't take it too seriously or analyze it too much. Just enjoy the story.
Vincent Price vs. The Horla
Vincent Price, as Simon Cordier, is possessed by an evil spirit and is forced to kill. Can he overcome the beast that haunts him inside?
Dug this out of my collection and gave it another view. I really like this one and feel it has been underrated by many. The only major problem I have with it is the story would have been better served had the existence of the Horla been left more to question. Still I really enjoyed this, especially Vincent Price in the lead. It's got that old-time 1960s AIP Horror feel to it even though it wasn't made there.