The Tomb of Ligeia

Roger Corman
1964

This is the second of Roger Corman's Poe films I've gotten the chance to see, and it holds up much better than "The House of Usher" (1960). Vincent Price reappears in the leading role, this time sensitive only to light as opposed to all stimuli, but also hopelessly enslaved to the memory of his deceased wive. A fateful encounter leads to a romance with wifey number 2, the Lady Rowina being eerily similar to dead Ligeia since both women are played by Elizabeth Shepherd. Despite his penny-pinching tendencies Corman manages to achieve a deliriously romantic sense of creepiness through atmosphere rather than flashy effects or snappy setpieces. Ligeia's blasphemous will to live is nicely complemented by references to Egyptian art - bringing some welcome notions of pagan immortality to the table. Hypnotism, slashed wrists, and a secret chamber (complete with sacrificial pyre!) spice up a pretty satisfying outing. It's worth noting that while Corman's "House of Usher" feels like little more than an exploitation quickie, this one feels genuinely closer to the tone of Poe's work.