Movie Review: THE UNDEAD

Never let it be said that Roger Corman couldn’t gift the world with some real stinkers, as far as films are concerned. 1957’s THE UNDEAD isn’t among his worst; it’s not even close to, say, CREATURE FROM THE HAUNTED SEA (anyone who thinks this one isn’t waaaaay worse than PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, I question if they’ve actually watched it; holy mother of magnesia!) but it *is* closer to that one than it is to any of Corman’s *good* films. That being said, it’s still a lot of fun.

Evil psychiatrist guy uses hypnotism to send a “lady of the evening” back in time, in her own mind, via past-life regression. She, and the audience, learn that she was once falsely accused of being a witch and was sentenced to be executed. Turns out she was framed by an actual witch (portrayed by a bodice-straining Allison Hayes) whose motivation seems to be that she wants the faux-witch’s boyfriend. (Methinks she wouldnae have had to resort to spellcasting to make a go of it.)

See what I mean?

Hayes would go on to portray the lead in ATTACK OF THE FIFTY FOOT WOMAN and tragically die from probably lead poisoning at only 46.

The acting here isn’t horrible. It’s just that the plot doesn’t make a whole lot of sense (which is a generous way of putting it) and the production values are floor-level. Still a pleasant enough diversion for fans of this sort of thing.

By TheCheezman

WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS, specializing in theatrical performances and haunted attractions. He has written, produced, and directed (and occasionally acted in) over two dozen plays, most of them in the Horror and True Crime genres. He obtained a doctorate in Occult Studies from Miskatonic University and is an active paranormal investigator. Is frequently told he resembles Anton Lavey. And Ming the Merciless. Denn die totden reiten schnell!

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