Antony Carbone, Barbara Steele, John Kerr

Francis Barnard goes to Spain, when he hears his sister Elizabeth has died. Her husband Nicholas Medina, the son of the brutest torturer of the Spanish Inquisition, tells him she has died of a blood d...( read more  read more... )isease, but Francis finds this hard to believe. After some investigating he finds out that it was extreme fear that was fatal to his sister and that she may have been buried alive! Strange things then start to happen in the Medina castle.

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72% liked it

1,788 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.

Directed by: Roger Corman

Release Date: August 12, 1961

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DVD Release Date: June 5, 2001

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Stats: 316 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (316)


  • September 12, 2008
    Another enjoyable, economic and surprisingly well done 'expanded' version of an Edgar Allan Poe story, by the most noteworthy triad of his admirers in the silver screen; Roger Corman, Richard Matheson and Vincent Price.
    The disturbing beauty of Barbara Steele is also present in ...( read more)this atmospheric gothic tale.
  • July 22, 2008
    Good, solid chiller. Strong performances, good atmosphere, great story, and direction that would do Poe proud. One of the best Corman Poe movies, and a must-see for genre fans.
  • February 4, 2008
    man this story scared the hell out of me as a kid
  • January 24, 2008
    A medieval horror classic. Great elaborate sets and costumes. The atmosphere was rich with Poe vibes. The story built up to a crescendo; you don't see the pendulum until one hour in. Vincent Price had some great over-the-top acting, as he became increasingly mad with each appeara...( read more)nce of his dead wife. John Kerr was a bit boring as the lead hero. It was quite enjoyable with a few nice twists...
  • December 30, 2006
    Even a great story from Poe can't save this b-movie
  • October 22, 2009
    A very different adaptation of Poe's story; Corman is able to build a tense atmosphere with a firm direction, one great art direction and Price's magnetic performance.
  • August 26, 2009
    Apparently only the end of the film is based on Edgar Allen poes works. Still you gotta love Vincent Price... Legend.
  • July 15, 2009
    written originally by edgar allan poe as a short story, this movie has ceased being terrifying if it ever was. The inside sets seem authentic, but the light is too powerful for a sinister gothic castle. Legendary character-actor Vincent Prince is pretty young in this, but you can...( read more)not take him seriously. Yes, this movie works at its best as a dark comedy now.
  • June 25, 2009
    four star rating for this early horror film. Vincent Price the father of horror in America. Some good one-liners in this odd early horror film.
  • June 21, 2009
    Although it bares little relation to the original story of the same name, this is immensely entertaining - especially Vincent Price's acting.

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  • firecat885
    September 17, 2007
    This is a great movie!! Vincent Price is a great actor.

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Pit and the Pendulum (The Pit and the Pendulum) Trivia

Pit and the Pendulum (The Pit and... Trivia


  • Name the director from the following movies: The House of Usher The Pit and the Pendulum The Little Shop of Horrors The Raven  Answer »
  • 1961. This is the second installment of the Price/Poe/Corman films. Vincent Price plays Nicholas Medina, a man who just recently lost his wife, Elizabeth.   Answer »
  • Which of the following movies was not adapted from a play?  Answer »
  • Pit and the Pendulum (1961) Vincent Price played ...  Answer »

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