The Comedy of Terrors (The Graveside Story) (1964)
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86% of critics liked it
(7 reviews) -
68% of users liked it
(666 ratings)
On the verge of bankruptcy, undertaker Vincent Price hits upon a novel method of drumming up business. Together with his cringing assistant Peter Lorre, Price sneaks into the homes of wealthy old men under cover of night and smothers the sleeping occupants to death--then collects a hefty commission… More On the verge of bankruptcy, undertaker Vincent Price hits upon a novel method of drumming up business. Together with his cringing assistant Peter Lorre, Price sneaks into the homes of wealthy old men under cover of night and smothers the sleeping occupants to death--then collects a hefty commission when the victims' relatives come calling. At home, Price is continually frustrated in his efforts to poison his senile father-in-law Boris Karloff, who owns the undertaking business. Meanwhile, Price's neglected wife Barbara Nichols takes quite a shine to the shy Lorre. The homicidal undertaker's best-laid schemes go terribly agley when his latest "customer," wealthy Basil Rathbone, doggedly refuses to stay dead. Joe E. Brown has a cameo as a cockney graveyard attendant. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jacques Tourneur
- Written By
- Richard Matheson
- Genres
- Horror, Classics, Comedy
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 22, 1964 Limited
- Studio
- American International Picture
Critic Reviews
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's hard to believe, but the horror spoof goes under despite this awesome cast.
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Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
The film is grand slapstick, and the performances are funnier the more often you see it.
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Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
There's some terrific comic interplay, and director Jacques Tourneur (Night of the Demon) keeps it all looking good and moving forward. Nonetheless, this is an 84-minute film spun from 42 minutes worth of material.
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Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
MGM's "Midnite Movies" double-feature disc delivers both films in their original 2.35:1 (anamorphic). They look marvelous. Each shows off rich color and exquisite, nearly flawless prints. Audio comes in DD 2.0 monaural that's perfectly strong and clear.
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Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com
You can't go wrong with the creepy combo of Price, Lorre, Rathbone, and Rhubarb the Cat!
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Cast
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Vincent Price
as Waldo Trumbull
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Peter Lorre
as Felix Gillie
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Boris Karloff
as Amos Hinchley
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Basil Rathbone
as John F. Black
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Joyce Jameson
as Amaryllis Trumbull
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Beverly Hills
as Mrs. Phipps
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Linda Rogers
as Phipps Maid
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Luree Nicholson
as Black's Servant
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Buddy Mason
as Mr. Phipps
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Joe E. Brown
as Cemetery Keeper
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Rhubarb
as Cleopatra
- Douglas Williams
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Paul Barselow
as Riggs
- Alan DeWitt
- Beverly Powers
- Luree Holmes
