Released just two years after the horror classic “Psycho” is the Herk Harvey indie creation “Carnival of Souls.” I mentioned the Hitchcock classic because many times movies of the previous era lack the ability to be effective in scares, and I can’t pretend to mask my own personal disdain for most, but “Psycho” certainly proves this wrong, and “Carnival of Souls” manages to provide for a decent scary story.
“Carnival of Souls” was released with little to no publicity, and has since gained a (wait for it) cult following as a late night horror staple on cable television. Its easy to see why David Lynch (“Eraserhead,” “Twin Peaks”) and George Romero (“Night of the Living Dead,” “Tales from the Dark Side) both site it as personal favorite and inspiration for their later work. Its feeling of general unease and bizarre scenes are what make it effective from a movie making standpoint.
While it won’t or shouldn’t scare you today, “Carnival of Souls” blends a handful of chilling scenes with an oft told and fairly predictable story, and in spite of the usual limitations of the era, presents itself as a mildly entertaining watch.
The beautiful Candace Hilligoss stars as Mary Henry, a church organist en route to a new job in Utah. “It’s just a job.” Mary explains before leaving. “I’m not taking the vows I’m just gonna play the organ.” This line quickly brings us insight into her rebellious and obviously nontraditional and non-fifties way. One scene later depicts the self proclaimed single-for-life woman defying a priest and wearing a dress that hits at the knees and shoes with an astounding two inch heel. Gasp! The sixties are here!
Passing by an abandoned carnival lot on her journey, Mary is plagued by a series of haunting occurrences, from people in mid conversation suddenly not seeing or hearing her at all, to ghostly images of a creepy looking man watching and following her about.
The blueprint for psychological horror is on display and Herk Harvey uses what were then novel concepts and ideas to advance the story. Hamstrung by the poppy background score, many scenes are actually scary and done in a truly unique way. Mary’s reflection in the window of her car at night is one method, accompanying the radio only playing the same haunting music on every station. Harvey takes his lack of special effects and makes the most of what he has to work with.
Some scenes, including the opening drag race that sets the stage are laughable due to the lack of effects at the time. The acting, as generally the case, is over the top, with characters delivering each line as though addressing congress on a health care bill. Candace Hilligoss herself is not bad, and randy neighbor John Linden (Sidney Berger) provides multiple laugh out loud lines, though I’m not sure any were actually intended to be that way.
“Carnival of Souls” is a worthy effort. At 1:18 it still runs a little dry in the middle. It’s not going to scare you, but its worth the watch if just for the appreciation of old school horror.
by – Matt DeCristo
