Streaming Kino: Carnival Of Souls (1962)

Herk Harvey's only feature-length directorial work is a weird, obscure little gem, that has gained a little cult following over the years. 

It's about Mary, who has a car accident that changes her life... It's a unique low-budget movie that maybe has a little flaw or two in storytelling, but also has "creativity!" and "vision!" written all over it. Its undead-ish modern-day "monsters" and occasional expressionist visuals predate some of the ideas seen in George A. Romero's "Night Of The Living Dead" (1968), and were influential on a number of filmmakers. The otherworldly mood of "Carnival Of Souls" is pretty much unmatched to this day. If you're a horror film geek, or film historian, it's a must-watch anyway. If you're not, just let yourself sink into the carnival, and enjoy the chills!

Watch "Carnival Of Souls" (1962):

video source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNYg4YWkp0k

* * *

More information about "Carnival Of Souls" (1962):
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055830/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Souls

* * *

Click here for all "Streaming-Kino" films/articles.

2026-06-14: video source https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDfe-QHeUQo vanished, new video source

Review: Night Of The Living Dead (1968, George A. Romero)

A mysterious outbreak turns people into mindless, ghoulish, flesh-eating monsters. Barbara, evading one of them, hides in a seemingly abandoned house. It turns out she's not alone, and the monsters within might be even more dangerous than those waiting outside...

There have been plenty of remakes and re-imaginings of the film, the best of which certainly is the 1990 version by Tom Savini and George A. Romero, and there are countless spin-offs and rip-offs, but nothing beats the bone-chilling original.

So this is where it all started, the one the set the rules for decades to come. Somehow, Romero had the idea to throw Richard Matheson's 1954 novel "I am Legend" (adapted to film as "The Last Man on Earth" and "The Omega Man"), EC horror comics, and the claustrophobic situation of "The Killer Shrews" (1959) together, to form one idea and script, and put it all on film, using little money and some help from friends.

The result is a very well made low-budget horror film with a somehow home-grown, hand-made feel - and a completely unexpected level of seriousness and depth. If you'd just quickly fast-forward through the movie, you'd maybe surprised by the big scope it has, but the real magic is in the detail, the dialogue, the tone. It's a great horror story with a (very) bleak ending - only this time, it's "us", not "them". There's basically no definitive bad guy that one could point at, and no hero that saves the day in the end - it's only us, being monsters, victims, winners, losers, strong, weak, good, and evil.

As in all good horror films, there's little to no romance in "Night Of The Living Dead". There's no place for juvenile heartbreak here, it's about the bigger picture. Romero had a razor-sharp eye observing psychological and social dynamics - the layout of the characters is like a simplified map of modern society. From the greedy businessman, who's tormented by fears of weakness, to the innocent kid that gets caught up in the action, and turns against its creators, every character in "Night Of The Living Dead" serves as an icon that represents an aspect of how humans interact. Everything is tied together by some great dialogue and acting, that feels authentic and well-grounded in reality, making it easy to identify with.

This thoughtful, sensible approach puts "Night Of The Living Dead" miles above pretty much all other zombie films. (Except, most notably, the other George A. Romero ones.) And it is what makes it a truly scary movie: It makes sense. From the moment Barbara is made fun of by her brother, in the cemetery, during the opening scenes of the movie, it becomes clear that a sensitive, thinking person was in control of this. The level of (black-and-white) gore is unprecedented for the time, and it leaves quite an impression to this day. Some of the editing and cinematography is both creative, and a nod to the era of silent films, and the pacing of the movie is dense, exciting, and steady. But all of the low-cost brilliance works wonders because the characters, the people in it, make sense. There is not a single dull moment in "Night Of The Living Dead", there is no plot hole, it's smooth as a clockwork, exiting, and thought-provoking, because the viewer can relate to pretty much every step along the way. Yes, it's us! Panicking, quarreling, fighting, trying to somehow get a grip on the situation, both on a personal, and on a social level.

"Night Of The Living Dead" from 1968 defines the modern zombie horror film, and is still easily in the top five of the genre. If not in top position.

Verdict: They're coming to get you - and they will! 10/10

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063350/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_the_Living_Dead

> Watch the full movie for free in "Streaming Kino"...

Trailer video:

video source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVsbPBAWCGY

* * *

Want to read another movie review? Click here to see all.

Top 10 really old horror films you must watch (2/2)

"Old" still doesn't equal "boring": Part two of "Top 10 really old horror films you must watch". 

In no particular order, here are five more great old horror movies. In case you missed the first five recommendations of this list, here's part 1 of the article.

Der Student von Prag (1926)

The first cinematic incarnation of "The Student Of Prague", a story loosely based on Edgar Allen Poe's "William Wilson", was made in 1913. It's a very nice watch, with some great special effects and atmosphere, but it's a bit limited in its vocabulary. Fast forward 13 years, to this 1926 adaptation of the material, directed by Henrik Galeen: The fantastic element is toned down a little, more implied than actually shown - but every other aspect is scaled up to the max. The advancement in storytelling is nothing short of mindblowing. This "Student Of Prague" has a little bit of unexpected gore effects, some dizzying, dynamic action, fully developed Expressionism (the German kind) visuals, a rhythm alternating between lighthearted and grave, natural acting, and so on - everything you expect from an eerie, exciting, and much (much!) more recent movie. Outstanding!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0017438/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Student_of_Prague_(1926_film)

 

L'Inferno (1911) 

From the infancy of cinematic storytelling comes "L'Inferno", directed by Francesco Bertolini, Adolfo Padovan and Giuseppe De Liguoro. Cinema had been invented only about 15 years earlier, and its roots in stage play are clearly visible in the film. It's Italy's first full length feature production, it's a bit slow, but the longer you watch it, the creepier it becomes. Once you've gotten into the "zone", and begin to see "through" the old film stock, you can fully appreciate and admire the rich mise-en-scene, with lots of infernal decor and strong silent-era make-up and overacting. There are some special effects and montages that wouldn't be possible on stage, creating some bizarre imagery, and of course all of it is Dante Alighieri's "Inferno", meaning hell, from his "Divine Comedy", resulting in an interesting, moody, spooky watching experience.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0002130/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Inferno

Watch the full movie for free in "Streaming Kino"...

Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam (1920)

"The Golem: How He Came Into the World", directed by Paul Wegener and Carl Boese, is one of the archetypes of horror cinema. It's loosely based on the Jewish legend of the Golem, a clay statue, that is brought to life by sorcery. "The Golem" isn't the most experimental of German Expressionism films, but it's certainly expressionist enough, with the poster giving a surprisingly accurate hint at what you're about to see. It's a slicker version, more like a big scale fantasy epic, with lots of actors and large sets, and some powerful Golem action. The imagery is striking, and, from a modern viewer's perspective, might have some comic strip charm, the kind you'd see much later in movies by directors such as Sam Raimi, George A. Romero, or Peter Jackson.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0011237/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golem:_How_He_Came_into_the_World

The Bat (1926)

Not only in Europe, also across the pond in the US of A, a powerful cinematic language was evolving during the 1920s. "The Bat", directed by Roland West, takes a good hint from the German films of the time, but creates its own, streamlined aesthetic, more reminiscent of printed graphic design, or cutout art. It's a comedy, and a classic crime story with a super-villain, robbery and murder, and it's exceptionally moody, mystical, and beautiful. "The Bat" really is a fun experience, with brilliant use of darkness, light, and camera, nice chills, and the light-footed pacing you'd typically only see in much later movies by e.g. Alfred Hitchcock or William Castle.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0016629/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bat_(1926_film)

Alraune (1928)

"Alraune" translates to "mandrake", but the English title of the movie is "A Daughter Of Destiny". This film doesn't scream in your face at all. (Well, it's silent.) Quite the opposite, the horror is all beneath the surface. It's in the audacity of challenging God, and what could go wrong if you play with fire. Written and directed by Henrik Galeen, based on the eponymous 1911 novel by Hanns Heinz Ewers , "Alraune" is a mesmerizing, enchanting tale of science, morale, and responsibility. The beauty and elegance of some of the imagery is unreal. The eroticism, without being even remotely comparable to today's standards, will make the male viewer, and probably also the female viewer, blush. "Alraune" is dramatic, smooth, and sultry, best watched with a glass of red wine at room temperature - but you don't play God for nothing, and it all leads to a bitter end...

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0017621/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alraune_(1928_film)

* * *

Thanks for reading!

Click here for part 1 of this article, five more films!

Top 10 really old horror films you must watch (1/2)

"Old" doesn't equal "boring". If you think it does, you're missing out on some of the best horror movies ever. 

Movies that not only have become iconic over time, for their historical value and contribution to cinema, but are timelessly scary and exciting. 

In no particular order, here are five (=part one, link to part 2 at end of article) out of ten really old horror films you must watch:

Nosferatu - Eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922)

When speaking about horror films, "Nosferatu" has a bit of singular place in history. It's basically in the lineage of "Dracula", but changes to some elements of the story (e.g. name) put it into a different context. And director Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau managed to create some striking imagery that is unmatched to this day. Combined, "Nosferatu" is the Dracula that defies Dracula. A universe, such as Dracula's, with countless variations on the myth, was never created for "Nosferatu". It's just this singular, otherworldly nightmare put on film, that is unparalleled in its sinister aesthetic quality. The full original title translates to "A Symphony Of Horror", which is an accurate description of the movie. This Dracula doesn't beguile or enchant - he just stares into your soul, and wants to eat it.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0013442/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nosferatu (with streaming movie!)

If you like to watch "Nosferatu" make sure it's a long (>90min) version (e.g. the one on the Wikipedia page).

 

Häxan (1922)

In this quite unique production, directed by Benjamin Christensen, we get an analytic approach to the alleged phenomenon of witchcraft - "Häxan" is the Swedish word for "witches". Being a somewhat scientific document, there isn't much of a story, it just goes through some chapters exploring the material, and giving some commentary. Material, in this case, being a reference to folklore, and "Häxan" being the most expensive Swedish film production at the time. Add one to one - it's to witchcraft movies what "Saving Private Ryan" is to WWII movies. Did you ever want to see the actual devil, the one you were scared of as a very little kid? In "Häxan" you do - and then some.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0013257/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A4xan (with streaming movie!)

 

Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari (1920)

Horror cinema wouldn't be the same without Dr. Caligari's infamous cabinet. Generations of filmmakers have looked at this movie as a guideline, and source of inspiration. It is basically the seed of the "psycho thriller", thus "slasher", genre, and a template for the modern script writer as well as the cinematographer. Also it's the most expressionist of German Expressionism films, almost completely dropping the ties with physical reality in its visual design. The psyche is everything, and everything is the psyche, in this creepy, pivotal masterpiece, directed by Robert Wiene.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0010323/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cabinet_of_Dr._Caligari (with streaming movie!)

 

Faust: Eine deutsche Volkssage (1926)

Another F. W. Murnau directed milestone of fantastic cinema, a drama of biblical proportions, and a stunning display of visual cinematic virtuosity. This adaptation of the classic Wolfgang von Goethe material is the "Star Wars" and "Lord of the Rings" of German Expressionism cinema. It opens with the Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse, riding through the misty clouds, looking... terrifying! And this is just the first minute of the movie. Rooted in religion and folklore, with overwhelming expressionist shapes of black and white, masterful use of composition, superimposition, and other effects, "Faust" is an array of beautiful, epic, nightmarish imagery that is guaranteed to crawl under your skin. "Faust", without a doubt, ranks among the top achievements in cinema history, and will forever do so.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0016847/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faust_(1926_film) (with streaming movie!)

Kurutta Ichipeji ("A Page of Madness", 1926)

Japanese experimental psycho horror film "A Page of Madness", directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa, is interesting, beautiful, and disturbing, all at the same time. Naturally, it has similarities with other productions of its era, but there's also a very distinct element to. The bizarre, stylized imagery, and the sometimes dizzying, unsettling editing is unique to Japanese cinema, and is still seen today in everything from "Tetsuo" (1989) to "Ringu" (1998) and beyond. "A Page Of Madness" is a groundbreaking, mesmerizing visualization of a mind falling apart at the borders between reality and imagination.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0017048/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Page_of_Madness (with streaming movie!)

* * *

Thanks for reading!

  Click here for part 2 of this article, five more films!

Streaming Kino: L'Inferno (1911)

Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy" is an essential piece of literature that has inspired countless other works. The first cantica (section, "song"), titled "Inferno", has been adapted many times in film. The 1911 version, directed by Francesco Bertolini, Adolfo Padovan, and Giuseppe De Liguoro, is the earliest of them.

If you're new to very old films, you'll be surprised by the richness and boldness some of these silent, black-and-white movies put on screen. "L'Inferno" was a big production, and a financial success. It's an important piece of film history, but also an impressive depiction of the underworld. Moral standards and technical possibilities were a little different back in the early 20th century, cinema was in its infancy, but that doesn't necessarily mean there's a lot of holding back. 

To this day, the imagery in "L'Inferno" is stunning, with beautifully decorated sets, strong use of light and shadow, inventive camera tricks and picture composition, and most of all an - obviously - far more traditional understanding of the rules and appearance of good and evil. It's more of a fresco on a church wall come alive, than the dynamic rush of modern horror movies. All of that combined makes "L'Inferno" an interesting, mesmerizing, and actually pretty creepy watch, both for the historian, and the horror geek. Maybe even for the casual viewer, who will be enlightened by its unfamiliar, sweet bizarreness. 

Watch "L'Inferno" (1911):

video source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfZraM2oIMY
https://www.youtube.com/@iconaus

* * *

More information about "L'Inferno" (1911):
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0002130/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Inferno

***

Click here for all "Streaming Kino" films/articles

 

Streaming Kino: Dementia 13 (1963) - Francis Ford Coppola

Issue six of "Streaming Kino": Francis Ford Coppola's early shocker about a heritage, gaslighting, and multiple deaths.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/75/Dementia.jpg/220px-Dementia.jpg

When Francis Ford Coppola was in Corman-school, roughly ten years before his epic "Godfather" movie, he was ordered to create a low-budget thriller that would be able make some easy money from the success of films like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" and Robert Aldrich's "What ever happened to Baby Jane?". And so he did - putting every stylistic ingredient known from such movies into "Dementia 13", and generously adding some extra flavor here and there. The result is a wild, and very psycho, thriller, that is considerably less polished than "Psycho", but in terms of creativity and anarchism has a lot in common with for example "Evil Dead" or "Braindead". 

For fans of dark, crazy thrillers, "Dementia 13" is a must see and highly enjoyable to watch, and for fans of Francis Ford Coppola it is an important piece of film history, being Copolla's first feature directing work.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056983/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dementia_13

video source:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pp1WYmeXbw
https://www.youtube.com/@PizzaFLIX

* * *

Click here for all "Streaming Kino" films/articles.

 

Review: Häxan (1922), "Witchcraft through the ages"

Swedish masterpiece "Häxan" takes you back to the age of witchcraft like no other movie does.

If there were a film documentary of the actual appearance of the devil, and what live witchcraft is, this is what it would look like. "Häxan" is Swedish for "witch". But no, this is not like "The Witch", "The Nun", or whatever "The..."-mainstream-movie US cinema has produced. "Häxan" is very different: it's a visual history and examination of witchcraft, superstition, and the devil, in European folklore. At the time of its first release "Häxan" was the most expensive Swedish film ever, and it shows. These are images you don't forget. There is zero shock or screamers here, no fancy sound effects, no frantic action sequences, but moody music and an endless amount of atmosphere. Watching an almost 100-year old movie can be a bit creepy in itself, but watching an almost 100-year old movie about witchcraft and the devil can be downright frightening if you're in the right mood.

Of course it's impossible to rate such an old movie adequately in context of its time. Seen from a modern perspective, it is surprisingly well-rounded in terms of scientific message - albeit there's not an overwhelming amount of it - and visually genuinely stunning. It seems like a peek into the forgotten roots of pretty much all horror literature (including films). It draws from the same pool as "Suspiria", "Insidious", "The Exorcist", and all the others, but is much closer to the source. And in contrast to the aforementioned it is absolutely not shy about putting witches, demons, and... well... the actual devil in full view.

Verdict: Must-see for the enthusiast. Spooky for everyone else. 8/10

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0013257/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A4xan

Sweden, directed by Benjamin Christensen

Trailer video (non official, see link below):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltDAAu7uEjw

 

* * *

Want to read another movie review? Click here to see all.

 

 

Streaming-Kino: House On Haunted Hill (1959) - Vincent Price, Carol Ohmart

Zweiter Teil des "Streaming-Kinos": Vincent Price und Carol Ohmart in William Castle's Screamer-Klassiker "House on Haunted Hill" (1959)

FILMTIPP: The 39 Steps (1935), Alfred Hitchcock

Great early black-and-white Hitchcock thriller, funny, charming, and exciting.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026029/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_39_Steps_(1935_film)