Black Sabbath (1963) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Black Sabbath" (1963) in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle got "The Comedy of Terrors" (1964) for a second feature while Portland got another Bava film, "The Evil Eye" (1963).

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Black Sabbath (1963)
“Black Sabbath” is a 1963 Italian horror anthology film directed by Mario Bava, featuring three separate tales of terror and the supernatural, introduced by the legendary Boris Karloff.

The first story, “The Telephone,” revolves around Rosy, a woman who receives ominous phone calls from an unseen stalker, leading to a shocking revelation and a tragic conclusion.

In the second tale, “The Wurdulak,” a family awaits the return of their patriarch, Gorca, who has gone to battle a Wurdulak, a vampire-like creature that preys on its loved ones. The family’s reunion turns to horror as they discover Gorca’s fate.

The final segment, “The Drop of Water,” centers on Helen Corey, a nurse who steals a ring from a deceased medium’s corpse, only to be haunted by the vengeful spirit seeking to reclaim its possession.

“Black Sabbath” stands out for its atmospheric storytelling, blending traditional horror elements with psychological thrills, all while showcasing Bava’s signature style and visual flair.
Director: Mario Bava
Writers: Marcello Fondato, Alberto Bevilacqua, Mario Bava
Stars: Michèle Mercier, Lidia Alfonsi, Boris Karloff
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The Evil Eye (1963)
“The Evil Eye,” also known as “La ragazza che sapeva troppo” (The Girl Who Knew Too Much), is a 1963 Italian film directed by Mario Bava. It is often considered the first “giallo” film, combining elements of horror, mystery, and romance.

The story follows Nora Davis, an American tourist in Rome, who is a fan of mystery novels. Her vacation takes a dark turn when she witnesses a murder, plunging her into a real-life mystery. As the killings continue, Nora and her suitor find themselves entangled in the dangerous pursuit of a serial killer known as the Alphabet Murderer.

With its blend of suspense, stylish cinematography, and a plot that pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock, “The Evil Eye” is a seminal work that influenced the thriller genre.
Director: Mario Bava
Writers: Ennio De Concini, Sergio Corbucci, Eliana de Sabata
Stars: John Saxon, Letícia Román, Valentina Cortese
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The Comedy of Terrors (1963)
In the late 19th century, we meet the unscrupulous Waldo Trumbull in the quaint New England town of New Gilead. Waldo, a perpetually drunken undertaker, runs a funeral parlor he acquired from his former business partner, Amos Hinchley. Unfortunately for Waldo, business has been slow, and he’s drowning in overdue rent payments to his landlord, John F. Black. Desperate to keep his funeral parlor afloat, Waldo hatches a darkly comedic plan: he and his bumbling assistant, Felix Gillie, decide to murder wealthy clients to increase business. Their modus operandi includes reusing the firm’s sole coffin to save costs. But things take an unexpected turn when they attempt to kill their landlord, Mr. Black.
Director: Jacques Tourneur
Writers: Richard Matheson, Elsie Lee
Stars: Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff, Basil Rathbone
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May 19, 1964 ad (Portland)