Post by abraxas on Dec 18, 2009 6:08:42 GMT -5
The Bat is technically a murder mystery not a horror film, it was made in 1959 and features Vincent Price in a supporting role as Dr. Malcolm Wells.
A pillar of the community has robbed the bank of 1 million dollars. He has retreated to a cabin in the woods and has brought along his doctor and close friend Malcolm Wells.
He tells his friend about the stolen money and then tries to convince Price's character to help him fake his own death, with plans of retrieving the money after he is presumed dead. The plan is interrupted however when a forest fire rages toward their cabin. Dr Wells shoots his friend in the back after deciding that he rather have all of the money to himself.
Meanwhile in the town there have been a rash of murders by a man known as The Bat. This killer of woman dresses in a black suit and hat, a black mask which covers his entire face, and black leather gloves, the left hand tipped with steal talons which he uses to rip out the throats of his victims.
After a long hiatus the Bat has begone to kill again and is apparently aware of the money hidden in the old mansion. Soon the race is on to discover the location of the million dollars, but who is the Bat, is it Vincent Price's character Dr. Malcolm Wells, could it be Lt. Andy Anderson, who has lost a great deal of money when the bank was robbed. Perhaps its Warner, the chauffeur, who with his sorted past as a professional thief, makes him one of the more likely suspects.
Though this film does not star Vincent Price and isn't really a horror movie, it is a very good early film of his.
5 out of 5 stars
This public domain film can be watched for free below.
www.archive.org/details/The_Bat.mpeg