Die, Monster, Die! (1965)

Although Die, Monster, Die! is a decidedly B-movie affair, aficionados of horror movies will want to catch it for the almost always reliable Boris Karloff. This isn't one of Karloff's finest performances -- the script makes sure that such a thing simply isn't possible -- but this master of the monster movie gives the material far more than it deserves, making the character a bit more complex and hinting at even greater complexities that never get fully explored. Plus, there's simply nothing like hearing Karloff's chilling graveyard voice, even when it's wrapped around dialogue that is simply ridiculous. The plotting is also a problem in Monster, with holes and logic-defying actions, but this wouldn't be such a problem if the film delivered more thrills and scares. There are a few effective moments, such as the revelation of just what Letitia is keeping hidden behind her veils, but Monster could benefit from four or five more. The ending veers off terribly, and the relationship between Nick Adams and Suzanne Farmer doesn't work the way it's supposed to -- in part because the actors aren't very good. Dan Haller's direction works well in places, but overall it's a bit labored and doesn't deliver the visceral excitement that one wants. Still, Monster is worth a view for Karloff. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide