The Tomb of Ligeia (1964) is a Roger Corman horror film starring Vincent Price in a story about a man haunted by the spirit of his dead wife and her effect on his second marriage.
Some years after having buried his beloved wife Ligea, Verden Fell meets and eventually marries the lovely Lady Rowena. Fell is something of a recluse, living in a small part of a now ruined Abbey with his manservant Kenrick as the only other occupant. He remains infatuated with his late wife and is convinced that she will return to him. While all goes well when first married, he returns to his odd behaviour when they return to the Abbey from their honeymoon. The memories of Ligea continue to haunt him as well as her promise that she would never die.
Review
“In The Tomb of Ligeia, Roger Corman's last collaboration with Vincent Price, the director made a conscious effort to move away from the look and feel of their previous Poe pictures. Rather than shoot the film entirely on a soundstage (as had been the practice), outdoor locations would be utilized. Corman would also rely less on heavy fog and vibrant colors. Many of the scenes would take place in bright sunlight. The tone and construction of the film would still be that of an old-fashioned horror tale, only less stylized and confined than what Corman had done before… Price delivers a brilliant performance in the role. Verden Fell is a somewhat different character from some of the others he played: creepy, but through no fault of his own, and quite sympathetic. (Although if I were to compare his portrayal with another one of his Poe characters it would be Roderick Usher from The Fall of the House of Usher). Elizabeth Shepherd is also quite good. Acting ability aside, she compliments Price in that she's a more mature actress than the typical ingenue… Since Fell is established as a tragic romantic figure it would've been silly to pair the middle-aged Price with some nubile twentysomething. Tomb of Ligeia is my personal favorite Vincent Price horror film, and is a must-see for any fan with a passing interest in the genre.” eccentric-cinema.com
