Carnival of Souls (aka Corridorsof Evil) is Dark Psychological Horror
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Carnival of Souls makes the jump from Sunday afternoon favorite to cult classic. This horror movie from the 60s is experiencing a bit of a resurgence, and with good reason.
Written by BHM Editor Don Sumner
January 22, 2007
Release: 1962
Directed by: Herk Harvey
Written by: John Clifford and Herk Harvey
Starring:
Candace Hilligoss as Mary Henry
Frances Feist as Mrs. Thomas, Landlady
Sidney Berger as John Linden
Art Ellison as Minister
Stan Levitt as Dr. Samuels
So many classic horror movies, even many of those that achieved popularity first through a cult following rather than mass acceptance, are directed by names that rise to notoriety over time for their skill and library of horror creations. And then there's Carnival of Souls (aka Corridors of Evil, 1962). Herk Harvey, the director of Carnival of Souls is known for short documentaries (Leo Beuerman, 1969, Signals: Read 'Em or Weep, 1981) and for directing short films that teach life-lessons to growing teens (The Gossip, 1955, The Snob, 1958, Exchanging Greetings and Introductions, 1960). Not exactly the directing career one expects from the creator of psychological horror as intense as Carnival of Souls.
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Before the beginning credits roll the story jumps right in as three young women (Sharon Scoville, Mary Ann Harris and Candice Hilligoss) are convinced to participate in a drag race by two boys in the car stopped next to them at a traffic light. The cars speed along a dirt road and come upon a bridge, and suddenly the car carrying the three women bursts through the guard rail and sinks to the bottom of the raging river below.
Hours later, one of the women, Mary (Hilligoss), emerges from the river and walks across the muddy bank, seemingly unharmed. When asked how she managed to escape the crash she just walks on in silence.
Three days later Mary, who is a professional organist, accepts a job in Utah playing organ for a small church. As she is leaving her hometown she proclaims that she will never return.
During the drive to Utah Mary has visions of a strange and disfigured man (played by Director Herk Harvey himself) staring at her through her car's windshield that cause her to run off the road. She is able to drive her damaged car out of the ditch and on to the Utah boarding house that will be her new home. The visions, however, continue. Everywhere she looks the strange man is there, 
yet nobody can see him but her. And what about that carnival building she passed on her way into town, and why does she feel so drawn to it?
Carnival of Souls is a psychological horror/thriller that uses irony and isolation to craft a tale of a woman slowly losing her mind. Mary feels separate from other people, yet her actions and behavior seem to purposely drive a wedge between her and anyone that tries to get close. Imagery and symbolism are used heavily by director Herk Harvey in an attempt to convey more to the viewer than what is happening on the screen.
The primary warning to anyone considering watching Carnival of Souls for the first time is one of expectation. Carnival of Souls has elevated to cult status among many, and even classic horror status to some. With this status comes an expectation of a cinematic masterpiece that may not be apparent upon an initial viewing.
The effects are minimal, the gore is non-existent and the imagery usage can feel at times like the storyline is less than coherent.
Carnival of Souls is one of those movies that you happen across by accident on a lazy Sunday afternoon that is so surprisingly good and engaging that you remember it fondly for the rest of your life. When you watch Carnival of Souls try and get into that mindset, and you will really be in for a treat. � Questions or Comments about Carnival of Souls? �Contact us!
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