The Masque of the Red Death

The sets of Corman's most lavish film were left over from another production. Corman and art director Daniel Haller made a habit of walking the scene dock at whatever studio they were working in, where flats from previous pictures were stored. Making this film, they found the flats from Becket and built on them. It was shot in England. Nicolas Roeg, who became a director himself years later, shot it. He renders Prospero's devotion to Satan in overwhelming reds, blues and yellows, and the colour work is considered the boldest of Corman's Poe adaptations. The story comes from Edgar Allan Poe. As the Red Death spreads through the country, Prince Prospero withdraws to his castle, seals himself in with his noble guests and throws a ball, indifferent to the peasants dying outside. Vincent Price plays Prospero, with Hazel Court and Jane Asher. Who it is for: viewers curious about the moment low-budget horror became art, and about 1960s colour design. Who it is not for: anyone expecting fast horror. This proceeds like a ceremony, and the violence is mostly implied.