In the dimly lit corridors of cinematic history, there exists a name that sends shivers down the spines of horror film enthusiasts — Vincent Price. With an ominous voice that curdles blood and a dark presence that haunts the darkest of nightmares, Vincent Price emerged as an enduring legend in the realm of horror cinema.
His contribution to the genre transcended mere on-screen performances; it carved a mark on the collective psyche of generations of horror fans. In this exploration of the life and legacy of Vincent Price, we delve deep into the enigmatic world of this maestro of macabre, unraveling the life of the man who became the very embodiment of cinematic terror.
From his early years on the stage to his iconic collaborations with legendary directors, we will journey through the life of a man who made horror his art form and, in doing so, became an enduring legend in the pantheon of frightful tales. Welcome to the chilling world of Vincent Price, where fear is a work of art, and horror is an eternal masterpiece.
The Legendary Vincent PriceThe Life and Career of Vincent Price
Vincent Leonard Price Jr. was born on May 27, 1911, in St. Louis, Missouri, into a family of means. His father, Vincent Leonard Price Sr., was the president of the National Candy Company, which later merged with the Childs Restaurant Company. This privileged upbringing afforded young Vincent access to a world of culture and refinement.
Here is as good as a place as any to point out that my grandmother attended school with Vincent Price. She always seemed surprised by his success in horror as she remembered as nothing but a wonderfully nice person and consummate gentleman.
Price’s early education was diverse, reflecting his parents’ interests in the arts and culture. He attended Yale University, where he studied art history and fine arts. During his time at Yale, Price honed his interest in theater and became involved in various stage productions. Price’s passion for the performing arts led him to pursue a career in theater. He initially worked with various regional theater companies, gaining valuable experience and honing his acting skills.
During World War II, Vincent Price served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a liaison officer between the military and the entertainment industry. This unique role allowed him to work on morale-boosting projects, including radio broadcasts and theater productions, which further deepened his involvement in the world of entertainment.
Finding the Mad and Macabre
After the war, Price’s transition to film was gradual. He began with supporting roles in various movies, often cast as a charming and suave character. While Vincent saw his break into horror with The Invisible Man Returns (1940), his breakthrough in film came with the 1953 House of Wax, a 3D horror film that showcased his talent for playing sinister roles. One of my most vivid 3D memories is the sight of saw dust ripping from Vincent’s saw in House of Wax.
House of Wax marked the beginning of Vincent Price’s meteoric rise in horror cinema and solidified his status as a bonafide star. His distinctive voice, commanding presence, and ability to convey both menace and charm made him a sought-after actor for horror and suspense films. Price worked with renowned directors like Roger Corman, starring in a series of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations in the 1960s.
Vincent Price as Francois Delambre in an iconic horror sceneMust See Vincent Price Films
The Fly (1958)
The Fly (1958) is regarded as one of Vincent Price’s most iconic horror films. The film’s success and enduring popularity are due in no small part to the talent and gravitas that Price brought to his supporting role as François Delambre. Price provides the critical role of driving the post-teleportation narrative and ultimately brings clarity to the events of the film. Delambre gets sucked into the madness of his brother to an astonishing ending where Vincent Price must make the most brutal mercy decision.
David Cronenbergs 1986 revisionist love letter to The Fly (1958) provides the ultimate compliment to this brilliant film.
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Directed by William Castle, House in Haunted Hill (1959) centers around an enigmatic millionaire, Frederick Loren, impeccably portrayed by the iconic Vincent Price. Loren invites five seemingly unrelated individuals to spend the night in a notoriously haunted mansion perched atop a foreboding hill.
The catch? If any of them survive the night, they’ll each receive a substantial cash prize. With this tantalizing premise, the stage is set for a night of unrelenting terror and psychological suspense.
The supporting cast, including Carol Ohmart, Richard Long, and Carolyn Craig, all deliver solid performances, with each character harboring secrets and ulterior motives that keep the audience guessing.
This film single-handedly kicked off my life-long love of the genre and earned its place in 10 Essential Films to Know Malevolent Dark. Please check out our full review House on Haunted Hill.