War Gods of the Deep (1965)/The Pit and the Pendulum (1961) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "War Gods of the Deep" (1965) in the Pacific Northwest. "The Pit and the Pendulum" (1961) was the second feature.

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War Gods of the Deep (1965)
“War Gods of the Deep,” also known as “City Under the Sea,” is a 1965 adventure film directed by Jacques Tourneur. The story follows American mining engineer Ben Harris, who, along with his eccentric artist friend Harold, stumbles upon a mysterious underwater city while searching for their kidnapped friend, Jill. This hidden city, located off the coast of Cornwall, is ruled by a tyrannical Captain and inhabited by a group of smugglers who have not aged in over a century due to the peculiar mix of gases in the environment.

As Ben and Harold navigate the dangers of this underwater world, they uncover secrets about the city’s ancient origins and the Captain’s ruthless rule. The film combines elements of science fiction, horror, and adventure, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of immortality, power, and survival.

Directors: Jacques Tourneur
Writers: Charles Bennett, Louis M. Heyward
Stars: Vincent Price, Tab Hunter, David Tomlinson
Buy "War Gods of the Deep" (1965) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "War Gods of the Deep" (1965) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
“The Pit and the Pendulum,” directed by Roger Corman and released in 1961, is a chilling adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tale. Set in a decaying castle in 16th-century Spain, the film follows Francis Barnard, a young Englishman who travels to the eerie Medina estate to investigate the mysterious death of his sister, Elizabeth.

Upon arrival, Francis is met with vague explanations from Elizabeth’s husband, Nicholas Medina, and his sister, Catherine. Nicholas, haunted by his father’s legacy as a brutal torturer during the Spanish Inquisition, reveals that Elizabeth died of fright. As Francis delves deeper into the castle’s dark history, he uncovers unsettling secrets and experiences strange occurrences that suggest Elizabeth’s spirit may still linger.

The film masterfully blends gothic horror with psychological suspense, creating an atmosphere of dread and intrigue. Vincent Price’s portrayal of Nicholas Medina adds a layer of complexity to the story, making “The Pit and the Pendulum” a memorable entry in the horror genre.

Director: Roger Corman
Writers: Richard Matheson, Edgar Allan Poe
Stars: Vincent Price, Barbara Steele, John Kerr
Buy "The Pit and the Pendulum" (1961) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "The Pit and the Pendulum" (1961) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

June 2, 1965 ad (Portland)