2018 Countdown to Halloween – Day 25: The Maze (1953)
Cast: Richard Carlson as Gerald MacTeam
                Veronica Hurst as Kitty Murray
                Katherine Emery as Edith Murray
                Michael Pate as William

Based on the novel by Maurice Sandoz
Screenplay by Dan Ullman
Directed by William Cameron Menzies

Plot: When Gerald MacTeam is summoned to a family estate, he abruptly calls off his upcoming marriage to Kitty Murray. However, Kitty doesn’t take no for an answer and she vows to find out exactly what is happening in the Scottish highlands.

Richard’s Review: I had seen The Maze once many years ago and remember being greatly underwhelmed by the ending. However, I had honestly forgotten much about this film, so it felt like a first time viewing. Well, that was until the big reveal. Prior to the climax of the film, there is a lot to love about The Maze. First, you have Richard Carlson, who I also enjoy watching. Second, you have a lot of atmosphere, resulting in an almost old dark house feel at times. There is genuine mystery and suspense with some interesting performances. Unfortunately, when the creature is finally revealed, it really is a big letdown. That said, I recommend you check out The Maze on a rainy afternoon. I think you’ll enjoy it if you go in with lower expectations.

Karla’s Thoughts: This one was very atmospheric and creepy, so I really enjoyed it up until the reveal, which was simply ridiculous. I never understood why having a woman at the castle was dangerous, other than they might find out the truth. And why was the housekeeper killed? Of course, I liked the happy ending, so I’d watch it again but I’m going to laugh out loud every time the reveal happens.

Trivia:

William Cameron Menzies was an art director on It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) and Rebecca (1940), as well as a production designer on Gone with the Wind (1939). As a director, his credits include Chandu the Magician (1932) and Invaders from Mars (1953).
Richard Carlson is well known for his roles in Creature from the Black Lagoon (1953) and It Came from Outer Space (1953).
Michael Pate also starred with Boris Karloff in The Strange Door (1951) and The Black Castle (1952), as well as the underrated Universal vampire flick, Curse of the Undead (1959).

Availability: The Maze is available on Blu-ray from Kino Classics in both 2-D and 3-D.

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Day 25 - The Maze (1953)

Richard Chamberlain

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