White Zombie

Starring:Madge Bellamy, Joseph Cawthorn, Dan Crimmins, John Ferguson, Robert W. Frazer, John Harron, Brandon Hurst, Bela Lugosi, Clarence Muse, John Peters, Frederick Peters, Velma Gresham, George Burr MacAnnan
Director: Victor Halperin
Studio: Genius Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Bela Lugosi followed up his star-making role in Dracula with this ambitious low-budget horror film from the Halperin brothers, who effectively transplanted the misty gothic mood of the Universal horror films to their poverty-row studio. White Zombie drips with atmosphere from the opening, as eerie chanting accompanies the credits and Madeleine (Madge Bellamy) arrives at midnight to witness a mysterious burial before coming face to face with the satanic looking Murder Legendre (Lugosi with goatee and searing eyes), a hypnotist and voodoo master who has been supplying the local mills with an army of zombie laborers. Madeleine's nightmare is just beginning. Having landed in a world of almost perpetual night, where hollow-eyed zombies lumber through the sugar mill and the ghostly town is eerily bereft of living souls, she becomes the object of desire for Legendre, whose plan to possess her involves her initiation to the world of the undead. This first zombie movie is also one of the best, with Lugosi's archly sinister performance dominating the film (thankfully obscuring a lot of overacting by supporting players), and astounding sets and gorgeous matte paintings creating a wondrous sense of poetic doom. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

A "B" Horror Masterpiece.......2007-04-11

This atmospheric horror film of a happy young couple finding danger on a Hatain plantation is a "B" horror classic. Coming closely on the heels of Lugosi's "Dracula," "White Zombie" has much of the same atmosphere and look of that film.

Brothers Edward (producer) and Victor (director) Halperin worked with cinematographer Arthur Martinelli to give Garnett Weston's story of zombies an eerie look and fun atmosphere. Anyone popping this one in late at night won't be disappointed.

John Harrow and pretty Madge Bellamy star as the young lovers who learn right away that those who work in the sugar mills, and the fields at night, are no longer men, but dead bodies. Lugosi is their master, controlling the glassy-eyed undead at every turn.

Plantation owner Charles Beaumont (Robert Frazer) loves Madeleine (Madge Bellamy) also, but cannot convince her not to marry her true love, Neil (John Harrow). He will finally turn to Lugosi for help, but Lugosi has his own plans for the beautiful young bride. The discovery that her body has been removed will lead her new husband Neil and his new friend Dr. Bruner (Joseph Cawthorn), a missionary, to follow a trail to Lugosi's foreboding castle by the sea in order to break the zombie spell and save her soul.

This is a "B" horror masterpiece which is a lot of fun to watch. The ending doesn't disappoint in this one either, as it does in "Dracula." Don't miss this one!

"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video".......2006-10-16

Passport Video presents "The Bela Lugosi Box - 15 Frightful Films" (1942) --- (Dolby digitally remastered) --- Béla Lugosi was the stage name of actor Béla Ferenc Dezs Blaskó (October 20, 1882 - August 16, 1956) --- Lugosi was born in Lugos, Hungary, at the time part of Austria-Hungary (now Lugoj, Romania), the youngest of four children of a baker --- best known for his portrayal of "Dracula" in the American Broadway stage production, and subsequent film, of Bram Stoker's classic vampire story.

Late in his life, he again received star billing in movies when filmmaker Edward D. Wood, Jr., a fan of Lugosi, found him living in obscurity and near-poverty and offered him roles in his films, such as "GLEN OR GLENDA?" (1953) (in which his role made no more sense than the rest of the movie) and as a Dr. Frankenstein-like mad scientist in "BRIDE OF THE MONSTER" (1955), during post-production of the latter, Lugosi entered treatment for his addiction, and the premier of the film was ostensibly intended to help pay for his treatment expenses. The extras on an early DVD release of "PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE" (1959) include an impromptu interview with Lugosi upon his exit from the treatment center, which provide some rare personal insights into the man --- this was one of Lugosi's most infamous roles was released after he was dead. Ed Wood (Director) features footage of Lugosi interspersed with a double --- Wood had taken a few minutes of silent footage of Lugosi, in his Dracula cape, for a planned vampire picture but was unable to find financing for the project --- Wood later conceived of Plan 9, Wood wrote the script to incorporate the Lugosi footage and hired his wife's chiropractor to double for Lugosi in additional shots --- notice however the "double" is thinner than Lugosi, and covers the lower half of his face with his cape in every shot --- Leonard Maltin (Famous Film Critic) was quoted - "Lugosi died during production, and it shows."

Lugosi died of a heart attack on August 16, 1956 while lying in bed in his Los Angeles home. He was 73 --- Bela Lugosi was buried wearing one of the many capes from the Dracula stageplay, as per the request of his son and fifth wife, in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California --- Contrary to popular belief, Lugosi never requested to be buried in his famous cloak; Bela Lugosi, Jr. has confirmed on numerous occasions that he and his mother, Lillian, arrived at their decision independently.

BIOS:
1. Bela Lugosi (aka: Béla Ferenc Dezsõ Blaskó)
Date of birth: 20 October 1882 - Lugos, Austria-Hungary. [now Lugoj, Romania]
Date of death: 16 August 1956 - Los Angeles, California
2. Edward D. Wood Jr. (Director, Writer and Producer)
Date of birth: 10 October 1924 - Poughkeepsie, New York
Date of death: 10 December 1978 - North Hollywood, California

This collection of "The Bela Lugosi Box - 15 Frightful Films" (1942) --- still has the magic that we remember from those bygone years --- but as long as we have the labels and networks who play and show these wonderful films of yesteryear, they will never be forgotten ... Plus the half-hour tribute "100 Years of Horror: Bela Lugosi", hosted by Christopher Lee --- and a great job by Passport Video for this release --- looking forward to more of the same from the '20s and '50s vintage...order your copy now from Amazon or Passport Video, stay tuned once again for more remarkable films from the vaults of classic television and Hollywood during the Golden Era of Entertaiment.

Total Time: 1034 mins on DVD ~ Passport Video #5260 ~ (9/05/2006)

A Visual Feast.......2006-08-18

Sometimes silly, sometimes stilted, nearly always stagey, White Zombie remains nonetheless one of the most visually fascinating films in horror history. Who can forget the image of Madge Bellamy's alabaster gown flowing down the concrete staircase, or the zombie burial procession outlined spectrally against the sky, or the sinister shadows cast demonically across a dance floor. Then there's the magnificently gothic hall with its grotesquely twisted bannister like none other I've seen. In fact, almost every scene presents at least one arresting visual feature. As good as these and the many other touches are, it's still the mill scene that remains a masterpiece of visual staging. It must be seen to be appreciated-- the pitiless grind of the crusher, the soundless shuffle circling into the maw-- all in all, one of the deeper levels of Dante's inferno and one that's bound to stay with you.

If the visuals are inspired, the acting is not. It's almost as if two different people are in charge. Bellamy is quite good with her large liquid eyes and bee-stung lips. Her transformation into a zombie stupor is well performed. Of course, there's also Lugosi as Lugosi, florid, hammy, but effective nonetheless. The other principals, however, bring down the proceedings with what can only be described as bad acting. Bellamy's swain in particular is plain annoying, while the preacher appears to have wandered in from a breezy Bing Crosby production. Too bad. With more appropriate performances this could have been an all-time classic.

As things stand, it's a truly memorable film, whose influence can be seen in such diverse venues as Val Lewton's horror cycle, Bergman's The Seventh Seal, and Romero's Night of the Living Dead. Except for the mill scene with its eerily grinding tonality, the movie might be best enjoyed by turning off the sound altogether. (P. S. Colorizing this b&w marvel is nothing less than a crime.)

An Oasis in a Desert of Bad Quality Editions.......2006-03-08

White Zombie is one of those movies that can be found in many cheap, struck from VHS editions. Roan has has put out this excellent edition which does the movie justice. The sound and picture quality are about as good as you're probably going to get and the commentary is very informative. Beware of cheap editions and get this one instead.

Atmospheric Horror Tale Containing A Classic Performance By Horror legend Bela Lugosi.......2006-02-14

When the name Bela Lugosi is mentioned most people's thoughts straight away go to "Dracula" which of all his large number of films is the one performance for which he will be forever after remembered. Like the undead themselves that one role could never be put to rest by Lugosi and became equally a blessing and a curse for his future career prospects. This situation was a shame as he gave numerous other interesting performances in films such as the fascinating "White Zombie" which he made just after his stardom making role in "Dracula". "White Zombie", has happily become a cult classic itself with the passage of time and with its recent superb restoration for DVD by the talented Roan group the film is looking better now than it has in almost 70 years. Bela Lugosi delivers one of his most unforgettable performances here in a role full of menace and mystery, in short it was a role he was ideally suited for and literally born to play. "White Zombie" is also especially significant in being the first motion picture to feature those strange creatures of the horror genre; the zombies. Made on a shoe string budget by Halperin Producions, what the film lacked in budget it more than made up for with rich multi-layered atmosphere that is more than equal to any other horror effort produced by the larger film companies in the 1930's.

The action opens on a dark mist shrouded road where we see a carriage carrying young soon to be wed couple Madeleine, (Marge Bellamy), and fiance Neil (John Harron), to the Haitian plantation property of an acquaintance Charles Beaumont (Robert Frazer), who they met on a recent sea trip. Beaumont it seems has organized for the young couple to be married on the estate however his motives are devious ones as he seeks Madeleine for himself and plans to obtain her by fair means or foul. After failing in the lead up to the actual wedding ceremony to convince Madeleine to come away with him, Beaumont decides to use desperate measures to get her and consults with the mysterious "Murder", Legendre (Bela Lugosi), a neighbour who it turns out is a zombie master living on a remote estate who uses the "undead" or zombies to run his sugar plantation. Legendre gives him a strange potion which Beaumont applies to a rose which he gives to Madeleine before the ceremony which in time renders her an emotionless zombie with all the symptoms of actually being dead. The group buries Madeleine in the estate crypt however Beaumont removes her still living body to have her for his own however the Madeleine he felt such passion for is now an emotionless zombie with no attraction at all. Beaumont goes back to Legendre to see if he can change her back however the zombie master sees his own opportunity to obtain more workers and drugs Beaumont with the same potion rendering him into a semi zombie state. Meanwhile seeing that Madeleine's supposedly dead body has been removed from the crypt the distraught Neil sinks into a life of drunkeness however when warned by local priest/missionary Dr. Bruner (Joseph Cawthorn), that Madeleine may still be alive the pair eventually track her down to Legendre's castle where in the final confrontation both Legendre and Beaumont are killed and Madeleine is rescued from the zombie like trance she was imprisoned in to now be reunited with her young husband Neil.

It's very hard nowadays in our era of multi million dollar budgets and star salaries that a film such as 'White Zombie", was filmed in 11 days on a budget of $50,000 American dollars. It says alot for the great skill of early sound filmmakers that the impossible was seemingly achieved here with a polished look production that admittedly has its slow parts. For one of the few times in his erractic career Bela Lugosi has a role where his full screen presense is properly put to use. His sinister Zombie master "Murder' Legendre stands out as one of his better acting assignments and even though much of "White Zombie", is still emeshed in silent film technique and presentation he manages to work wonders with his minimal screen dialogue relying instead on his hypnotic eyes and commanding manner. Indeed it is appropriate that the first thing we see of Lugosi is his staring eyes superimposed over the screen before we even see his character fully in the story. The remainder of the performances are very much of the old school of acting and while capable, they betray the actors orgins in silent cinema. The young romantic couple played by Madge Bellamy and John Harron and Beaumont played by Robert Frazer are the best cases in point and it is significant that all of these actors despite their relatively young ages, found their careers ebbing away rapidly with the advent of full sound productions. Jospeh Cawthorn as the local missionary Dr. Bruner despite being of more of an advanced age displays more of the fluid qualities essential for acting in the sound era and he comes across as far more natural than the younger members of the cast. However "White Zombie", is Bela Lugosi's film all the way. Often accused even in "Dracula", of a stagey style of acting those qualities are what make shis character here work so well where so much of the menace of his character and his intentions is conveyed through his hypnotic stares that dont need alot of dialogue or movement. The second great star of 'White Zombie", is it's overwhelming atmosphere and superb use of shadow and light courtesy of gifted cameraman Arthur Martinelli who creates here one of the most doom laden horror tales of the 1930's. The scenes of the zombies marching up the hillside to work in the sugar refinery and the sinister graveyard scenes, in particular when we as the viewers seem to be literally entombed along with the Marge Bellamy character when her coffin is slid into the crypt are cinematic strokes of genius and are far superior to most of the other early talkie camerawork at this time. Even the frequent reuse of sets left over from earlier productions such as "Dracula", because of th elimited budget dont injure the films overall look, and Lugosi's eerie castle perched up on top of a stormy cliff above the ocean is one of the best matte painting backgrounds made for a horror movie in the '30's. Special mention must also finally go to the superior makeup work performed by Jack Pierce on his zombie creations and in creating the wonderfully sinister appearance for Bela Lugosi's character which really heightens the feeling of unease when he is on camera.

Considering the film's budget and the short time it was in production "White Zombie", is truly amazing for the rich visual quality of its presentation. It is also unique in that it tells its at times convuluted story with a minimum of dialogue where the emphasis is on facial expression to tell the intriguing story giving it an almost silent film feel. To properly see the legend that was horror icon Bela Lugosi there is truly no better vehicle than "White Zombie", where one can really appreciate the skill that this often maligned and underrated actor brought to low budget productions such as this. For an atmospheric horror tale populated by sinister individuals and strange happenings the early talkie "White Zombie" is a horror treat not to be missed. Starring the legendary Bela Lugosi in his second most famous role and now restored almost back to it's original magnificence for this DVD presentation this film is a must for Lugosi and early horror fans alike. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

A "B" Horror Masterpiece
"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video"
A Visual Feast
An Oasis in a Desert of Bad Quality Editions
Atmospheric Horror Tale Containing A Classic Performance By Horror legend Bela Lugosi

White Zombie
Starring: Bela Lugosi , Madge Bellamy , Joseph Cawthorn , Robert Frazer , and John Harron
Director: Victor Halperin
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Hollywood's Legends of Horror Collection (Doctor X / The Return of Doctor X / Mad Love / The Devil Doll / Mark of the Vampire / The Mask of Fu Manchu)
The Bela Lugosi Collection (Murders in the Rue Morgue / The Black Cat / The Raven / The Invisible Ray / Black Friday)
The Ghoul
The Old Dark House
I Walked with a Zombie / The Body Snatcher

ASIN: B00006AUGD
Release Date: 2002-04-16

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A "B" Horror Masterpiece.......2007-04-11

"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video".......2006-10-16

A Visual Feast.......2006-08-18

An Oasis in a Desert of Bad Quality Editions.......2006-03-08

Atmospheric Horror Tale Containing A Classic Performance By Horror legend Bela Lugosi.......2006-02-14

Bela Lugosi - King of the Undead (White Zombie / The Corpse Vanishes / One Body Too Many)

Average customer rating:

"Zombies Take Note"

Bela Lugosi - King of the Undead (White Zombie / The Corpse Vanishes / One Body Too Many)
Starring: Bela Lugosi Classics
Manufacturer: Vintage Home Ent.
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Similar Items:

The Bela Lugosi Collection (Murders in the Rue Morgue / The Black Cat / The Raven / The Invisible Ray / Black Friday)
Dracula - The Legacy Collection (Dracula / Dracula (1931 Spanish Version) / Dracula's Daughter / Son of Dracula / House of Dracula)
The Val Lewton Horror Collection (Cat People / The Curse of the Cat People / I Walked with a Zombie / The Body Snatcher / Isle of the Dead / Bedlam / The Leopard Man / The Ghost Ship / The Seventh Victim / Shadows in the Dark)
The Bela Lugosi Box - 15 Frightful Films
Frankenstein - The Legacy Collection (Frankenstein / Bride of / Son of / Ghost of / House of)

ASIN: B000A2XD3O
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Description

White Zombie - When Monsieur Beaumont (Robert Frazer) invites Madeleine (Madge Bellamy) and Neil (John Harron) to his Haitian plantation for their wedding, the couple discover he has other than altruistic intentions. Determined to make Madeleine his bride, Beaumont employs the help of zombie master Murder Legendre (Bela Lugosi) to kill and resurrect her. He does so, but decides he would rather keep the lady for himself.

The Corpse Vanishes - Dr. Lorenz (Bela Lugosi) needs the blood of young virgins in order to keep his elderly wife alive. In order to acquire it, he uses his horticultural skills to cultivate an orchid to poison young brides. Seven women are taken this way and brought to his Brookdale mansion. When reporter Pat Hunter (Luana Walters) discovers the scheme she visits the mansion, claiming to be doing an article on rare orchids. While there Lorenz sets his mark on her, intent on making her his next victim.

One Body Too Many - Timid insurance salesman Albert Tuttle (Jack Haley) arrives at the Rutherford estate determined to sell the aged millionaire a policy, only to find that the man has already passed away. Instead he finds a house full of greedy relatives. It seems that, according to the will, everyone must remain in the house until the body is claimed. When the body vanishes, Albert determines to help Carol (Jean Parker), a young damsel very much in distress, from being added to the body count.

Customer Reviews:

"Zombies Take Note".......2007-01-04

A good trilogy of horror, but the prime cut on this disc is definitely "White Zombie"! This was the classic flick which introduced the "zombie" to the cinema. The transfer to DVD is crisp and clean, both video and audio, unlike the earlier VHS offerings. Those were washed out, fuzzy grainy offerings, this stuff is pristene. Of note... in the single issue "White Zombie" from the Roan Group there's an optional commentary track narrated by Gary Don Rhodes, a Lugosi scholar, who does a great job on giving all the background on this great flick.

Rockthology Presents Hard N Heavy, Vol. 3

Average customer rating:

Not for you if you are looking for *un-interrupted* videos
Great bands on vol. 3: Primus rules all!!!

Rockthology Presents Hard N Heavy, Vol. 3
Starring: Soundgarden , and White Zombie
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Rockthology 2: Hard N Heavy
Rockthology, Vol. 6: Hard N Heavy
Rockthology 1: Hard N Heavy
Rockthology Presents Hard 'n' Heavy Vol. 7
Rockthology Presents Hard N Heavy, Vol. 4

ASIN: B00007L4NH
Release Date: 2003-02-25

Description

These compilations feature music videos combined with rarely seen footage of up close and in-depth interviews with some of the greatest bands in rock history. Hardcore fans will also enjoy a host of innovative DVD features including band history highlights, extensive discographies, interactive trivia games, bonus animation, and more! Bands featured in this volume are Rollins Band, Soundgarden, Primus, White Zombie, Helmet, Pantera, Body Count.

Customer Reviews:

Not for you if you are looking for *un-interrupted* videos .......2006-03-16

I don't know what it is about people who produce these compilations. They seem to be convinced that us video music fans simply prefer to have people TALKING ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE VIDEOS!

I bought this thinking the interviews were separate from the videos and for about 6.00 used, how could anyone go wrong?

In short, if you are looking for the actual, complete, *un-interrupted* videos (or interviews) from these artists, save your money.

AMAZON - PLEASE TAKE GREATER TIME IN MAKING THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN "VIDEO COMPILATION" AND "VIDEO DOCUMENTARY" - COULDA SAVED ME A LOT OF MONEY!!!!

I've got an idea, how about a separate section for interviews??? - Ya think these discs might actually sell???

Great bands on vol. 3: Primus rules all!!!.......2003-03-14

Being a huge Primus fan this was a great find. The band has been on hiatus for 3 years and now this is a nice Primus fix. Also included is Rollins Band and Pantera and White Zombie. If you like any of these bands do yourself a favor and Pick it up.

Product Description

"In an age when thrilling westerns ruled the silver screen, director Victor Helparin decided to move on to another form and level of cinematic entertainment. What prompted him to so is not clear, but the results of the decision are pretty evident from the scores of horror movies that followed his pioneering venture "The White Zombie!" The movie both thrilled and horrified audiences unaccustomed to such themes. It is difficult to portray themes that are fascinating, terrifying, captivating and innovative all at once, but in this timeless classic Victor Helparin has done just this and earned himself a place of honor in the world of entertainment. His disconcerting use of sound and dreamy images, which paved the way for later horror movies, is proof of his exceptional insight and skills as director. Of course, this is amply supplemented by the genius of people like Harold Anderson, whose special effects are stunningly imaginative, and Bela Lugosi, whose portrayal of an evil sorcerer is truly chilling. The rest of the cast, too, deserves mention for their great effort in portraying various characters from dehumanized zombies to helpless lovers. The set designers have done a fabulous job of creating an eerie atmosphere that heralds the horrifying incidents to follow. A2ZCDS offers you - now on DVD - this deliciously horrifying feature film about a couple that gets much more than they bargained for when they decide to tie the knot in a spooky Haitian mansion!"

Customer Reviews:

The only special effects are Bela's eyebrows.......2007-05-03

Well we got a good little flick here. The great-grandfather of zombie films. Thanks to this we have Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead.

Bela Lugosi lives in a big castle in Haiti. He resurrects the dead as slave labor to work in the sugarcane fields and in the mill. This is the forerunner of Kathy Lee Gifford's sweat shops. Anyway a young couple on the island are going to get married. You got to check this blonde out! She's a little small in the chest, but her face is awesome! She is a real beauty. Well this loser wants her for himself and devises a plan with Bela. On her wedding night the bride 'dies' only to be brought back as a zombie by Bela. Unfortunately the loser learns to late that though she can still play the piano, the light in her eyes is gone.

He wants her back to normal, but Bela has other ideas. He wants the loser to be a slave in the sugar mill too! But the groom comes to the rescue and the loser and Bela take a long walk off a short cliff.

The interesting thing about this movie is Bela himself. It seems they couldn't decide what he should look like, so he is half Dracula and half Charlie Chan. I lost count how many times he does the 'Dracula stare' into the camera, but I guess audiences loved it and it's what Bela did best.

Man that blond was smoking. SHe could be my White Zombie any day.

"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video".......2006-10-16

Reasonable If Not Best Remaster of a Seldom-Seen Horror Classic.......2006-06-30

The term "Zombie" and the concepts it conveyed did not really enter American conciousness until the publication of William B. Seabrook's THE MAGIC ISLAND in 1929--but once established, it fired popular imagination, producing everything from a host of pulp fiction shorts to a fairly lethal mixture of rum and tropical juices. Released in 1932, THE WHITE ZOMBIE is generally considered to be the first motion picture on the subject--and it would pretty much set pop culture ideas about zombies, voodoo, and Hati for decades to come.

The film is interesting in several respects, not least of which is the fact that it an independent production, something rare indeed for a film of its era. Unfortunately, this fact also gave rise to a series of legal battles between writer Kenneth S. Webb and producers Edward and Victor Halperin. What with one thing or another the film itself was considered lost from about 1935 until it resurfaced in 1960, when it once more touched off another legal battle between the same parties and their estates. In consequence, and although it has indeed turned up at special screenings and on the late-late show, the film has never really been widely seen since its 1932 debut--and most of the prints available were pretty dire. This was certainly the case when I saw the film in a "big screen" film festival in the late 1970s: the sound was poor, the visuals worse, and it was very difficult to tell what all the fuss was about.

Fortunately for fans of 1930s horror, THE WHITE ZOMBIE is now available in numerous DVD versions--but it is very much a case of "buyer beware," for most of them are extremely dire. Roan Group has released an exceptional restoration of the film; PC Treasures has a reasonable budget release in tandem with the cult classic CARNIVAL OF SOULS. The Timeless Classics edition falls somewhere between the two: the age of the elements show and it isn't a patch on the Roan edition, but its a darn sight better than most.

As for the film itself, even by 1932 standards THE WHITE ZOMBIE was not a "screamer" in the same sense as DRACULA or FRANKENSTEIN were; it is instead lyric, at times poetic in nature, disturbing in the same manner of an Edgar Allen Poe poem. The story is quite simple: Madeline Short (Madge Bellamy) and Neil Parker (John Harron) have come to Hati--and en route have met estate owner Charles Beaumont (Robert Frazer.) Beaumont falls in love with Madeline; unable to convince her to leave Parker, he goes to zombie master 'Murder' Legendre (Bela Lugosi), who works his evil spell upon her. But Beaumont soon finds himself at odds with Legendre, and Parker, with the aid of missionary Dr. Bruner (Joseph Cawthorne) has set out to rescue Madeline at all costs.

The cast is quite fine, and many critics consider that this is really Lugosi's best performance of the early 1930s, surpassing his more famous turn in DRACULA. Indeed, he is a remarkable presence in the film, ugly and sinister and yet at times--it is difficult to describe--one sees the unexpectedly attractiveness of the man in both physical and psychological terms. It is a memorable performance. But the big thing about THE WHITE ZOMBIE isn't so much the story or the performances as "how the thing is done."

The cinematography is simple, but it has a misty quality, and one is always aware of the texture of black and white; shadows are important in the film, and the overall look is quite unlike anything to come out of Hollywood up to that point--and even today it remains largely unique. There is an elegance to the way the scenes are staged and photographed that rarely occurs in any film of any era.

Modern viewers without significant interest in films of this period are likely to find THE WHITE ZOMBIE mannered and a bit slow--but if you have an interest in early sound films, and even more so in horror films of the 1930s, THE WHITE ZOMBIE is an essential in your collection.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Vintage post-Dracula Lugosi.......2005-05-22

Close on the heels of portraying the immortal Dracula, Bela Lugosi turned his suave eeriness and trademark powerful stares to 1932's White Zombie. He manages to make an otherwise forgetful horror flick into something worth watching, although I admit I was far from captivated by the movie. It gets off to a promising start. Neil and his fiancé Madeleine have to pause on their way to the home of their supposed benefactor when they encounter a nighttime burial in the middle of the road (so no one will tamper with the dead body, you know), then soon meet up with the creepy, mysterious Legrende (Lugosi) and some of his pet zombies. Once they arrive at their destination, their host, Beaumont, confesses his love for Madeleine but finds that his Harry Houdini haircut does not succeed in winning her over. Naturally, he decides to invoke the help of Legrende, who promises Beaumont that there is a way for him to claim her. I'll give you three guesses as to what this involves. Neil runs around half crazy even before discovering that the tomb of his beloved is empty, then manages to get the support of the local missionary in finding his apparently not fully deceased wife. I'm afraid I didn't particularly care for the ending of this film; it's a little too predictable, and Neil's clumsy antics are almost as annoying as the pipe-smoking missionary's repeated requests for a match. There are some interesting little film production techniques here -- split screens, overlays of ghostly images, and the like, but it is the story that seems to come up a little short. Haiti doesn't seem quite the proper setting for Lugosi, but the filmmaker got a lot of terrific mileage out of close-ups on his piercing eyes. Lugosi fans won't want to miss White Zombie, but others may not get much out of the movie.

Average customer rating:

"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video"

White Zombie
Starring: Bela Lugosi; Madge Bellamy
Director: Victor Halperin
Manufacturer: Miracle Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BW3L08
Release Date: 1982-04-04

Product Description

AYoung man turns to a witch doctor to lure the woman he loves away from her diancee, but instead turns her into a zombie slave.

Customer Reviews:

"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video".......2006-10-16

Average customer rating:

The head of the sheik dead!
an excellent peice of crap
This one creeps, mesmerises and flows, o so quietly, but still goes straight for the kill...
Laughable
if you watch in a certain way

Oasis of the Zombies
Starring: Caroline Audret , Manuel Gelin , France Jordan , Henri Lambert , and Miriam Landson
Director: A.M. Frank
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Zombie Lake
Hell of the Living Dead
Nightmare City
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The Dead Hate the Living

ASIN: B000059H87
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Description

Robert, a student at an English university, receives word of his father's unexpected death and returns home to Africa. While reading his father's dairies, Robert learns of the obsession that led to his death: $6,000,000 in Nazi gold that remains buried at an oasis in the Sahara desert, protected by the restless, rotting souls who died protecting it. Using his inheritance, Robert bands together with three fellow students to wrest the unclaimed fortune from the dunes of the dead!

Customer Reviews:

The head of the sheik dead!.......2007-06-01

I have to step up to the plate and say I like this one. I have seen all of the euro-zombie B or lover movie list that I'm aware of. Including such slop as Burial Ground, Zombie Lake, Zombie 3, Nightmare city, Hell of the Living Dead, and Zombie Holocaust to name a few. Those movies I can say did nothing to peak my interest other than to give me a few good ideas at Halloween costumes. But this one I have to say for some strange reason, I like. True..it is very low budget, but I can see as a kid I would have loved this.
On some imaginary level..it works. I love the drum and sheik music, the desert oasis thing with the gold, and the dead Nazi guardians of the ill gotten means. I liked the clay like zombie make-up( at least they weren't green like in zombie lake), and the special effects were masked in a way that it just wasn't stupid-out-rite obvious it was fake. I did laugh and enjoy this film for all it's many flaws. I can't recommend all of Franco's films. But if you want a cheap zombie movie that at least can stand with say Shockwaves or Fulci's Zombie, this one I'd give a try. I did order a used copy for my zombie private stash.

an excellent peice of crap.......2006-12-12

oasis of the zombies is considered by most people to be the worst zombie film ever. when looked at technically it is, but when looked at as a horror film, i think it suceeds if not excells. the movie is about college kids searching for lost nazi gold in the desert. as you could probably expect, theyre attacked and killed by the undead nazis who are gaurding the gold. the zombies themselves look pretty cool. the makeup is done very well for a film with such a small budget. there is only one gore scene which is when the zombies tear out a womens intestines. the films biggest problem is its pacing. the film is very boring at times. also, the films overall quality is low. if you can just ignore the crappy quality and be patient through the boring parts, you may find yourself enjoying this little gem. it may be a peice of crap, but its an excellent peice of crap.

This one creeps, mesmerises and flows, o so quietly, but still goes straight for the kill..........2006-07-10

This zombie movie is according to most people one of the worst ever made and I don't agree. I really can't get enough of this one, and I certainly don't mean this in any sarcastic way. As a mater a fact, I have nothing with zombie movies really, except with the teriffic punk-spoof "Return of the living dead" - and this one, "Oasis of the living dead" (as my own VHS edition is still called.)

So what's wrong with it then, hey?
Let me post the opposite question as an answer: so what's to be liked about this then, hey?

I like it's amateuristic-looking aproach: it gives you that delicious documentary-feel. This is mainly thanx to the constant neuroticly zooming-in of the camera; first it's irritating, I admit, but after a while it becomes part of that swinging cinema-variété style, and you start to appreciate it, that is of course, if you're on the same radio-frequence here as I am.

Then you have this wonderful eerie organ tune, which is as simple and effective as the theme music of such flicks as "Halloween", "Suspiria" and "Phantasm".

Then there are the sublime moments of quietness throughout the movie, in which only sounds of nature is heard, like wind or birds. Together with the locations, from worn-down houses in nameless sun-blazed town, to the dessert and the sinister oasis itself, it works.

And talk about music: how about that sound that can best be described as "blood flowing through veins", like some chirurgical instrument is pressed against someone's arteries. It's all clever stuff the makers came up with when they knew their budget (which was, I guess, no budget at all) could not provide them with a full blown orchestra - and thank God for that.

It's an overall eerie tone and dense, hot-blazing atmosphere here. The effect of all this is hightened by the zombies themselves who do not howler, scream, run, jump or act in any frantic way - they just emerge from the sand, they simply "are there" all of a sudden, and then they overcome, and allmost seduce in stead of maim.

The result is still death and mayhem, but almost in a hypnotic sense.
(And you can quote me on this one.)

Laughable.......2006-06-09

Man, what was the budget for this movie?! Five dollars? How did this even get a release? Anyway, now that it's out of my system I will explain why. The movie is just a mish mash of total nonsense. First off, the dubbing is piss poor, sometimes it looks like they start talking before words even come out. The makeup is really unrealistic, but it actually looks kind of cool. This movie also moves at a snails pace, very slow and boring at times. My major problem with this movie was the lighting, extremely dim if not totally dark. One thing that really left me laughing was the ridiculous changing from daytime shots to night time shots in the final scene. One minute it shows sillouettes of zombies roaming through a sunset, then it's completely dark with just a campfire, and finally it shows a group of zombies with a sunny blue sky behind them! I only give this two stars because I think all zombie movies are pretty sweet. However as a fan of the genre, I really only recommend this if you have seen every other zombie film and just have to se this one too, you'll kind of feel sorry you watched this.

if you watch in a certain way.......2006-01-29

If you watch this in a certain way, with your tongue in cheek, ready for a pastiche of almost unrelated scenes knit together into a plot, willing to look aside and admire the beauty of the sand shots and the classy interiors when things get boring, able to throb along with the drum/organ soundtrack, ready for some shocks, willing to accept (and enjoy) the limitations of a low budget film, well ... this film just might change your life! All of Jess Franco's films, even his "bad" ones, make me happy. I was laughing all the way through this - till the end. What else do you want? It's art meets the cannibal zombies.

Average customer rating:

A "B" Horror Masterpiece
"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video"
A Visual Feast
An Oasis in a Desert of Bad Quality Editions
Atmospheric Horror Tale Containing A Classic Performance By Horror legend Bela Lugosi

White Zombie
Starring: Bela Lugosi , Madge Bellamy , Joseph Cawthorn , Robert Frazer , and John Harron
Director: Victor Halperin
Manufacturer: K-Tel Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

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ASIN: B000056PN4
Release Date: 2001-07-03

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A "B" Horror Masterpiece.......2007-04-11

"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video".......2006-10-16

A Visual Feast.......2006-08-18

An Oasis in a Desert of Bad Quality Editions.......2006-03-08

Atmospheric Horror Tale Containing A Classic Performance By Horror legend Bela Lugosi.......2006-02-14

Average customer rating:

"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video"

White Zombie with Bela Lugosi

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Customer Reviews:

"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video".......2006-10-16

Average customer rating:

"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video"
Nothing short of a classic masterpiece of horror
What's in your head?
One of Lugosi's better films as another master of the undead

White Zombie (Digitally Remastered)

Manufacturer: Digiview Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Product Description

The World's First and Scariest Zombie Film!

Customer Reviews:

"15 Frightful Horror Films ... Bela Lugosi ... Passport Video".......2006-10-16

Nothing short of a classic masterpiece of horror.......2006-05-22

Not only is White Zombie (1932) the very first zombie movie, it's one of the true masterpieces of classic horror. With its incredible cinematography and a virtuoso performance by the legendary Bela Lugosi (coming just a year after his immortal portrayal of Count Dracula), the film represents old school horror at its very best. I must admit that I wasn't exactly blown away when I first saw this film a few years ago - I can only