Badmovies.org Forum

CARNIVAL OF SOULS (1962) on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) tonight 8pm EST  Monday, October 24, 2011  

If you've not seen CARNIVAL OF SOULS now is your chance.  Just BAD enough to be cheesy, and just good enough to be unforgettable.   One of my favorite films.   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkTz0EvfEiY

Bad and cheesy? No way, man! BRILLIANT movie.

Terrific film!

I have the Criterion DVD. It's got some great extras, including some restored footage and a history of the ultra-creepy Saltair resort.

Yes, that's one of the editions I have, though I have a VHS tape or two, and at least two other DVD editions (of the public domain variety).  I even own the wonderful soundtrack (by GENE MOORE whoever that was) available for the first time not too long ago.

You do know you're on a website called Badmovies.org?  Didja choke when you read the "BAD enough to be cheesy" part and didn't go on to read the rest: "good enough to be unforgettable"?  Despite many dissenting opinions, and a long discussion thread years ago on SciFilm.org (now defunct) I assert that which is apparent to any film viewer: CARNIVAL OF SOULS is a low budget film, with clumsily dubbed exterior sound, a threadbare narrative, and some serious overacting.  And, yes, it's BRILLIANT, too, for all the reasons you see and hear.  But part of its unique greatness is owed to its creakiness. 
"...Bad enough to be cheesy, good enough to be unforgetable..."

I know what you're getting at, AHD. I woudn't call the film "perfect" per se, but I also agree with your assertion that the film works because of it's (very) minor flaws, plus, don't forget, alothough were on Badmovies.org, we're also in the "good movies" section.  :smile:

And that's why I'd started this thread in the GOOD MOVIES section.   :smile:

I first seen it on DOUBLE CREATURE FEATURE back in the late 70's. I can't recall the first movie...but CARNIVAL OF SOULS-haunted me for a very-VERY long time!  :thumbup:

A great movie. In the Criterion extras they mention some of the film was accidentally destroyed. There was a scene where the ghouls were coming out of the ocean into the circus thingy. it sounded terrifying. lets face it: it's an amazing movie.