My Review Of “The Screaming Skull” 1956

1956’s “The Screaming Skull” is a classic psychological thriller with a twist. Now the twist that leads to a big reveal of some nefarious scheme has been done to death but it was a new trick to story telling when this film was made. It is also a pretty well acted and directed film with Alex Nicol helming this project based on true events. The film stars Peggy Webber and John Hudson as a newly married couple, both coming from a tragic passed and trying to create a new safe and loving home for themselves. Co-starring are Russ Conway and Tony Johnson as the doting  best friends and spiritual advisors who try and help the young couple adjust to their new start in life. Making a big impression in this film is the director himself who plays Mickey, the grounds keeper/ gardener and best friend to the departed first wife of John Hudson.

The film begins with the classic set up of “sunshine” – “blue skies” opening but quickly grows dark into a haunting comedy of psychological strain. Peggy Webber’s character soon feels that she is being haunted by the ghost of the dead spouse while also fighting an existing psychosis for which she was committed previously. Her husband tries to tell her that it is her imagination quickly followed by the blame being placed on Mickey. Then as it is revealed to Webber the true ordeal she faces with her new husband the nightmare becomes filled with suspense and panic.

“The Screaming Skull” had the marketing gimmick that is just brilliant. The promised to give free casket and funeral for anyone who died from fright while watching this film. Love it! Now by no means would this movie cause such a fright to todays audience but in 1956 maybe. It seemed people fainted at the slightest of things, swear words, drops of blood, or panties too tight. The film does have some pretty cool effects that became standard in Hollywood films of the time with ghosts, classic props and dark shadowy scenes of chase that give both visual and psychological build of intense suspense. The acting is above par for a B-movie and the story plays like a classic Hitchockian nightmare that is both intimate and easily conceived by the audience. Although the effects are basic and dated by todays standard they work in this film by giving some cool entertainment value to the melodrama that unfolds. For me this was one of the better executed hauntings with a twist that latter became solid entertainment with shows like ‘Thriller’ and ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’. A true late night classic that is perfect for the Halloween season or anytime you want to unwind to a classic B&W cinema treat.