SYNOPSICS
The Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake (1959) is a English movie. Edward L. Cahn has directed this movie. Eduard Franz,Valerie French,Grant Richards,Henry Daniell are the starring of this movie. It was released in 1959. The Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake (1959) is considered one of the best Horror,Mystery movie in India and around the world.
Jonathan Drake, while attending his brother's funeral, is shocked to find the head of the deceased is missing. When his brother's skull shows up later in a locked cabinet, Drake realizes an ancient curse placed upon his grandfather by a tribe of South American Jivaro Indians is still in effect and that he himself is the probable next victim. That night he is awakened by the approach of an Indian, his lips sewed together with string, and wielding a curare-tipped bamboo knife.
Same Actors
The Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake (1959) Reviews
One scary movie for a 10 year old in 1960
The movie concerned the death of Jonathan's brother and the brother's missing head. Of course the fact that his head is missing isn't discovered until the funeral. Then the realization hits that the brother's death and decapitation is because of a curse put on their grandfather by a South American tribe he had cheated. At this point Jonathan considers there is a strong possibility that he is next. That thought occurs when he awakens in the middle of the night to discover a rather gruesome looking native, with his mouth sewn shut, standing over him with a long, sharp knife. Now he, family and friends must find a way to save his life. It's too bad most of you will never see this in the theater. (Eduard Franz and Henry Daniell were great actors!) Seeing it again a few years ago (over 50), I could see all the fallacies and the real lack of anything to be afraid of, it was pretty phony in loads of places. And, compared to what the producers and directors put out today, it, also, was pretty tame. But one more thing I will say scary though it might have been then, now I consider it fun.
This one stands alone
My VHS copy of this film-taken from a television broadcast 25 years ago is never long on the shelf. I show this film alot. This is one of those rare films that stands alone. It defies being pigeonholed. The plot is one of a kind. Although the budget appears to be slight the film actually benefits from this. The acting is high caliber. I remember as a kid originally seeing it late one Saturday night on Chiller Theatre (out of Pittsburgh Pa.) The headhunter with his lips sown shut haunted my dreams for weeks! Fans of B-movies should make an effort to see this film. It would be an excellent candidate for restoration and digital release.
Classic Scary Movie!
Aaah!! What a classic!! This movie ranks in my top 10 of scary movies. I first saw this movie WAY back in the day when Black & White TV's were the norm (mid to late 60's). Anyways, Released in 1959, this movie tells the story of the Drake Family & how it is faced with an old family curse. The two Drake brothers try to unravel why the family has such a curse upon it. The make up, visual effects and an "eeree" sounding organ give this movie that certain "umph" to scare you. Especially when your watching this late at night! Note: This movie is not for young kids......they'll get nightmares......like I did....when I first saw it. Enjoy!
Surprisingly gory for it's day
I just recently viewed this film for the first time and was surprised at some of the more gory elements of this film. It was made in 1959, and it dealt with decapitation and shrunken heads. Although it didn't actually show the decapitation, it did show the skin being removed from a decapitated skull. By today's horror standards it was pretty mild (this picture was filmed in glorious black and white so you don't get the blood red effect of today's films) but nonetheless, it was pretty gory for it's day. The story revolves around Jonathan Drake (portayed by Eduard Franz), the remaining male survivor of his family. His family has been cursed since his grandfather's time by a tribe of Amazon indians that were slaughtered by his grandfather and several other men. Henry Daniell is just great as the creepy Dr. Zurich. There are several other strong supporting performances by Grant Richards as the stalwart Detective Jeff Rowan and Paul Cavanaugh as Kenneth Drake, Jonathan Drake's brother, who unfortunately loses his head to fulfill the "Drake Curse". I did laugh a few times during the movie...Paul Wexler portrays Xutai, one of the Amazon indians, and he has to be seen to be believed. Even with his mouth sewn shut he looked more funny to me than menacing. Also you can tell that this movie was filmed on a very low budget. The sets are pretty substandard. Despite these minor flaws I found this movie to be highly entertaining.
Would love to see this Movie again
I was nine years old when i saw this film and it scared the crap out of me and i have never forgot how bad. I was so scared i had my face covered though half of the movie. My mother took me to the movies for the first time to see this movie and the admission price was 15 cents . There is some things in your life you just don't forget. Would love to see it again. Bob