Ruby

Ruby is a retro-styled, atmospheric horror film initially released in 1977. This film is helmed by the accomplished director Curtis Harrington, known for his knack for suspenseful, eerie thrillers filled with haunting images and twisted narratives. This feature stands as a testament to Harrington's uncanny storytelling abilities and is a treat for any hardcore fan of retrospective horror-genre cinema.

Ruby boasts an impressive ensemble cast gathering the acting prowess of Piper Laurie, Stuart Whitman, and Roger Davis. Piper Laurie, an Academy Award-nominated actor who holds an unforgettable spot in the horror film lexicon with her chilling portrayal of a mad and cruel mother in the film "Carrie", headlines Ruby, putting in a performance that is both absorbing and haunting. Stuart Whitman and Roger Davis lend their talents to support Laurie's captivating lead role, delivering fascinating performances for the audience to remember.

Set in the appallingly gloomy ambiance of the mid-1950s, the film's narrative spins around Ruby Claire (played by Piper Laurie). Ruby is a former gun moll who now runs a drive-in movie operation in the woods of Florida, on the outskirts of a sleepy southern town. The drive-in theatre is an integral setting in the film, adding to the surreal experience. At night, the drive-in impeccably morphs into a ghostly forest where strange happenings frequently occur.

However, Ruby's life of quietness is thrown into chaos when bizarre and chilling incidents start taking place. All these strange happenings seem to entail a deep enigma wrapped around a gruesome past incident that took place sixteen years earlier. Her former mobster boyfriend, Nicky Rocco, was surprisingly gunned down in the presence of their child who hadn't spoken a word since. The increasingly mischievous events hint at a sinister presence aiming to seek revenge from beyond the grave.

Ruby, along with her companion Dr. Paul Keller, played by the talented Stuart Whitman, and the character of Vince, given life by Roger Davis, plays their parts in trying to unravel the supernatural mystery threatening their lives. Their desperateness and complexities add layers to the captivating narrative. The different tones and atmospheres they bring to their characters add depth and interest, further captivating the audience.

The feature is filled with vintage horror elements: from bizarre occurrences, silent creepy winds, images of a possessed teenager, to spine-chilling noises, and subtly looming threats. Ruby beautifully encapsulates everything that's magic about 70's era horror cinema, including an atmospheric score, nostalgic cinematography, and a chilling narrative.

The film showcases the mixing of various styles, from noirish mob drama to supernatural horror to psychological mind games, which encapsulates the viewer into its spellbinding atmosphere. The twisted plot gradually builds, introducing the audience to a world of suspense while keeping them on the edges of their seats.

The well-crafted script and strong performances led by the enigmatic Piper Laurie make Ruby a captivating flick. Additionally, the impressive combination of astounding effects, coupled with the unignorable suspense throughout the movie, create a mesmerizing, eerie ambiance that1960s and70s horror fans crave.

The director's flair for combining these different styles and tones helps make Ruby a unique cinematic experience. Even though its primary intent is to spook and surprise, it's equally a melancholic ode to faded glamour and unfulfilled dreams, coated with thorny life experiences and palpable heartache. Interwoven themes of loss, past secrets, and revenge bring an additional level of depth to this haunting tale.

In summary, Ruby is a classic showcase of psychological horror, filled with atmospheric tension, chilling scares, and exceptional performances. More than just a supernatural horror film, it explorers deeper themes which resonate with the audience and rose above its genre trappings of kitschy, mid-century scares. Add in the superb cast, remarkable direction, evocative score, and distinct narrative - you've got a flick that's a must-see for horror and thriller enthusiasts alike. Ruby may have debuted in 1977, but this feature carries its timeless charm, tension, and suspense that still linger and capture the audience's imagination.