The Tingler

The 1959 movie The Tingler is a classic William Castle horror film featuring the iconic Vincent Price of the horror genre. The film is a unique blend of horror, science, and ingenuity and leaves viewers in a state of thrilling suspense. Vincent Price stars as Dr. Warren Chapin, who is both the central character of the film and the devoted research scientist exploring the physiological effects of fear on the human body. His co-stars, Judith Evelyn and Darryl Hickman, supplement the plot significantly and add layers of depth to this suspenseful tale.

The story of The Tingler revolves around Dr. Warren Chapin's pursuit of a mysterious creature that, according to his research, grows at the base of the human spine when a person is terrified. He argues that this creature, referred to as 'The Tingler,' can only be rendered harmless by the act of screaming. It's a bold, imaginative concept that adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative. There's such a unique blend of horror, mystery and science that it is as much a concept film as a mainstream horror movie.

Vincent Price plays his role to chilling precision. He is the captivating mad scientist, who is fascinated by his research and its implications, which pushes the boundaries of conventional medicine and science. Yet, his maniacal obsession also unsettles his relationships, particularly with his neglected wife, played by Patricia Cutts. Price delivers an enthralling performance, creating a character that is both profound and haunting.

Judith Evelyn, as a deaf-mute woman who owns a cinema with her husband, adds a deep sense of vulnerability and fear that heightens the overall suspense of the movie. Her inability to scream when terrorized presents a tantalizing target for the Tingler. Darryl Hickman, portraying a young medical student assisting Dr. Chapin, brings in an essential moral dimension to the narrative, representing the ordinary person caught in extraordinary circumstances.

True to Castle's style, The Tingler is as delightfully gimmicky as his other production. The director was known for his promotional stunts. For this film, he installed airplane-type vibration devices in theater seats that would activate at key points in the movie. This interactive novelty was dubbed "Percepto!'" and added a fun and shocking dimension to the viewer's experience, enhancing the sense of terror.

Designed to provoke fear and then a release, this film offers a cathartic means of exploring the origins and effects of fear. The narrative and concept stay faithful to this intent, with the plot being thickened by elements of domestic turmoil, deceit, infidelity and even drugs. The film uses stark black-and-white photography, leading to some effective, dramatic lighting effects that contribute to the overall scary atmosphere. While it may not rely on the conventional suspense-building methods, Castle's unique approach to horror makes his film stand out.

The Tingler also plays around with the concept of cinema within a cinema, adding another postmodern layer to the movie. The references to silent cinema and the role of the theater in amplifying horror are worth noticing. Together with Price's undeniable charisma, these elements elevate The Tingler beyond just a piece of vintage schlock horror.

However, it would be remiss to label The Tingler merely as a horror movie. It's a thought-provoking psychological thriller. The terror evoked by the Tingler is more about the fear within us and the way it can manipulate our actions. Dr. Warren Chapin's work symbolizes the lengths to which science can go to understand the uncertain territory of human emotions.

In sum, The Tingler is a vintage horror film that uniquely explores the phenomenon of fear. It is an intriguing watch with its original storytelling, commendable performances, and a hauntingly memorable creature at its core. The quirky cinematic tactics employed by Castle, together with Price's impressive performance as a tortured scientist, render this movie a must-watch for all fans of classic suspense and horror. It is a timeless art piece that continues to deliver chills and thrills, making The Tingler an unmissable cinematic experience.