The Bat [DVD]

This is an old school horror with none other than VIncent Price and the gravelly voiced Agnes Moorehead. I love Vincent Price - his voice is just so evil - he makes a horror great just by being in it. Agnes Moorehead I'm not so fond of. Her voice is an evil witchypooh voice too and she is good in parts where she is the baddy but I didn't like her in this - hence the dropped star. I thought her performance lacked realism - it was a bit of a school play performance - too many pauses and 'come on dears'. Also she wasn't that convincing at being scared. Having said all that I am a little irritated that once again the lead - who in this case is Moorehead isn't mentioned in the starring line of the credits on the prime video brief description. Vincent Price is and although he his the better known in horror films he is not the lead actor - yet there it is. Male actor gets a mention lead female doesn't I am an equalitist not a feminist but if I see this happening it needs to be mentioned and corrected, if it was the other way around I'd mention it too, but it nerver is. This is happening way too much Amazon and in this day and age it shouldn't be. I have got to give it to Amazon though unlike some other prime video reviewers I think Amazon has a great selection of films in all different genres and I am really enjoying choosing from the selection. Anyway, back to the film - loved it a really good retro horror with a fantastic twist at the end (which I did guess but loved anyway).

I have over the years had various copies of this movie in various formats most regretfully poor copies all 4.3. This version however is clear as crystal although not true HD still very acceptable. The picture and sound quality is brilliant considering the age of the material it has also been processed in widescreen. Although in a smaller role it is worth the viewing if you are a Vincent Price fan as I very much am. [Update 17th February 2016] I have watched this movie at least four times since receiving it and I never tire of it. Sad aint I. This movie still entertains me even though I have seen it so often I can almost voice the dialogue word for word. The acting is I must admit a little over the top in places. Not only am I a great Vincent Price fan but Agnes Moorehead is growing on me more and more though it is she who is doing most of the over acting. I love this movie to bits as you have already gathered.

The Bat, is not a vintage Vincent Price film. However, it is entertaining as a murder, mystery film.Edgar Wallace Mysteries meets The Twilight Zone.This version made in 1959 is the fourth film adaptation of the story which originally started off as a 1908 novel, The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart.Cornelia van Gorder (Agnes Moorehead - Endora in tv series Bewitched) is a murder, mystery writer who rents a property The Oaks from owner, John Fleming , a local bank manager. Fleming has embezzled one million dollars of bank securities and hidden them in The Oaks. The local area nearby has been terrorised by the killer, The Bat. The Bat who has no face murders women at night by ripping out their throats with his steel claws. His trademark is releasing bats when he has committed a crime. The Bat enters the Oaks one night and coincidentally Cornelia's maid Lizzy is attacked by a bat and her doctor Malcolm Wells (Vincent Price ) is contacted to attend to Lizzy. A couple of murders are committed as the Bat strikes again and Wells finds himself under suspicion as The Bat.The Bat filmed in black and white is a good film with some thrilling moments filled with suspense. One does not need highly special technical effects to scare your audience unlike most modern Hollywood horror films.Vincent Price is superb in his supporting role as the mysterious Dr Wells but Agnes Moorehead is excellent as murder, mystery writer Cornelia van Gorder. The Bat is an interesting murder mystery film from the past.

Film Chest provides the best available transfer of this entertaining little thriller. Having been given sub-standard prints on so many other DVD's it's great to finally find a decent copy! Although as Amazon lump all the reviews together make certain you purchase the correct version!! Be aware it is Region 0 so there are no playback problems.This appears to be the first time The Bat has been restored in high-definition from original 35mm elements. The result is excellent! The black levels and contrast are good and there is appropriate image depth. There is occasional evidence of print damage but this is negligible. The soundtrack is the original mono and is perfectly fine. No extras unfortunately. It's not a classic movie of course but it's enjoyable enough with plenty of atmosphere - some decent performances - and a convoluted plot that holds one's interest up to the (totally expected!) revelation. Agnes Moorehead is a delight in the lead role and brings the stagey theatrical panache that's needed for a film adapted from a stage production which itself was adapted from a popular novel. Vincent Price delivers a generically appropriate performance too - and the old dark house is suitably eerie! Although it's littered with some preposterous moments and truly daft behaviour by "The Bat" him/herself, I recommended it for those who want an undemanding thoroughly old-fashioned evening! I can't imagine that you will ever find a better print than this impressive transfer!

More of a thriller....Prettig food flick.

The BAT is a great old Black & White film, with Vincent Price and Agnes Morehead. This film keeps you guessing as to who the BAT is right up to the very end.The packaging and delivery of this DVD was first class.If you love Black & White Films and are a Vincent Price Fan, then the THE BAT is a must for your DVD collection.

A rare film and I must say a decent print. If you like Vincent Price as well as creepy sets with a good mysterious tale then you just have to buy this DVD but remember to close all windows at night... just in case you here the soft flapping of wings !!

The bat quite a good murder romp late 50s Vincent price is really good.