Johan Louwet Yes I'm shocked myself that I rate it so low because it is an entertaining movie. However when you get comedy when you were expecting horror the whole perspective and enjoyment changes. I should have known this was not going to be horror the moment that Vincent Price's character bumped his head against a telescope and than not much later followed by the funny talking raven. But I have the intention to watch every Poe based movie from Corman so I kept watching until the end. It was interesting to have next to Price some other "horror" icons such as Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre. And there is actually a young Jack Nicholson in there, actually quite handsome. Good to know he did not always had that ugly face thus unrecognizable here. So yes the story is simple and rather dumb and it does have some nice colorful magic effects but despite the medieval setting it lacks atmosphere. Price, Karloff and Nicholson in a comedy role I can take that but not from Peter Lorre. He is one who becomes irritating and annoying when playing a buffoon. This guy must be given a horror role!

Scott LeBrun Magician Erasmus Craven (Vincent Price), enough of a talent that he can make magic with mere hand gestures, is visited one night by Adolphus Bedlo (Peter Lorre), who's been transformed into the title animal by Craven's rival, the nefarious Dr. Scarabus (Boris Karloff). After Bedlo has been turned back to human form, they travel to the castle of Scarabus, as Bedlo has told Craven that he has seen a woman there who resembles Craven's late wife Lenore (Hazel Court). Accompanying them on this adventure are Bedlo's bumbling son Rexford (Jack Nicholson) and Craven's lovely daughter Estelle (Olive Sturgess).As envisioned by author / screenwriter Richard Matheson, and realized by producer / director Roger Corman, this entry in Corman's series of Edgar Allan Poe related films is a delight. It's a spirited blend of horror and comedy, taking a playful jab at the entire Gothic horror genre. The pacing is rather deliberate, but the script & performances generate some hearty laughs. Clearly the actors are having a good time. Price and Lorre didn't make much sense of the script, and opted to play the material as broadly as possible. They also did a fair amount of improvising, which contrasted with the more meticulous approach that Karloff took. All of the ladies (including Connie Wallace as a maid) are ravishing, and Nicholson is fun to watch. The animation effects add to the goofy charm of the film. The major highlight, naturally, is the climactic sorcerer's duel between Price and Karloff. Price was very afraid of the boa that had to be draped around his neck at one point.The music by Les Baxter perfectly matches the mood of each scene, and Corman's collaborators, production designer / art director Daniel Haller and cinematographer Floyd Crosby, bring their A game as usual. Almost all of the credits are saved for the final few minutes.Followed by the subsequent (and far more serious) Corman/Price combo, "The Haunted Palace".Eight out of 10.

sddavis63 In 1935, Boris Karloff starred in a movie called "The Raven" - a movie that had little to nothing to do with Edgar Allen Poe's poem. Fast forward 28 years. In 1963, Boris Karloff starred in a movie called "The Raven" - a movie that had little to nothing to do with Edgar Allen Poe's poem. Let's talk about the '63 version.Your first thought about a movie called "The Raven" (and that stars Vincent Price and Peter Lorre, along with Karloff) is that you're going to find a horror movie, or at least a decent mystery or suspense thriller. Those expectations are dashed quickly. This is, after all, directed by Roger Corman. There's nothing frightening or mysterious about this. Instead the movie goes for laughs, as two rival sorcerors/wizards/magicians (Price and Karloff) go head to head with each other, with Lorre stuck in the middle - sometimes a raven, sometimes a man, sometimes a bit of both. Yes, it's a rather silly movie, which unfortunately creates expectations by being named after Poe's poem. From time to time it works in that it brings forth a few chuckles - but it doesn't accomplish much else.To give them credit, the cast seemed to take this seriously enough and played their parts well, although I understand from what I've read that the three leads did recognize the sheer silliness of it all and had their share of fun while making it. But a few chuckles and a decent cast aside, this just isn't a particularly good movie. In the end, what's most interesting about it is probably an appearance by a very young Jack Nicholson as the Lorre character's son. In terms of quality, his performance wasn't notable, and to be honest I didn't even recognize him until I saw his name in the closing credits. That, along with the team of Price, Lorre and Karloff) makes this movie a curiosity, but it doesn't make it good. (3/10)

LeonLouisRicci Not Without Some Interest, this Overrated and Disappointing Horror-Comedy is Mostly Comedy and it's Not Very Funny. But it is Slightly Amusing. Vincent Price along with Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre, is the Only Actor that Manages to Click.Lorre is just Annoying and Whiny, Krarloff seems Bored and Tired, and Oh Yea, there He is a Young Jack Nicholson, Director Roger Corman's Discovery, and about the Only Thing He can do is Look Out of Place and Awkward.The Movie Looks Great, has Beautiful Color Work and the Sets are Magnificent. But as a Whole the Film Barely Works Considering all the Talent, Including a Screenplay by the Usually Excellent Richard Matheson, who here is just a Pedestrian looking for a Paycheck.Overall, it can be Recommended for Corman Completists, Star Watchers, and for the Fabulous Atmosphere, as a Bonus You can Ogle Hazel Court.