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More about White Zombie:
One of the great horror films of the 1930s, White Zombie was the
first film to ever feature zombies, a popular film subject of the
last 40 years. The film tells the story of a young couple in
Haiti, Neil Parker (John
Harron) and Madeleine Short (Madge
Bellamy), who have been invited by a casual acquaintance,
Charles Beaumont (Robert
Frazer), to come to his plantation to be married.
Beaumont, however, is actually in love with Madeline and hopes to
persuade her to become his wife instead. Rebuffed, he approaches
local white
Voodoo master "Murder" Legendre (Béla
Lugosi) to temporarily turn her into a zombie, have her
declared dead, send Neil back to the States in mourning, then revive
her so that he can woo her anew. Legendre, however, has his own
plans for the young lady -- and for Beaumont.
White Zombie is a rare film for the time
period, using sophisticated camera work, sound and lighting to
create dream-like sequences that still manage to work today. It also
featured elaborate sets, which belied its status as an independent
film. It stands out as one of Lugosi's best roles (after Dracula)
and he is portrayed in makeup created by Jack Pierce, who also
created the monster makeup for Frankenstein, The Wolfman and
the Mummy.
This is a chilling and entertaining film and one
that should not be missed by first time viewers and
veteran horror fans alike! Come on June 13 and see it on the Avon's big screen!
White Zombie
Trivia:
- It addition to featuring zombies for the
first time, White Zombie also
features the first onscreen description of
Voodoo by Clarence Muse, who is allowed to
introduce it as an African-American in a
non-stereotypical manner. A first for horror
films!
- Don't miss the the famous "flub" of
horror-favorite
Brandon Hurst
holding his nose as he’s being thrown to a
watery death!
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