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Mill of the Stone Women, 1960
Hans (Pierre Brice) arrives in a small town to write an article on a renowned sculptor named Wahl (Herbet Bohme), who owns a mill occupied with sculptures of famous historical deaths of women. But things begin to go awry when Hans meets and falls for Wahl's beautiful daughter, Elfie (Scilla Gabel).
Wow, this was great!
It must be said that in terms of the horror content itself, this one has a lot in common with two other, well-regarded horror movies. But the delivery and staging of that content is so well done that it doesn't matter that it retreads familiar ground. (And to be very fair, one film I would compare it to was actually released in the same year).
The look and staging of the film is easily the strongest aspect of it. The mill itself really is an excellent setting. When unlocked, the mill turns and a parade of women in torment---being burned at the stake, being beheaded---circulate through the mill on a metal track to music. In the different rooms, half-formed figures sit on pedestals, lay discarded, or jut out from the walls at strange angles. Mixed in with the sculpted figures are other elements, like large crosses or swords. It's a setting rich in atmosphere, and the film makes the most of its different rooms.
I also liked the story, and particularly the way that the romance between Hans and Elfie progresses. I enjoyed the revelation that
. Their relationship takes a few turns that I did not expect, and slightly subverts the usual "male hero rescuing damsel from controlling father" formula. I was also totally over-the-moon for the sequence in the middle of the film where Hans
.
Lastly, I liked the triangle of treachery between
.
I thought that this was a spooky and atmospheric little film. Some of the shot compositions were really lovely, as well.
Mill of the Stone Women, 1960
Hans (Pierre Brice) arrives in a small town to write an article on a renowned sculptor named Wahl (Herbet Bohme), who owns a mill occupied with sculptures of famous historical deaths of women. But things begin to go awry when Hans meets and falls for Wahl's beautiful daughter, Elfie (Scilla Gabel).
Wow, this was great!
It must be said that in terms of the horror content itself, this one has a lot in common with two other, well-regarded horror movies. But the delivery and staging of that content is so well done that it doesn't matter that it retreads familiar ground. (And to be very fair, one film I would compare it to was actually released in the same year).
The look and staging of the film is easily the strongest aspect of it. The mill itself really is an excellent setting. When unlocked, the mill turns and a parade of women in torment---being burned at the stake, being beheaded---circulate through the mill on a metal track to music. In the different rooms, half-formed figures sit on pedestals, lay discarded, or jut out from the walls at strange angles. Mixed in with the sculpted figures are other elements, like large crosses or swords. It's a setting rich in atmosphere, and the film makes the most of its different rooms.
I also liked the story, and particularly the way that the romance between Hans and Elfie progresses. I enjoyed the revelation that
WARNING: spoilers below
Elfie is in on what her father is doing to save her, and not just aware of it, but into it.
WARNING: spoilers below
believes that he has killed Elfie, and in a ghostly vision carries her upstairs to her bed
Lastly, I liked the triangle of treachery between
WARNING: spoilers below
Wahl, Elfie, and the professor (Wolfgang Preiss) who assists with their murderous resurrections. They each had their own priorities, and I liked seeing how they would align one moment and then turn on each other the next. None of them really had much remorse over what they were doing, and I thought they were a great villainous trio.
I thought that this was a spooky and atmospheric little film. Some of the shot compositions were really lovely, as well.