The Tingler: Vincent Price, William Castle & 1959 Ballyhoo

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The idea behind the podcast is we all watch the film (with film choices and where to watch given in the show notes of the previous episode) and then you can listen to the podcast after two weeks and learn more about the film.

 

It has been brought to my attention (thank you, Olivia!) that sometimes a synopsis might be very helpful to know what on earth is going on. It seems not everyone is watching these films before listening. So, I have added more information further below. As always there are spoilers ahead!

 

The Tingler (1959) was released in cinemas with the expectation that cinema owners would install “Percepto!” under certain seats. This was a small electric buzzing device that would be triggered during key moments of the film.

 

Director William Castle was known for these kinds of interactive, promotional gimmicks and had used them many times before. The tradition of “Ballyhoo” in cinema is an old one and involves enticing audiences to the movies with various types of marketing stunts.

 

Vincent Price plays the hammy lead with a gravitas very few people can pull off. I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable film despite the lack of “Percepto!” in my own home.

 

As always, I am lucky to have two excellent guests joining me.

 

Scott Higgins is Professor of Film at Wesleyan University as well as being the Curator of the Wesleyan Cinema Archives.