31 Days of Halloween

The Tingler (1959)

Directed by: William Castle
Written by: Robb White
Starring: Vincent Price, Judith Evelyn and Darryl Hickman

THE TINGLER opened in theaters in 1959 with a gimmick called “Percepto” where electrodes were placed randomly on the theater seats. Unsuspecting audience members would get electric shocks from time to time throughout the movie. Any we complain about 3D today…

Vincent Price stars as a pathologist in search of something he calls “The Tingler,” a creature who lives at the base of our spinal column and who is driven to grow based on our fear level. The only thing that can stop The Tingler from growing is to scream. That’s the plot. It’s simple yet serviceable. Vincent Price is awesome.

Another feature of note is a key scene where color is introduced briefly into the film. When it happens it’s a bit random, but somewhat effective.

THE TINGLER is nothing amazing or groundbreaking, but it is enjoyable even today.  Vincent Price and the absurd premise are what sets THE TINGLER apart from most films at the time.

Plot || Scares || Entertainment

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