Tales of Terror (1962)

The cycle of Poe films which Roger Corman produced and directed in the 60's have much to commend them.  One, "Masque of the Red Death", is nearly high art, and all of them benefit from the casting and high production values despite the presumably low-down budget.  This trio of stories does not attempt to be as serious as some and sets out to mix good fun with the minimal scares.  Each story features Vincent Price in full-ham mode and he is joined by Peter Lorre in the second tale and Basil Rathbone in the third.  Some may think it sad that such distinguished actors sunk to taking cheapy parts at the end of their careers, but they do appear to be enjoying themselves and add a touch of class to the procedings.  The middle and longest of the three is "The Black Cat" (or "The cask of Amontillado" to Poe fans) and this one is also the best, with Price and Lorre outdoing each other in the high camp stakes.