MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (1964)

Classics Revisited Book Group (Posting 12)

Masque of the Red Death directed by Roger Corman
or
Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe

Roger Corman and American International Pictures made several low budget versions of Edgar Allen Poe’s works during the 60’s (mostly starring Vincent Price). I wouldn’t say they were exactly faithful, but don’t forget that many of Poe’s original stories, including Masque of the Red Death, were under twenty pages long, so obvious embellishments were needed. I like the old American International movies overall and it was the first introduction for some of us to the works of Mr. Poe.

Book or Movie? I would still read the original story over the movie here. But since the original story is eighteen pages long and the Corman movie is 89 minutes long, I think you can make time in your schedule to see both.