The Raven (1963)

Introduction
"The Raven" is a 1963 American funny horror film directed by Roger Corman, starring Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Boris Karloff. The film, based loosely on Edgar Allan Poe's narrative poem of the very same name, is a mix of humor, scary and fantasy that showcases renowned efficiencies from the lead stars. Also, notable about this film was the small look by a young Jack Nicholson going far for himself.

Plot
The film opens with Dr. Erasmus Craven (Vincent Price), an accomplished magician, mourning the death of his spouse, Lenore (Hazel Court). A raven, which ends up being fellow sorcerer Dr. Adolphus Bedlo (Peter Lorre) changed by an effective magician, Dr. Scarabus (Boris Karloff), visits him. Upon being returned to his human kind, Bedlo urges Craven to seek vengeance against Scarabus.

Intriguingly, Bedlo also informs Craven that he saw a female bearing a close resemblance to Lenore while he was cooped. This ignites Craven's interest, and he chooses to join Bedlo in his quest for revenge on Scarabus. Accompanied by Bedlo's son, Rexford (Jack Nicholson), and Craven's daughter, Estelle (Olive Sturgess), they embark on a journey to Scarabus's castle.

On Scarabus's Castle
At Scarabus's castle, Craven is shocked to find his better half, Lenore, very much alive and seemingly as treacherous as Scarabus. She confesses faking her death to be with Scarabus, who had actually more ambition compared to Craven. This upsets Craven however he ends up being caught up in the evil magician's intrigue.

Last Showdown
The climax of the movie includes an impressive battle between Craven and Scarabus. Using their magic prowess, they take the form of various animals and attack each other in a battle to the death. In the end, Craven, fuelled by his righteous anger, handles to outwit and overpower Scarabus. Drafty castle in ruins and Lenore pleading for his forgiveness, Craven renounces his powers, having actually been warded off by the deceit and treachery it triggered.

Conclusion
"The Raven" is a well-rounded film overflowing with experienced high-caliber actors, an engaging plotline, and just the right mix of horror and funny. Aside from supplying lots of laughs and thrills, the movie likewise leaves audiences thinking of the morality and ethics of power and ambition. Although it strays far from Poe's original poem, the movie is a wonderful take on it, and worth a look for anyone thinking about timeless horror-comedy (or in witnessing among Jack Nicholson's earliest movie appearances). It stays one of the most remarkable movies in Roger Corman's "Poe Cycle."

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