Made in 1963, this tale of underhanded undertakers is showing its age a little. Much of its comedy is on the broad side and it’s pretty liberal with the slapstick, but Richard Matheson’s script is black as crape and the casting of horror and Hollywood greats Peter Lorre, Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff and Vincent Price keeps you watching, despite the occasional clunky moments. Price in particular gives a beautifully hammy (does he do any other kind?) performance as the failed undertaker Trumbull, soaking himself in brandy and spite, most of which he directs towards his wife (Joyce Jameson) and put-upon assistant, Gilly (Lorre).
The story revolves around Trumbull and Gilly attempting to keep their funeral business afloat, even if that means taking the direct route to getting custom. It’s a relationship we’ve seen many times before, from Laurel and Hardy to Blackadder and Baldrick, with Trumbull’s belief in his own genius rarely matched by results and his sidekick, if not actually wiser, then at least more aware than his employer. It’s a double act that works well and it’s no surprise that there were plans to make another film reuniting the same team before Lorre’s early death in 1964 put the idea to an end.
For those brought up with his poker-backed Sherlock Holmes, Basil Rathbone’s gift for physical comedy comes as something of a surprise, but his indestructible would-be victim is a masterclass of comic timing. Karloff, who terrified a generation as Frankenstein’s monster, is equally a delight as Price’s doddering and deaf father-in-law.
The title is partially misleading: there a no terrors or even real frights to be had in this film. Despite being directed by cult horror master Jacques Tourneur, it won’t raise many hairs on the back of your neck, but it will – particularly as it snowballs towards its chaotic finale – raise a chuckle or two.
The Comedy of Terrors will never join the pantheon of classic horror-comedies, but as a curiosity piece and with this release featuring some great extras, including a 50 minute interview with Price, it’s probably worth having on your shelf.