House of Wax

1953

House of Wax

Critics Consensus

House of Wax is a 3-D horror delight that combines the atmospheric eerieness of the wax museum with the always chilling presence of Vincent Price.

95%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 40

72%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 41,342
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Movie Info

Ever been creeped out by the life-like statues at a wax museum? Yes? But have you ever recognized your old roommate behind the glass? Vincent Price plays the menacing Professor Henry Jarrod, in a role that would solidify his reputation as the creepiest man in Hollywood. With everything from cancan girls to rubber paddleballs finding their way into the audience, 'House of Wax' takes full advantage of the novel 3-D stereoscopic process.

Cast

Vincent Price
as Prof. Henry Jarrod
Carolyn Jones
as Cathy Gray
Frank Lovejoy
as Lt. Tom Brennan
Phyllis Kirk
as Sue
Paul Picerni
as Andrews
Roy Roberts
as Burke
Paul Cavanagh
as Wallace
Angela Clarke
as Mrs. Andrews
Dabbs Greer
as Sgt. Jim Shane
Charles Bronson
as Igor
Reggie Rymal
as Barker
Philip Tonge
as Bruce Allison
Ruth Warren
as Scrubwoman
Riza Royce
as Ma Flanagan
Grandon Rhodes
as Surgeon
Frank Ferguson
as Medical Examiner
Eddie Parks
as Morgue Attendant
Oliver Blake
as Pompous Man
Leo Curley
as Portly Man
Mary Lou Holloway
as Millie
Trude Wyler
as Woman
Ned Young
as Leon Averill
Joanne Brown
as Girlfriend
Lyle Latell
as Waiter
Darwin Greenfield
as Lodger
Jack Kenney
as Lodger
Merry Townsend
as Ticket-taker
Jack Mower
as Detective
Ruth Whitney
as Girlfriend
Richard Benjamin
as Detective
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Critic Reviews for House of Wax

All Critics (40) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (38) | Rotten (2)

  • An intermittently gripping shocker.

    Oct 17, 2011 | Full Review…
    TIME Magazine
    Top Critic

  • Casting is competent, Vincent Price is capital as the No. 1 menace.

    Oct 7, 2008 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • The effects are done with playfulness, zest, and some imagination (they range from a barker batting paddleballs in your face to a murderer leaping from the row in front of you), making this the most entertaining of the gimmick 3-Ds.

    Sep 24, 2007 | Full Review…

    Dave Kehr

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • Dimly we foresee movie audiences embalmed in three-dimensional wax and sound.

    Mar 25, 2006 | Full Review…

    Bosley Crowther

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • De Toth brings off one classic sequence with Kirk fleeing through the gaslit streets pursued by a shadowy figure in a billowing cloak.

    Feb 9, 2006

    Tom Milne

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • House of Wax proves once and for all that true stereo combined with perfect color and directional sound is truly a visionary new and exciting medium.

    Apr 27, 2005 | Full Review…

    Jack Harrison

    Hollywood Reporter
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (40)

Audience Reviews for House of Wax

  • Dec 26, 2011
    Such an enjoyable and interesting film which kept me gripped and involved as I tried to figure out the twists and turns as they happened on screen. A brilliant cast which really does the characters justice, especially Price, Gray and Picerni. Definitely watch again.
    Sophie B Super Reviewer
  • Dec 22, 2011
    Vincent Price is the man â?¥ A must see horror film, in the standard of the past was considered very chilling.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Jun 19, 2011
    The original House Of Wax starring Vincent Price is a masterpiece of horror. The film is a remake of the 1933 film The Mystery Of The Wax Museum and it succeeds in being a classic film all it's own. House Of Wax is a terrifying film that is superbly acted about a wax sculptor who creates wax sculptures using people. With a fairly creepy premise for a film, and with Vincent Price in tow, House Of Wax is an accomplished horror film that remains a classic of the genre. The film is a near flawless masterpiece and its atmosphere is terrifying. Vincent Price is simply phenomenal in his role and it's understandable why he's such a horror icon. Some of the scenes that stuck with me is the nighttime chase sequence and when a character recognizes one of her friends that disappeared a few days earlier in the wax museum as a sculpture. The film is superbly acted and directed. This is one of the essential classic horror films to watch. An enjoyable and atmospheric horror film, House Of Wax is a truly well paced horror film that brings on genuine jolts. If you want to see a true classic of horror, then look no further than House Of Wax. The film is along with other horror greats such as King Kong, The Mummy and The Blob, one of the most enduring classics of the genre. Also worth mentioning in this review is a small part by a very young Charles Bronson. As a Bronson fan, I enjoyed this very much. House Of Wax remains one of best classic horror films ever filmed.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • Feb 28, 2011
    An interesting plot and a very dark movie for the 50s
    Michael E Super Reviewer
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