The Raven Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dude gets turned into a bird, so he bugs Vincent Price until they fight a wizard, and Jack Nicholson is there for some reason.

🍿 The Raven: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Raven at the Door

Dr. Erasmus Craven, a sorcerer grieving the loss of his wife Lenore, is visited by a talking raven. The raven, Dr. Adolphus Bedlo, reveals he was transformed by the evil sorcerer Dr. Scarabus. He seeks Craven’s help to regain his human form.

The Potion and the Revelation

Craven successfully transforms Bedlo back, using a variety of bizarre ingredients. Bedlo reveals that he saw Lenore alive at Scarabus’ castle, leading Craven to believe she is being held captive. Driven by the hope of reuniting with his wife, Craven agrees to confront Scarabus.

Journey to Scarabus’ Castle

Craven, Bedlo, Craven’s daughter Estelle, and Bedlo’s son Rexford journey to Scarabus’ castle. They are greeted hospitably, but Craven suspects Scarabus is not as benevolent as he seems. This sets the stage for a magical showdown.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Erasmus Craven (Vincent Price): A former sorcerer mourning his lost wife Lenore, who is drawn back into magic when a raven arrives at his door.
• Dr. Adolphus Bedlo (Peter Lorre): A cowardly magician turned into a raven by Dr. Scarabus, seeking help from Dr. Craven to regain his human form and exact revenge.
• Dr. Scarabus (Boris Karloff): An evil magician and rival of Dr. Craven’s father, who transforms Dr. Bedlo into a raven and holds Lenore captive.
• Lenore Craven (Hazel Court): Dr. Craven’s long-lost wife, believed to be dead but discovered to be living with Dr. Scarabus.
• Rexford Bedlo (Jack Nicholson): The noble son of Dr. Adolphus Bedlo, who accompanies his father on his quest for revenge and becomes involved in the magical conflict.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Craven: “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary…” – The opening lines, setting a tone referencing the famous Poe poem, before the comedy ensues.
• Dr. Bedlo: “Jellied spiders, bat’s blood, and dead men’s hair!” – Said by Dr. Bedlo while reciting the needed ingredients for the potion to turn him back from a raven.
• Dr. Scarabus: “Afraid, my dear? There’s nothing to be afraid of.” – Dr. Scarabus’s taunting line embodies his villainous yet theatrical nature, delivered with chilling charm.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $200,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $62

💥 The Raven Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love ‘The Raven’! It’s one of those movies that always puts a smile on my face. The magic duel at the end is so hilariously cheesy, but it’s also incredibly charming. Seeing Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Boris Karloff together is just a treat. Plus, it’s fun to see a young Jack Nicholson in such a different role! Every Halloween, this is a must-watch for me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic horror films”
  • “Those who enjoy horror comedies”
  • “Admirers of Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Boris Karloff”
  • “Viewers looking for lighthearted entertainment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild horror elements”
  • “Comedic violence”
  • “Some dated special effects that may not appeal to all viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Roger Corman’s ‘The Raven’ is a delightful horror-comedy that playfully spoofs the genre, elevated by the legendary performances of Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Boris Karloff. Its loose adaptation of Poe’s poem adds to its whimsical charm.
• AllMovie: “A rare horror comedy from Roger Corman, ‘The Raven’ succeeds thanks to its clever script and the delightful interplay between Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Boris Karloff. Jack Nicholson adds youthful energy to the mix.
• IMDB: “The Raven is the best of the Poe films and the most entertaining…That it was intended as a followup to the wildly successful Tales of Terror only added to the good vibes. The historic teaming of three horror stars Vincent Price, Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre makes this irresistible.

Audience Reactions

The casting of Price, Lorre, and Karloff is legendary!: Fans adore the comedic chemistry between the three horror icons.

The magic duel is so bad it’s good!: Many find the special effects endearingly outdated and humorous.

Overall Consensus: A beloved horror-comedy classic that’s cherished for its star-studded cast and its lighthearted take on gothic themes.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Peter Lorre and Jack Nicholson improvised many of their lines, adding to the film’s comedic tone and sometimes frustrating Boris Karloff, who preferred to stick to the script.”
• “The film’s sets were reused almost immediately for another Roger Corman production, ‘The Terror,’ also starring Boris Karloff and Jack Nicholson, shot just two days after ‘The Raven’ wrapped.”
• “Although inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, the movie departs significantly from the source material, becoming a horror-comedy rather than a straight adaptation.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Raven?

The Raven (1963) is widely available for rental or purchase on various digital platforms. You can find it on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as it may vary by region. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) are also available from major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Raven, you might like these similar films:

• House of Usher (1960): Another Roger Corman adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe, starring Vincent Price, showcasing a more serious take on Poe’s gothic horror.
• Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948): A horror-comedy classic that blends iconic horror figures with comedic duo, similar to The Raven’s approach.
• The Haunted Palace (1963): Another Corman/Price/Poe adaptation that’s more horror than comedy, offering a darker alternative from the same era.
• What We Do in the Shadows (2014): A modern horror-comedy mockumentary that parodies vampire tropes with a comedic ensemble cast.

🛒 The Raven Related Products

• The Edgar Allan Poe Collection (Blu-ray): Includes ‘The Raven’ along with other classic Roger Corman adaptations of Poe’s works, restored in high definition. Perfect for fans of classic horror.
• Vincent Price: The Art of Fear: A documentary exploring the life and career of Vincent Price, featuring rare interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. A must-see for Price fans.
• Edgar Allan Poe Complete Tales and Poems: The complete works of Edgar Allan Poe. Immerse yourself in the dark and macabre world of the master of horror.
• Boris Karloff: The Master of Horror: A biography delving into the life and career of Boris Karloff, showcasing his iconic roles and his impact on the horror genre. Essential for Karloff enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Raven features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Les Baxter
• “The Raven Motif” – performed by Les Baxter
• “Magic Duel Finale” – performed by Les Baxter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

THE RAVEN by Edgar Allan Poe (Best Reading)

Ever wanted to just *hear* “The Raven” read with incredible drama? This version nails it! It really brings Poe’s dark vibes to life, you gotta give it a listen.

Why should you read Edgar Allan Poe? – Scott Peeples

Not sure why everyone’s so obsessed with Poe? This TED-Ed talk breaks down why he’s a literary genius! It really made me appreciate his work even more.

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven

Want to see “The Raven” come to life? This Emmy-winning short film adaptation is super cool. Definitely gives a new layer of understanding to the poem, check it out!

The Simpsons – Edgar Allan Poe: The Raven

Okay, you HAVE to see this Simpsons take on “The Raven”! It’s hilarious and surprisingly clever. Trust me, you’ll be quoting it for days.

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