Let me tell you about this SHOCKING Vincent Price B movie

SHOCK (1946) is a thoroughly entertaining thriller/noir film that benefits from some great performances from Vincent Price and Lynn Bari.
I've seen this one a few times, always late at night, and it's worth sharing. It's a B-film produced by 20th Century Fox that's got a superb atmosphere and a tight story.
Starring Vincent Price, Lynn Bari, Anabel Shaw, and Frank Latimore, and directed by Alfred Werker, "SHOCK" may be a low-budget offering, but it is very entertaining.
You can watch SHOCK here➡️ archive.org/de...
If you love classic movies and want more content
subscribe to the free cinema cities newsletter
📰screenspectato...?sd=pf
If you're loving these videos consider supporting the channel at:
☕️www.buymeacoff...
⭐️ / cinemacities
✅Check out the full list of Cinema Cities Books and Movie recommendations www.amazon.com...
🎵Like the music? Find my playlist with the music I've used here:
share.epidemic...
And, if you sign up to Epidemic Sound through the playlist link, you'll get 1 month for free!
I hang out on Twitter so come on over and say hi!
😀Twitter: / cities1978​
✉️Email: [e-mail]
Disclosure: This video description may contain affiliate links and referral codes, which means I may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or sign-ups made through my links. I am a participant in multiple affiliate and referral programs, including Amazon and Epidemic Sound.

[@CinemaCities1978]

You can watch shock here ➡ archive.org/details/1946-shock-el-susto-alfred-werker-vo

[@lindacecile5647]

Wanted to ask if you've reviewed "The Killing". I just watched it, and I thought in every aspect, it was an amazing work. Would love to see your take on this . I now count it top of list of noir

[@arytaco5380]

I’ll admit that I enjoy the mood of your videos almost as much as film noir on a dark and stormy night. This channel truly is a gem!

[@CinemaCities1978]

I really appreciate you saying that. I kind of have a style that's evolved over the past 3 years and I'm glad you like it.

[@azohundred1353]

I have seen this film, and to also not spoil anything, all I'll say is it makes a perfect double feature with Spellbound (1945). Really, when most people talk about the career of Vincent Price, they usually refer to movies beginning with House Of Wax (1953) and after, I'm very happy to see you call attention to Shock (1946), one of his earliest leading roles, and definitely an underrated thriller. Great video! 👍

[@CinemaCities1978]

A lot of people forget his supporting roles in films like Laura, Leave Her To Heaven and The Song of Bernadette. I really like Shock and I think Price really creates a nuanced and interesting character in Dr. Cross.

[@inkfishpete8695]

Vincent Price trained as a Shakespearean actor, but by the mid 50's, he was limited to the horror genre. He finally got to perform Shakespeare (sort of) in Theater of Blood.

[@DanielOrme]

@@inkfishpete8695 I love Theater of Blood, my favorite Price movie. And, though it's not really a Shakespeare movie, maybe the best tribute to Shakespeare ever. Or at least the most perversely witty one. 😎

[@inkfishpete8695]

@@DanielOrme Theater of Blood and The Witchfinder General. Masque of the Red Death would be my #3 - such gorgeous color schemes in that one.

[@michaelhill4353]

​@@inkfishpete8695 The Masque of the Red Death boasts Cinematography by the late Nicolas Roeg, who would subsequently transition from Cinematographer to Director with 1970's "Performance", co directing opposite Donald Cammell while also serving as the films DP, though the film itself was shot in 1968 and shelved by Warner Brothers until 1970.✌️❤️🤘

[@davidkoenig8592]

SHOCK is a pretty good film. I was really drawn in on the angle/sight lines they used during the wife's murder. Price was great in all of his early roles in the 40's.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Yes and the thunderstorm sequence was also imaginatively shot. Nice use of light and shadows.

[@susanrike7476]

Just watched Shock late at night. This thriller/noir is first-rate. Vincent Price and Lynn Bari were terrific. It was atmospheric, tight, and compelling. Believe it or not, I've never seen a Vincent Price movie before. I plan to watch more of his films. Thank you for recommending this.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I'm so glad you liked it. I found it by accident one night and I couldn't believe I'd never heard of it before. For being made on such a small budget, it's a really good looking, well plotted and tense movie.

[@SabeFett]

I watched the film based on your review and loved it. Thank you!

[@CinemaCities1978]

It's a really good little film, right! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@natemiller6854]

Discovered this one just a couple of months ago, and YES, you're absolutely correct about it being an overlooked gem.

[@steveneardley7541]

Vincent Price is pretty wonderful in His Kind of Woman, a noir with Robert Mitchum, Jane Russell, and Raymond Burr.

[@CinemaCities1978]

He is! That's a fun movie 😂

[@dk60ish]

Thanks for another heads-up! I just watched "99 River Street" (1953) last night & enjoyed it immensely, it also was very interesting in how even early TV played a role in society, & in particular, how key it was towards setting the movie's plot up!

[@CinemaCities1978]

I’m so glad you enjoyed 99 River Street! Television meant that Ernie could never forget that fight. Whenever you get around to it let me know what you think of Shock.

[@gemini2459]

I LOVED 99 RIVER STREET ALSO. LOVE YOUR MOVIE PICKS. I'M ON A MISSION TO WATCH YOUR FILM NOIR PICS. 🐦🐦🐦

[@Ned_of_the_Hill]

I also saw "99 River Street" due to your review. Thanks!

[@Noir_or_never31]

This is one of my favourite B movies of all time! That insulin scene is wild! 😮

[@CinemaCities1978]

The insulin scene and Janet's hysterics were over the top in the best way.

[@rightlyso8507]

I saw this film, a few times, and loved it every time I saw it. A great noir from one of the greatest few years for noir films

[@CinemaCities1978]

I was really pleased to find that it holds up to repeated viewings.

[@nickimontie]

I watched Leave Her to Heaven, also with Vincent Price. Great movie, and now I have to watch this one!

[@CinemaCities1978]

I love Leave Her To Heaven! Price was doing great supporting work in some fantastic films in the early 1940s. Shock was the first time he got to take the lead.

[@nickimontie]

@@CinemaCities1978 So far, all of your recommendations have been winners!

[@victorconsolette6866]

Best movie channel on KZbin. High production values and critiques that are intelligent and not in any way snarky. I've always held that, in order to fully appreciate an older film, one must mentally place oneself in a theatre seat of its time.

[@anniebardelli7007]

I agree completely

[@paulkitt-er9dr]

This one is in my dvd pile somewhere you have convinced me to dig it up thanks again for these recommendations

[@jeffwhite3679]

Thanks for pointing me to this movie. I had somehow missed it. Added to my Amazon watch list, going to watch it this week. Vincent Price was a St Louis native and an amazing actor even though he was somewhat typecast into roles that didn't really let him show all of his talent. One of my fondest memories is seeing him live at the Muny Opera in St Louis playing the Devil in Damned Yankees. I'm looking forward to watching this one.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Now that must've been a great production. So many greats have been on that Muny stage and so many St. Louis natives come back and perform for the hometown crowd.

[@robbush6822]

I didn't recognize it by title - a problem I am increasingly finding, the more old movies I watch - but I have seen it before. As soon as you showed the scene of Vincent striking...someone...I recognized it. So, it was fairly memorable. Nice little B to shine the light on.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I've seen it a few times and it really holds up to multiple viewings.

[@melissavidic2895]

Looks very interesting. I love Vincent Price so I will be watching it soon. Thank you.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Let me know what you think.

[@captainape6807]

This is one of my faves. I'm a huge Vincent Price fan. I love how he can play, fragile yet evil. It's a pity he was never cast as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He would have played that dichotomy perfect. He'd be the super evil Hyde and the ever regretful Jekyll.

[@stevenstanley3157]

Just watched! No femme has ever been more fatale than Lynn Bari is in this one! (Love the editing and effects in your video.) SHOCK SHOCK SHOCK

[@CinemaCities1978]

I really like Lynn Bari. She, more often than not, played the other woman, and she was sooooo good at it.

[@AJBell-dh6ry]

I'm 37, and I still want to be Vincent Price when I grow up.

[@CinemaCities1978]

There’s still time!

[@aeoleaburwell7247]

Yeah, watch out for Tuesday 11 September, truly shocking

[@rosysulla]

Love this one. Always rewatch it.

[@CinemaCities1978]

This one makes for an enjoyable rewatch.

[@MoreMovies4u]

Looks awesome CC! Love Vincent Price so i'll definitely be checking this one out. Great vid! 👍🎬

[@CinemaCities1978]

this is a fun one! I love Price too so this was a treat. Although, I kept thinking of how Laird Cregar would've been excellent in this role as well. He and Price really had a very similar vibe.

[@allegory6393]

Thank you so much for the reccomendation, never heard of this film before. I particularly liked VP in 'Laura', especially the fantastic scene he shares with a particular favourite of mine, Judith Anderson. Imagine standing out in a film where Clifton Webb played Waldo Lydecker (and where Gene Tierney dazzles)!

[@CinemaCities1978]

It's so cool that Judith Anderson is one your favorites. I love her in so many films...Kings Row, Rebecca, Edge of Darkness, Laura. . .

[@TheloniousCube]

This one is really fun potboiler - kind of trashy, but really fun. Thanks for reminding us!

[@darinsingleton3553]

I've always found Price charming; but it was his third wife, Coral Browne, who I found to be extraordinary. "Dream Child" & "The Ruling Class" being among my favorites.

[@CinemaCities1978]

His first wife, Edith Barrett wasn't too shaby either.

[@dk60ish]

Okay, I just watched it; Vincent Price's subtle but powerful performance carries much of the film, which can make one ignore the lesser actors along with the weaker aspects of the plot as well as some particular shots, & Lynn Bari's performance here, reveals she was clearly underrated as an actress. But of course, with her being his lover, one can definitely believe that Dr. Cross would go to such lengths to be free with his prize!

[@SteveR57]

Just great work. Been a fan of Vincent Price since waaay back. As a teen in the early 1970s. Australian television channels would switch off broadcasting every night at midnight back then. Every Friday, the last show on one of four channels was Creature Feature. Vincent turned up regularly. In films such as The Tingler, House of Wax, Last Man on Earth, etc. I recall they used Vincent's narration in a few episodes of In Search of... a paranormal mystery series that also ran in the 1970s. You could really believe in the sinister Bermuda Triangle if Mr. Price was explaining it. I also noticed that Steve Martin made clever use of some clips featuring V.P. in a film called The Bribe - for Martin's noir pastiche, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid. Have never seen The Bribe. Are you familiar with it ? Congrats on your fine work once more✨️🌷🇦🇺

[@CinemaCities1978]

I haven't seen the bribe in years. I remember John Hodiak being in that one too. Love him. Perhaps it's time for a revisit!

[@numbersix8919]

Just watched it! thanks to Cine Citti ! Thank you, as always. An outstanding first top billing for Vincent Price, America's answer to Boris Karloff. My note is: Everyone knows that he was often typecast as a thoroughly creepy guy who is also cultured, kind hearted and sophisticated, and tortured by his innate goodness and strong sense of right and wrong. But can we really say "typecast" when this unique type appears to have been created by Vincent Price himself??? I think not!

[@nickbovi]

Really solid movie, although the ending was kind of rushed I think. Vincent Price was stellar as usual, and Lynn Bari was really good as a beautiful, but bad, bad girl. She was all for offing Mrs. Stewart. As a San Francisco native, I can tell this movie wasn't shot there(even it was supposed to have been). Point Lobos which they said was in Monterey County is actually right near the world famous Cliff House in San Francisco. There is one very famous noir-like photo shot right off of Point Lobos, by the very well known San Francisco photographer, Fred Lyon who just died last year at the age of 95.

[@houreugh]

Another Brilliant Edit!!❤

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you! 😋

[@ceegee1706]

Your humor delivery is the best, haha! 2:02 Thanks for all the great content!

[@l.a.gothro3999]

An early riffing group called the L. A. Connection riffed "Shock" sometime in the mid-1980s for their show, "Mad Movies". Their style was to not speak over the film's dialogue, but to record *their* dialogue. I will never ever be able to watch "Shock" again without saying, "Candlestick, candlestick, candlestick!" whenever Price's character appears holding one.

[@CinemaCities1978]

😂😂😂

[@lbbotpn5429]

You want your husband asking questions *especially* when shipping you off to Vincent Price... Thanks for the video and the recommendation - can't wait to watch it!

[@CinemaCities1978]

EXACTLY! Paul didn't ask a single question. 😂😂😂

[@thomasscollo7491]

Tom Scollo : Totally love your Chanel !!!

[@CinemaCities1978]

thank you!

[@maureentuohy8672]

Man I love this channel! These movies are really a treasures. Nothing like the power of Black and White films. 🤗

[@CinemaCities1978]

I'm glad you love it here!! Have you seen SHOCK?

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

With Spellbound and The Snake Pit and others around this time, it seemed to be the era of the overtly psychological film. NGL, I haven't seen this one, but will have to correct this oversight. Thanks again for the rare overview.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I think with all the returning vets the entire population was in some way becoming familiar with psychiatry and psychology and the movies were tapping into that.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

@@CinemaCities1978 Good point.

[@zetectic7968]

Love the thought bubbles. I mostly know Vincent Price from the Edgar Allan Poe inspired films: Mask of the Red Death & Ligeia, then later Dr Phibes & The Witchfinder General. I shall have to check this one out as it will be a quick watch.

[@CinemaCities1978]

After you watch please come back and let me know what you think.

[@steveneardley7541]

Lauren Bacall in Shock Treatment: "There was money. I should know. I spent 26 separate hours with that patient." It's on KZbin. Unfortunately, it's not quite as over-the-top as I remembered it when it came out. It's definitely in the "psychiatrist as villain" genre.

[@DanielOrme]

Psychiatrist As Villain is an interesting trope. I wonder if it started with writers or producers who were frustrated with their therapy and so decided it was the best way to get back at their doctors. 😁

[@steveneardley7541]

@@DanielOrme It fits in with the general distrust of "over-educated" people: "They must be evil; they read big books." Another movie in that genre is "Shock Corridor". It has a reputation as a good film, but seemed like a lurid exploitation flic to me.

[@diego-search]

I'm going to watch this film...the shots (in & out) of the windows, the evil doctor telling the witness what she did not see, reminds one of, "Sisters", which is generally said to be influenced by "Rear Window" and "Psycho", but who knows, maybe "Shock" influenced DePalma as well.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Now that you mention Sisters, I can see a possible indluence. Especially the scenes in the clinic with the Price's Dr. Cross sconspiring to keep Janet silent. Although, Price's chracter is more sympathetic, by a mile, than Emil Breton. . . "It was all a ridiculous mistake. . ."

[@diego-search]

@@CinemaCities1978 Having now seen the movie, connecting influence from, "Sisters" seems to be a bit of a stretch, although trying to convince her "there was no murder...", (quoting "Sisters") playing with her mind and giving her meds, does look a bit like parrallel story lines. (I do feel Price killed Bari rather quickly, strangling her by hand should take longer than it did?)

[@inkfishpete8695]

Really like this overlooked noir. I caught this along with The Las Vegas Story 2 weeks ago. Frank Latimore, who played the husband, certainly fared better in Shock than he did in 13 Rue Madeleine.

[@CinemaCities1978]

No parachutes in this one. . .

[@inkfishpete8695]

@@CinemaCities1978 my wife gave me a Groupon for 1 skydiving lesson for my birthday. Should I be concerned?

[@TaylorBookout]

Dragonwyck is another great Price film from 1946. I think he gave his best ever performance in it. With how he dominated the film, you would've thought he had the starring role in it (which would've been his first, but this one was.)

[@CinemaCities1978]

Price was assigned Dragonwyck after Laird Cregar died. Those two had a very similar energy onscreen. I adore them both and I love that they were very close friends.

[@TaylorBookout]

@@CinemaCities1978 I remember how surprised I was to hear it when watching the A House of Secrets: Exploring 'Dragonwyck' featurette on the Dragonwyck blu-ray. They even mentioned that Price did Cregar's eulogy and then a few months later, went on to film Dragonwyck. Their careers really intertwined at the end of Cregar's life. Price went onto do the radio shows for Hangover Square and The Lodger in 1946 too.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I must find the Price radio show and have a listen.

[@TaylorBookout]

@@CinemaCities1978 Hangover Square: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4DYknh9mrp8iKc&pp=ygUedmluY2VudCBwcmljZSBoYW5nb3ZlciBzcXVhcmUg

[@TaylorBookout]

@@CinemaCities1978 The Lodger: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJWvm4mioK5_lbc&pp=ygUYdmluY2VudCBwcmljZSB0aGUgbG9kZ2Vy

[@Kwolfx]

Another movie with a very questionable; but fun, portrayal of psychiatry was Calling Dr. Death, which starred Lon Chaney Jr. in 1943. Unfortunately, it is not available on KZbin though it was part of the Inner Sanctum Mysteries collection on DVD and Blu-ray.

[@jtcbrt]

His mistress wasn't just a nurse, she was the "head" nurse!

[@CinemaCities1978]

She was! She didn’t once stop to question any of her choices.

[@MothGirl007]

NOONE delivers lines the way Vincent Price did!

[@davewalter1216]

I saw this film one night as a random YT selection and it was great. Not art maybe, but very entertaining. Reminded me of a Cornel Woolrich short story, which was far more bleak. Here's a question, though: Is the Lynn Bari character a femme fatale? I've got my working definition of film noir down pat (this is noir) but I still feel on shaky ground with some aspects, especially the femme fatale. In this film the Vincent Price character rather muddies the waters for me. Do you have an opinion on Lynn's character or any helpful suggestions as to the critical characteristics for defining a femme fatale (does she need to be bad, for example)?

[@CinemaCities1978]

That is how I first saw it: late at night as a random KZbin pick. As for Elaine being the femme fatale: Her presence instigates the initial murder of Mrs. Cross, and she brings about not only Dr. Cross's downfall but is ultimately responsible for her own dark fate. Additionally, she is the one responsible for the scheme that puts Janet's life in danger. All of that was Elaine's idea, and she manipulates Dr. Cross in classic femme fatale fashion to carry out her plan and encourages him to stay the course when he has moral doubts. Although Cross in charge, he repeatedly yields to Elaine until the end. She holds the power in the relationship and uses it to get what she wants. Since the film is only an hour long, we can't expect in-depth character exploration, but it is clear that Elaine is no good.

[@ArtDocHound]

Only 7,999,996 to go!

[@martinchorich1621]

Actors Studio exercise-“They’ve just told you that they want to exhume your wife. React!”

[@CinemaCities1978]

😂😂😂

[@Chiller11]

You’re a little too hard on Paul. There was no PubMed or WebMD in 1945. Lynn Bari has that grace and sultry voice that could convince an off centre psychiatrist to kill his wife. Your voice actually has a similar quality which fits the noir recaps very well. I’ll have to check this one out. Thanks for another quality recommendation.

[@michaelmanning5379]

Perhaps it's my imagination but it appears that Vincent Price's character, Dr. Cross, sold his sanitorium to Dr. Chumley (Cecil Kellaway) in time for 1950's "Harvey"

[@dbarker7794]

My favorite part is when the door opens to reveal who the psychiatrist is. And yeah, what did happen to Elaine???

[@asukalangley6494]

It was a fun and kind of heartbreaking at times but one thing above all remains clear. Somebody in this movie needs some MAJOR immediate anger management classes. 😬

[@uwehuber5018]

full of 9/11 ....in dates , symbolism, etc . best part when "Cross" mentions he must return to his "lodge"...

[@anthonymusto3537]

How presumptuous of you😂

[@FrankinDallas]

This film proves the old adage...women are Poison! Poor Vincent gets ruined by his nasty nurse/mistress.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Or the old adage men are fools…