Till Death

In spite of the makeshift production values, this is a chilling film. You don't sense the camera crew and director; you feel like you're locked in that mausoleum with the character(s). A couple is en route on their honeymoon when a tragic auto accident kills the bride. The husband spends time in recovery and, upon release from hospital, visits the crypt (perfectly located in a dimly-lit mausoleum). Of course, he gets accidently locked in at the close of the day (it starts to get unnerving here). As he pines for his lost wife, he hears a whimpering, sobbing sound coming from behind the stone seal of her tomb. At this point, your imagination becomes a principal character in the turn of events; could this really be happening? He wouldn't DARE...?!?! What if...is she...will he...!!!!! Sometimes a low-budget works to contribute a unintended pathos and "Till Death" is a prime example. Good story line, very dark and unthinkable but irresistible to watch. I don't believe it is yet available on video, but it should be. I have a 16MM print I love to run on a still summer night in the back yard. Of COURSE it's only a movie and yet... Catch it if you can!

1974's "Till Death" is a rarely seen low budgeter produced and directed by actor Walter Stocker, best remembered for his starring turn in the infamous "They Saved Hitler's Brain," coproduced by his daughter Pamela and scripted by his son, Gregory Dana. Filmed around 1972-73, this was the film debut of beloved cult actress Belinda Balaski, but went unreleased until quietly slipping out in early 1978, falling into near total obscurity following its few TV screenings. A lengthy precredits sequence depicts a prophetic nightmare for Paul Ryan (Keith Atkinson), on the eve of his impending wedding to lovely Anne (Belinda), which finds him trailing a mysterious woman in white leading him to Anne's crypt, where she appears as a horrible decayed corpse. Alas, the newlyweds enjoy only a few hours of bliss before a tragic auto accident leaves her dead, and Paul in traction for some months afterwards. Once he is able to walk again, he immediately journeys to her grave (an amusing turn from Jonathan Hole), and is inadvertently locked into the crypt overnight. Regaining consciousness, he amazingly hears her call for his help, breaking into her sealed tomb to find her seemingly alive and well. They spend the night together, despite ominous warnings that all will not end well at dawn, reminiscent of the second story from the 1964 Mexican anthology feature "100 Cries of Terror," expanded to feature length, with a black cat representing the supernatural, and a genuinely shocking climax. The reunion takes up the second half of the film's 71 minute running time, padded with slowly paced scenes that fail to create much resonance in the characters' grief stricken situation. Like other genre efforts from the era such as "Stanley" and "Horror High," there is a memorable theme song, composed and sung by Chick Rains, sounding not unlike Don McLean's hit single "Vincent." Despite the presence of the bewitching Belinda (yes, even in a white shroud), this seems to have escaped cult status, appearing on Pittsburgh's Chiller Theater on Jan 3 1981 and Dec 25 1982 (not the happiest movie for a Christmas viewing).

"Till Death" tells the story of a mourning widower named Paul,who accidentally kills his wife Anne during a tragic car accident.Months later he visits Anne's tomb and is locked in overnight by graveyard workmen.After opening her coffin Paul discovers that Anne is still alive.The eerie tale of love beyond the grave begins..."Till Death" by Walter Stocker is quite similar in tone to Jean Rollin's dreamy "The Rose of Iron".Lovers are locked in a tomb and stay there in an utter coldness of dimly lit mausoleum.Belinda Balaski's performance as Anne is overtly emotional and the action is very slow.The film lacks otherworldly tension and melancholy of "The Rose of Iron",but is worth watching for its creepy sepulchral setting.7 out of 10.

The essential story here could be used for a very affecting -- if rather short -- film, playing upon claustrophobia, necrophobia, our desires for undying love, and so forth.

Unfortunately, this film seems to have been shot quickly, with mere workaday direction, cinematography, sound, and acting, despite the fact that most of the participants did substantially better work at other points in their careers.

It's interesting to note that this film is connected to the infamous -They Saved Hitler's Brain- by way both of Walter Stocker and of one of the actors (Marshall Reed).

First, it is a movie made in the 70's, so it does lack the action and visuals that modern movies have. Therefore, younger viewers may not like it at all. For older viewers: if you have ever lost a loved one or experienced thoughts of losing a loved one, then this movie will have a profound impact on you. Yes, it is campy, slightly over-acted, and lacking of high-tech visuals, but the theme is timeless, and the music will be remembered. If released on DVD, I can almost guarantee that sales will amaze the skeptics.