Revenge of the Dead

Synopsis

Night of the Ghouls is a 1959 horror film directed by Ed Wood and starring Kenne Duncan. This cult classic follows the eerie story of Dr. Acula, a deceitful phony medium who cons grieving families by pretending to communicate with their lost loved ones. However, the tables turn when Dr. Acula encounters real supernatural entities that he cannot control. The plot thickens as Lieutenant Daniel Bradford gets involved, determined to expose the fraud. Set in a gloomy, atmospheric mansion, Night of the Ghouls combines elements of post-war skepticism, paranormal intrigue, and Wood's uniquely eccentric filmmaking style to deliver a memorable, albeit unconventional, horror experience.

Cast

• 

  Kenne Duncan

  Karl, aka Dr. Acula

• 

  Duke Moore

  Police Lt. Daniel Bradford

• Valda Hansen

  Sheila, aka The White Ghost

• 

  Tor Johnson

  Lobo

• 

  Paul Marco

  Officer Kelton

• Jeannie Stevens

  The Black Ghost

Reviews

With an IMDb rating of 3.5/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 30%, Night of the Ghouls has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many viewers appreciate the campy charm and low-budget craftsmanship that director Ed Wood brings to the table. Critic Rob Gonsalves from eFilmCritic notes, 'It's amusing in that way only grade-Z films are, endearing in its earnestness.' On the other hand, the film also has its detractors. Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide describes it as 'a tedious fiasco,' criticizing its convoluted plot and lackluster special effects. Some users on IMDb have expressed similar sentiments, calling it 'painfully incoherent' and 'amateurish'. Despite these criticisms, Night of the Ghouls has developed a cult following for its unapologetically peculiar style and Kenne Duncan's performance as Dr. Acula. It stands as a testament to Ed Wood's unique vision in the realm of horror cinema.