THE MAZE (1953)

Based on a novel by Maurice Sandoz, whose only other film adaption was the Tod Slaughter starrer THE CURSE OF THE WRAYDONS, William Cameron Menzies THE MAZE has the reputation of being a bit "silly" based on its denouement but to be honest I did not find this to be the case. Rather I found this to be a rather stylish little horror movie with a rich gothic atmosphere and a good plot (admittedly one that has been used with variations since JANE EYRE and probably earlier) and a competent cast led by Richard Carlson and English actress Veronica Hurst. There is also some excellent support from Michael Pate who even manages to make climbing stairs sinister. But if there is a real "star" of THE MAZE it is director William Cameron Menzies who brings the film an inventive visual style enhanced by his own impressive production design. Filmed in 3D. Rating ***