The Cabinet of Caligari (1962)

The Cabinet of Caligari (1962), starring Glynis Johns

 First off, it needs to be noted that this is not a remake of the classic horror film.  It is, instead, more of a psychological thriller.  The Cabinet of Dr. Calibari begins with young Jane (played by the lovely Glynis Johns – the mother in  Mary Poppins, the heroine in  The Court Jester) driving along, and having a tire blowout. She walks for what seems like hours until she happens upon a house.  Where she is taken in by the titular Dr. Caligari (Dan O’Herlihy). But the next day, when she wants to leave, she finds she cannot.  She is a prisoner in the house, along with several others — and the doctor’s staff.

It’s a very interesting movie, with a twist ending that shouldn’t surprise — but it does.  The acting is top notch and is a very enjoyable movie, that I heartily recommend.

Editorial review of The Cabinet of Caligari, courtesy of Amazon.com

When young Jane Lindstorm’s (Glynis Johns) car breaks down, she makes her way to a somewhat frightening-looking mansion for help. Once there, however, her problems go from bad worse: Dr. Caligari (Dan O’Herlihy), the owner of the house, begins taking Jane on a slow, torturous descent into her psyche that makes her increasingly uncomfortable. Moreover, she is held in the house against her will, and no one in Caligari’s household seems willing to help her escape. With its compelling, haunting soundtrack and unexpected plot twists, THE CABINET OF CALIGARI just might send you screaming to your psychotherapist, or, perhaps, running in the other direction!