The Tomb of Ligeia

Verden Fell enters a new chapter of his life after the sudden death of his wife. He invites a younger heiress into his decaying abbey, and soon the couple are living under one roof. A chill settles over the place, and the air itself feels heavy with memories. Fell’s late wife seems to linger in the rooms, her presence casting a pale shadow over the marriage. Rowena, his new bride, senses something wrong and decides to uncover the truth behind the uncanny atmosphere. As she investigates, strange signs multiply and the house itself appears to resist her, hinting at a past that refuses to stay buried. The atmosphere tightens with each passing night, and the line between memory and illusion blurs, leaving Fell and Rowena to question what is real and what is driven by longing.

Released in 1964, The Tomb of Ligeia was directed by Roger Corman as part of his Edgar Allan Poe cycle. The script credits Robert Towne and Paul Mayersberg, drawing on Poe's material.

Reception and themes: The film leans on mood over gore, with Vincent Price delivering a restrained, aristocratic turn that suits the material. Critics note the lush black and white photography, the creaking abbey setting, and a sense of impending doom that mirrors grief and obsession. Memory, guilt, and the cost of devotion drive the tension more than overt shocks.

As part of Corman's celebrated Poe cycle, The Tomb of Ligeia helped cement Price's screen persona as a refined but chilling presence in Gothic horror. Its emphasis on atmosphere, haunting visuals, and psychological dread influenced later genre films and remains a touchstone for fans of vintage 60s horror cinema.

There are no major awards on record for The Tomb of Ligeia. Nonetheless, the film is frequently cited for its striking production design, haunting score, and Price's era defining performance within Roger Corman's series of Poe adaptations.