Say “classic,” “horror” or “iconic” and there’s only one actor you’re talking about as far as I’m concerned: Vincent Price. Or, at the very least, you’re including him somewhere in a list of same.
Name a film or program he’s been in or on and I’ve probably seen it.
Some of the more recognizable roles in which he’s appeared include Thriller … Edward Scissorhands … The Fly as François Delambre … The Abominable Dr. Phibes and Dr. Phibes Rises Again (two of my personal favorites) … The Last Man on Earth … The Ten Commandments.
He’s hobnobbed with Alice Cooper. He’s voiced Tiny Toon Adventures. Cripes … this debonair dude has even been on The Love Boat for Pete’s sake. And so much, much more.
Vincent Price is a hero of mine. I have lots of memorabilia surrounding his legacy. I have films and paraphernalia galore. Lobby cards. Posters. I even have an authentic signed and canceled check with his John Hancock on it. I love the guy.
One of my favorite films he was “in” is this classic blip-of-a-short created by none other than Tim Burton, Vincent, the opening line of which goes just like this:
“Vincent Malloy is 7 years old … he’s always polite and does what he’s told …
For a boy his age he’s considerate and nice … but he wants to be just like Vincent Price …”
I can’t remember exactly where I saw this short for the very first time, but I’m pretty certain it was the year it was made and during some artsy-fartsy film festival in Pasadena, CA. I vaguely recall a bunch of friends and I caught a slew of black and white films with Vincent being one of them … and I specifically remember reading Mr. Price had a roll in the film. (But I had nary a clue who this “Tim Burton” character was.) I also had an inkling this short would be right up my alley regarding my relationship with black and white film and shadowy, stark narrative. (That affair continues to this very day.)
The joy that is this film is in its simplicity. It’s in its powerful narration and eerie feel. In its contrasting play on the real life of Vincent Malloy vs. the phantasmagorical fantasy world he lives in.
And — as proof of my love of the film along with my joy in sharing Vincent Price with everyone out there — I’m offering it up right here in this post for your exclusive dining and dancing pleasure. How does that trip your trigger … ?!?
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo … and what a terrifical final statement at the end of the film, too, from Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven:
“… and my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor …
… shall be lifted … Nevermore …”
Clacked by Michael Noble 
on Oct 13, 2011 @ 09:00 EST5EDT
Thanks for that! Hadn’t seen that in years! Great stuff!
That was great! I can’t believe I hadn’t seen it before, as I love Tim Burton’s stuff, and Vincent Price, too. Though not to your level of devotion to Vincent, I’m sure.
Thanks for sharing, and spooky Halloween to you!
AWESOME! I’ve never seen it either, I lead such a sheltered life, seldom allowed out of my room :-)