El fantasma del convento
Three travelers encounter undead monks in a cursed monastery.
El fantasma del convento (American release title: The Phantom of the Monastery) is a 1934 Mexican horror film directed by Fernando de Fuentes, who also co-wrote and edited the picture. It is notable as an early entry in Mexican horror cinema, following the success of the director's previous film La Llorona.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Fernando de Fuentes
- Writer
- Fernando de Fuentes
- Jorge Pezet
- Juan Bustillo Oro
- Producer
- Jorge Pezet
- Starring
- Marta Roel
- Carlos Villatoro
- Enrique del Campo
- Paco Martinez
- Jose Rocha
- Victorio Blanco
- Cinematography
- Ross Fisher
- Music
- Max Urban
- Studio
- Producciones FESA (Films Exchange)
- Distributor
- Rayo Films (Argentina); Cinexport Distributing (United States)
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Three travelers, Eduardo, his wife Cristina, and their friend Alfonso, get lost in the mountains one night. A mysterious stranger guides them to a strange monastery run by the Order of the Brothers of Silence. The monks allow them to stay, but odd events soon disturb the guests. During a meal, a strange wind blows through the dining hall. The monks leave to pray against an evil force, and when they go, the three find only ash where their food had been. They follow the monks and watch them pray intensely. Later, back in the hall, the food has returned. The old Father Superior then tells a story about Brother Rodrigo, a man who once desired his friend's wife. He found a cursed Book of Evil and sold his soul to get what he wanted. After the friend died mysteriously, Rodrigo found no peace, joined the monastery, and died in his cell. But his spirit never rests and keeps returning to that sealed room. While the Father speaks, Cristina scratches the word "coward" on the table for Alfonso to see. The three are then taken to their rooms. Cristina sneaks into Alfonso's room and tries to seduce him. He almost gives in but makes her leave. Later, he changes his mind and goes to her door, begging to be let in, but gets no answer. Alfonso then goes to the forbidden cell. The locked door opens by itself, and he enters. Inside, the mummified corpse of the sinful monk points to a book on a stool beside the bed. Alfonso reads it and realizes it is the Book of Evil that ruined Brother Rodrigo. As he feels tempted, he says Eduardo's name out loud. The pages then drip blood, forming the words "will die."
Production
The 1933 horror film El fantasma del convento was a joint effort from producer and co-writer Jorge Pezet and director Fernando de Fuentes. It was rushed into production after the success of Fuentes's earlier film La Llorona, which had also drawn from Mexican folklore. Pezet came up with the concept after becoming intrigued by the dried-out mummies on display at the Museo de El Carmen. Eager to feature them on screen, he worked with Fuentes and Juan Bustillo Oro on a script. The story follows three young people who are forced to stay overnight in a monastery, only to realize their hosts are actually undead. The movie was shot on location at a monastery in Teotzotlan.
Reception
Unlike the 1933 film La Llorona, El Fantasma del Convento never played for American audiences. However, it has developed a dedicated cult following in recent years thanks to its release on Blu-ray and digital platforms, which has introduced it to a wider audience and generated more reviews. Critic Dave Sindelar, writing on Fantastic Movie Musings and Ramblings, described it as “one of the best of the Mexican horror movies,” highlighting its powerful visuals and sound design. On IMDb, the movie currently holds a 6.9 out of 10 rating, placing it in the “above average” category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in El fantasma del convento?
El fantasma del convento stars Marta Roel, Carlos Villatoro, Enrique del Campo, Paco Martinez, Jose Rocha and Victorio Blanco.
Who composed the music for El fantasma del convento?
The music for El fantasma del convento was composed by Max Urban.
How long is El fantasma del convento?
El fantasma del convento has a running time of 85 minutes.
Who distributed El fantasma del convento?
El fantasma del convento was distributed by Rayo Films (Argentina) and Cinexport Distributing (United States).
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