O Fantasma do Convento

This is one of a kind movie. The story is very simple, 3 friends get lost during a storm and end up in a haunted convent. Although the movie is a little predictable and somewhat moralistic, it keeps you at the edge of your seat all the way long. The movie is intentionally slow and sometimes you wish the characters get out of the tomb - like convent running as fast as they can. As with all the old horror movies, this one depends on acting and atmosphere rather than FX to reach its goal, and it does deliver. You almost can see the shadows walking off the wall and going after the main characters. The monks are quite unnerving, specially the laconic and authoritarian abbot. Although this film is no roller coaster, still is an unforgettable experience

It is rather slow but still wonderful especially with the three stars, on the way to become much more, the clever locations and of the coffins and the seeming mummified bodies. It is an early Mexican talkie horror and really splendidly done of the gothic atmosphere and those strange unnerving monks.

This is an unusual film from Mexico by an unheralded director that is highly atmospheric, and contains some interesting characters. The story is narrated by an old monk, and concerns the experiences of Alfonso (played by Enrique del Campo, and his best friend Eduardo (played by Carlos Villatoro). The acting and dialogue are a little rough around the edges, but passable.

It is the story and the clever cinematography that makes the film work. The direction by Fernando De Fuentes is first rate; and this is probably the best Mexican film made until Robinson Crusoe several years later. Enjoy the Gothic Atmosphere.

As a horror/fantasy aficionado, I truly enjoyed watching "El Fantasma del Convento". Don't allow the Espanol to get in the way of your decision to watch this great, ghost-themed film. I only understand 'un poco Espanol', but was still able to follow and understand the story. Of course, it does help to have someone present who speaks Spanish, or to use / reference a translation app, like Google Translate. But, the visuals move forward so clearly, that you inevitably get the message!

Director: Fernando de Fuentes. Underrated Director, IMHO. Even months after viewing this superb film, I still have these images burned into my brain. When it comes to the classics, I don't think re-making them automatically provides a solution because there can always be subtle things that we will receive from watching the originals. It's not about the "pomposity" of the originals, rather it's about the subtleties.

I would place this in the Top Ten best of all ghost-themed films!

Although I had seen one of de Fuentes's films (THE TIGER OF YAUTAPEC) many years back, THE PHANTOM OF THE CONVENT looked very intriguing. Despite a rather rough copy, it held the attention throughout and delivered a good many scares and creepy moments in its eighty minutes or so. In its atmosphere reminded me a little of VAMPYR or WHITE ZOMBIE, and deserves to be much better known. Well worth seeking out.