Carnival of Souls • The Next Reel

The Next Reel Film Podcast

“Why can’t anybody hear me?!”
The Fascinating Origins of a Classic Horror Film

In the early 1960s, director Herk Harvey stumbled upon an abandoned amusement park in Salt Lake City, sparking the idea for what would become the classic horror film Carnival of Souls. With a shoestring budget and a cast of mostly unknown actors, Harvey set out to capture the haunting atmosphere of that desolate park. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off the One-and-Done series with a conversation about Harvey's 1962 film Carnival of Souls.

Exploring the Liminal Space Between Life and Death

Our discussion of Carnival of Souls delves into the film's unique storytelling approach and its exploration of the space between life and death. We examine how the protagonist, Mary Henry (played by Candace Hilligoss), navigates this liminal space after surviving a tragic car accident, and how her experiences blur the lines between reality and the supernatural.

Throughout our conversation, we touch on:

• The effective use (overuse?) of organ music and striking visual imagery
• The ambiguity of certain scenes and their room for interpretation
• The film's influence on later horror movies

A Timeless Classic That Continues to Captivate

Despite its low budget and relatively unknown cast, Carnival of Souls has endured as a classic of the horror genre. Its haunting imagery, ambiguous storytelling, and exploration of existential themes continue to captivate audiences decades after its initial release. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Check out An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge
• Script Options
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd

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