An early horror anthology series hosted by Boris Karloff, who also plays a smaller role in each episode.

It really is a wonderful age we live in. Not only are long forgotten shows and films beginning to see the light of day, but invention of the DVD format means that they can be mass produced very inexpensively. Of course, some series are forgotten for good reason, others despite being entertaining just slip through the cracks. We have an example of both types of specimen on display here today, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

The Veil is a charming example of a well made, is somewhat unexceptional anthology series. The presence of Boris Karloff as both a host and an actor lends immeasurable enjoyment to the proceedings. It’s great to see him here, and you can tell he’s having great fun with the variety of roles he’s given. Even when hamming it up for humorous effect, Karloff is exceptional. The other actors range from competent to downright great, and you can look forward to seeing some early work from the likes of Patrick Macnee. (Also, George Hamilton. Yes, George Hamilton, and if you think that’s odd in and of itself, he plays a Hindu!)

The cinematography is excellent, and in some cases, rivals ‘The Twilight Zone‘. The settings are often scenic and foreign locals, and are realized very well for a low-budget TV show. The only problem is the writing. It’s not terrible, it’s just not great. More like an average episode of ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents‘, rather that the aforementioned ‘Zone’. Often, you can pick out the final plot twist from a mile away.

But still it’s a cozy little series.

A cursed soul (Lon Chaney Jr.) must remain trapped forevermore in the haunted house at # 13 Demon St. That is unless he can find another who’s crime is even worse than his to take his place.

As a nice little bonus, Something Weird Video, who released The Veil on DVD, has included two episodes of the series 13 Demon St. The episodes in question concerning a carnivorous plant, and an evil transplanted hand.

Well remember before when I said some series become forgotten for good reason? This is no slight on SWV, I thank them for releasing such obscure fare, especially as a free bonus, but oh lordy do these shows stink! The show appear to have been made for Nordic television way back whenever, and boast some very distracting subtitles, as well as the grayest, bleakest, most depressing camerawork outside of a Colman Francis picture. Whether it be from bad existing prints, or just the original lousy production values, the frame has a tendency to jump around, making watching these episodes a potentially migraine-inducing adventure.

The acting as well as the script writing stink out loud. The stories hang on the flimsiest of plot contrivances and the most ludicrous developments imaginable.

However, I still hope SWV releases a whole set of these! Why? Cheese value of course! If only MST3000 was still around. These shows would be perfect bot fodder!
Chaney’s framing of each episode is also delightfully hokey, and the cool creepy house he inhabits manages to be the series’ only interesting set.

Watch this one with booze, people.