El Beso de Ultratumba is a black and white Mexican Horror Drama that is carried away with good acting and clever dialogs. Unfairly underrated ghost story.
The story goes like this: An old couple buried their money on their old mansion (probably in the 17th century). Their life was normal until one night, some thieves (probably horseback thieves) came into their home to steal the money and on their way they cut the old woman's head (the blood still is on the floor!). In desperation, when the husband was about to give them the money, the headless old woman's corpse started to rise, little by little. The thieves tried to escape but then the husband shot them to death. After that, the husband had a heart attack and died.
Legend says that the old couple still prowls in the house , and if you hear the ring of an unexsisting bell, it means that they will appear. That's why nobody ever wants to get in there. The house is an ideal place for those who want to spend their last days...
When a young couple moves to the fore-mentioned house, strange things start to happen. A mysterious beggar makes an appearance, rats, strange sounds in the night, etc. Until the mystery is solved... What is behind the house's secret? Could it be that the alive are more dangerous than the dead? Life insurances aren't always a good option...
"El Beso de Ultratumba" is a movie ahead of it's time. With wicked performances, chilling settings, excellent music, and a good direction. Believe me, this is a quality black and white horror movie with drama elements. The ending twist is very good. Please, try to find this movie and watch it. It's in my opinion, one of the best Mexican Thrillers from the golden era.
The settings are beautiful but that is because Mèxico is a beautiful country. Some exteriors have a nostalgic feeling because the antique Mèxico is shown. Antique, lonely, ghostly settings always make me feel nervous. In this movie, those kind of settings are displayed.
The house where Laura and her husband arrive is creepy alone because it is a very old structure; a typical Mexican home from the 17th century. I'd love to know more about that house's past. The music is average but fits perfect for the movie's purpose. The direction is standard.
At some point the movie is comedic, mainly because of the performance of Laura's husband (who plays an awful drunk). He's a classic macho with good clothes.
