Cursed Films II Episodes 1-2 Review

4 stars, an interesting start to the series.

Cursed Films II is a Shudder Original series looking at the myths and legends which have grown up around some of the Hollywood productions now viewed as being cursed.

Written and directed by Jay Cheel (For Heaven’s Sake), the first two episodes of this fascinating series are now available to stream on Shudder, with three more to follow in the weeks to come.

“Wizard of Oz was a very difficult shoot. There were conflicts and recasting’s and accidents and script problems.”

Episode One deals with childhood favourite The Wizard of Oz, directed by Victor Fleming and released in 1939. It will certainly prove eye opening for anyone who is unaware of the difficulties faced by the team involved in the production of the film. Largely due to the complete lack of health and safety awareness in the thirties when the film was made, there were many startling errors made, most of which would be unthinkable in this day and age, although mistakes do still happen.

From the accidental poisoning of Buddy Ebson (the original Tin Man) to badly burning Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch), to the drugs given to Judy Garland, the whole thing was a comedy of errors.

It is an interesting study into how conspiracies can take hold and run riot without any concrete proof to support them, as well as the damage that can be done by casual comments made in a TV interview. Featuring interviews with relatives, historical interviews with the cast and crew as well as modern film experts, this look at the realities behind a beloved film is sure to keep you hooked right to the end.

“The actors were never really thought about as people. They were part of the factory.”

Episode Two looks at 1968 film Rosemary’s Baby, directed by Roman Polanski and starring Mia Farrow. This one is a very different story. Dealing with the theme of Satanism, the film was controversial right from it’s release.

The rumours of it’s being cursed were more to do with the events following the film in this case, most specifically the murder of Polanski’s wife Sharon Tate the following year. There are also conspiracy theories about the Dakota building, where filming took place and where John Lennon was subsequently murdered.

Many of the people interviewed draw connections with the Beatles and their reasoning is interesting but unfortunately it rather degenerates into another documentary about the Manson family, a shame because it overshadows the film itself.

Both of these episodes offer insights which are great to bring to the fore, it rekindles interest in forgotten stories and looks into dark corners otherwise left undisturbed. A good start to the series, looking forward to the next three instalments.

“There is an idea that if you make a wicked film , then you’re opening yourself up to forces outside yourself.”