This was one of the first horror movies I saw as a kid (it was made the year I was born). I just viewed it again on Netflix, and I am amazed at how well it has held up. When I first saw The Fly, color TV was a commodity for the wealthy. A 14 inch black and white TV was my first look at The Fly during the ABC 4:30 movie.On a color screen,the film looks AMAZING! That old Technicolor film process really does this film proud.The sets are very impressive. I'll always remember that sliding door in the lab, and the creepy sound it made when it was opened.But it is the acting of the female lead that sets this film on a higher level. The actress who plays Elaine really carries the film. Her love for her husband is so authentic and sincere, we have no trouble believing that she would do ANYTHING to help him. When she first sees his horribly transformed hand, her horror is totally believable. The way she regains her strength and composure immediately afterward is exactly how a woman who is completely in love with her husband would react to such a nightmare.All of the acting is really quite good. The police detective is also a stand out as the "long arm of the law" attempting to make sense of an inexplicable murder. The little boy who plays Phillipe also give a great and sympathetic performance.Some will argue that there is too much character exposition before the film gets down to the business of scaring us. However I think the character development is a great way to build sympathy for the characters. A lesson all too many of today's special digital effects laden films seem to forget.

Vincent price gets a slower roleIf your a fan of slow drama and Price this movie is still quite the thing. No matter how many times it is re made so far, the original story has not been approached. Will it ever be? Can even cgi put together a human, a fly, and a cat. Cat? yes the original story includes a cat too, the fur balls do not fit with special effects and the animal rights people might not like the add on. This story illustrates a transporter before star trek. Just remember this time Captain Kirk is not transported into a woman and Spock is not an animal eaten by a spider. Price is excellent even if he is a bit stuffy being a sort of Detective cop.

Andre Delambre (David Hedison) is a brilliant scientist running his own business. When the night watchman discovers that Andre has been crushed under his own hydraulic pressing machine, the finger of suspicion for his murder is pointed firmly at his wife Helene Delambre (Patricia Owens) when she is spotted running from the scene. Both Helene and the night watchman make contact with Andre's brother Francois Delambre (Vincent Price) who then proceeds to inform his close friend Inspector Charas (Herbert Marshall). Inspector Charas tries to get to the bottom of Andre's death and asks Helene to explain what has happened, but with Helene refusing to talk and with her behaviour becoming increasingly erratic, is she guilty of his murder and just plain insane or is there more to Andre's death than meets the eye?The thing that hooks you in with this film is that at the start of the film it's one big mystery; I was sat there wondering why has Andre being killed, why won't Helene say anything about his death? What's the significance of this one particular fly? The fun with this film is trying to figure all of these aspects out and the whole mystery element makes the film enjoyable, fun and engaging. The concept is also original, clever, fascinating and within the context of the narrative is utterly plausible - particularly with reference to how the accident occurred which just shows that even a basic mistake can have devastating consequences. Even when the 'accident' happens to Andre, Neumann and co continue to hold the audience's attention by maintaining a strong narrative which is guaranteed to keep your interest right till the end. The moment when Andre is 'unmasked' is also gave me a bit of a jump which is weird because it still made me jump even though I knew what to expect. It's hard to explain, but if you've seen the film you'll know what I mean.The science behind it all is utterly fascinating and ingenious - although I suspect you'd have to have a 'Stephen Hawking' type IQ to be able to understand it all, but you know what it really doesn't matter because there is plenty going on in this film to guarantee that your interest will never wane.The Fly is a brilliant film that still holds up well over 50 years later. The concept was imaginative and original at the time and I think this has helped the film to age well. The cast really help to bring things to life and particular praise should go to Patricia Owens who I thought was superb.

(Halloween 'Horror' Reviews #12)The Fly is one of the most dignified and refined science fiction thrillers in the entire 1950's, the heyday of the genre. Its slow, laid back pace and well constructed dialogue turns the film into more of a sci-fi drama than a horror. However the film marketed itself as a horror, and it continues to be held in the same regard as the other horror films of the time.As a drama, the film excels. Its acting is very good all around, with Vincent Price turning in a wonderful performance, demonstrating the genuine dramatic weight he possessed. It's also got a nice slow pace, allowing the audience to take in the fairly heavy and serious ideas the film presents. Finally the film has significant emotional weight, particularly in its third act. It honestly gets quite heavy and asks some evocative questions at this point in the film.Aside from the films dramatic pursuits, it also functions as a solid sci-fi film with a horror edge. The set design is excellent, specifically the lab set, and there are some creepy ideas on display. I would argue that the film shouldn't really apply as a true horror (it rarely even tries to scare the audience), however it succeeds in presenting some sinister visuals on occasion. Overall I feel the producers mistook the film's intentions. It really isn't a horror film, however if accepted for what it is (a superb science fiction drama about families the horrid results of a small mistake) it is very strong.