The 17 Oct 1962 DV announced that, upon completing their current film, The Raven (1963, see entry), actors Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, and Peter Lorre would begin work on The Comedy of Terrors. Both were American International Pictures (AIP) productions. The 12 Jun 1963 Var noted that the film was one of twenty-four productions financed by AIP’s 1963 budget of $24 million. A news item in the 6 Feb 1963 Var revealed that Peter Lorre had signed “an exclusive four-year pact” with AIP, requiring him to appear in eight horror-themed films, and preventing him from participating in any similar productions for other studios. Principal photography began 4 Sep 1963 at Producers Studio (later known as Raleigh Studios) in Hollywood, CA, as stated in that day’s LAT and DV.
       The 5 Dec 1963 DV reported that studio executive James H. Nicholson was leaving for New York City to preview the film. Pre-release screenings were planned for selected theaters, prior to general release in Jan 1964. As noted in the 1 Jan 1964 Var, the film’s 25 Dec 1953 Detroit, MI, premiere was a financial success.
       Although critical notices were mixed, public response was positive, garnering the picture $133,000 during its opening week at twenty-four Los Angeles locations.
       The Comedy of Terrors marked actor Basil Rathbone’s first screen appearance since 1946. Rathbone complained to the 22 Sep 1963 LAT that, despite his thriving career, several of his colleagues assumed he was dead.
       Casting announcements during production included Joi Lansing (5 Sep 1963 DV) and Tudor Owen (13 Sep 1963 DV). The 18 Dec 1963 Var noted that a special coffin, equipped with a hydraulic lift, was built for the production at a cost of $9,300.
       Copyright length: 83 minutes. Rereleased in Mar 1965 as The Graveside Story . One source credits Luree Holmes in place of Luree Nicholson. More Less