Tuesday, November 03, 2009

The quotable voodoo film that launched a reggae classic

I work a later-than-usual shift today, so I just watched on DVD the VAL LEWTON production, "I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE," directed by one of my favorite filmmakers, JACQUES TOURNEUR.
The 1943 film centers on a Canadian nurse, Betsy Connell (Frances Dee) who travels to a mysterious Caribbean island, Saint Sebastian, to care for the catatonic wife of a sugar plantation owner, Paul Holland (the suave Tom Conway).

Voodoo lurks behind the seemingly serene tropical paradise, as do half-hidden domestic troubles.

The film is also notable for its singing cameo by SIR LANCELOT, the Trinidad-born calypso star.
Sir Lancelot performs the song "Fort Holland," which -- by its other name, "SHAME & SCANDAL" -- would become a reggae standard covered by the likes of The Wailers and Prince Buster.
Here are my three favorite quotes from "I Walked With a Zombie:"

3. "That's where our people came from. From the misery and pain of slavery. For generations they found life a burden. That's why they still weep when a child is born and make merry at a burial." -- Paul Holland on the crying heard in the compound.

2. "Please remember that, Miss Connell. Particularly when some of the foolish people on the island start regaling you with the local legends. "You'll find superstition a contagious thing. Some people let it get the better of them." -- Paul Holland to Betsy Connell
, shortly after she begins caring for his wife, Jessica.
1. "Everything good dies here. Even the stars." -- Paul Holland, as Betsy Connell watches a falling star as the pair sail to Saint Sebastian.

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