El fantasma del convento (lit. The Ghost of the Convent; American release title: The Phantom of the Convent) is a 1934 Mexican horror film directed by Fernando de Fuentes, who also co-wrote and edited the film.

This article is missing information about the film's theatrical/home media releases. (April 2018)

The Phantom of the Convent
Original Spanish theatrical release poster
Directed by	Fernando de Fuentes
Written by	Fernando de Fuentes Jorge Pezet Juan Bustillo Oro
Produced by	Jorge Pezet
Starring	Marta Roel Carlos Villatoro Enrique del Campo Paco Martinez Jose Rocha Victorio Blanco
Cinematography	Ross Fisher
Edited by	Fernando de Fuentes
Music by	Max Urban
Production company	Producciones FESA (Films Exchange)
Distributed by	Rayo Films (Argentina) Cinexport Distributing (United States)
Release date	27 June 1934 (1934-06-27) (Mexico City)
Running time	85 minutes
Country	Mexico
Language	Spanish

Plot

This article needs an improved plot summary. (May 2018)

Cristina (Marta Roel), the wife of Eduardo (Carlos Villatoro), tries to seduce their friend, Alfonso (Enrique del Campo). One night, they lose their way and are guided by a mysterious stranger to an eerie monastery.

Over a meal, the old Father Superior (Paco Martinez) tells them the story of a monk who seduced a friend's wife: when he died, the monk could not find peace in death and returned to his cursed cell. Alfonso, about to give in to Cristina's advances, finds the fateful cell and enters it. The sinful monk's mummified corpse gestures towards a book dripping with blood.

When the cadaver of Eduardo appears to him as well, Alfonso sinks into a delirium. When he wakes, the trio find out that the monastery has been a ruin for many years and the crypt with the mummified monk has become a tourist attraction. During a final meal in the spectral setting, Cristina accuses Alfonso of cowardice.

Cast

• Enrique del Campo as Alfonso
• Marta Roel as Cristina
• Carlos Villatoro as Eduardo
• Paco Martínez as Padre Prior
• Victorio Blanco as Monje

Production

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El fantasma del convento was co written and produced by Jorge Pezet and directed by Fernando de Fuentes. Development and production for the film began in 1933. Following the success of La Lorona which was based on the legendary spirit of the same name, and was co-written by director Fuentes, the filmmakers quickly decided to follow-up with the film's success with another horror film. The idea for the film came from producer Jorge Pezet. Pezet had recently developed a fascination with the desiccated mummies displayed in Mexico's Museo de El Carmen. Determined to use them for a film, Pezet, along with director Fuentes, and Juan Bustillo Oro developed a screenplay that featured three young adults who are forced to spend the night at a monastery only to discover that their hosts were members of the undead.[1] Filming took place on location in a Teotzotlan monastery.[2]

Reception

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2018)

On his website Fantastic Movie Musings and Ramblings, Dave Sindelar called it "one of the best of the Mexican horror movies", praising its striking imagery and use of sound.[3]

References

External links

• The Phantom of the Convent at AllMovie
• El fantasma del convento at IMDb
• The Phantom of the Convent at Rotten Tomatoes

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