04-13-2025 - on This Moment in Film History

On April 13, 1953, the iconic film "House of Wax" premiered in New York City. This movie was a groundbreaking cinematic achievement as it was the first color 3D feature film released by a major American studio, Warner Bros. Directed by André de Toth and starring Vincent Price, "House of Wax" tells the story of a brilliant but deranged wax sculptor, Professor Henry Jarrod (Price), who becomes disfigured in a fire set by his greedy business partner. Presumed dead, Jarrod resurfaces years later, opening a new wax museum in New York City. However, his sculptures bear an uncanny resemblance to recently deceased people, leading to suspicion and terror. The film's use of stereoscopic 3D technology was a major draw for audiences, who were thrilled by the illusion of depth and the shocking moments when objects seemed to leap from the screen. The movie's success helped popularize 3D films in the 1950s, although the trend was relatively short-lived due to the cumbersome nature of the technology at the time. "House of Wax" is also notable for its influence on the horror genre, particularly the concept of a deranged artist using human bodies to create their art. This theme has been revisited in numerous films over the years, such as "A Bucket of Blood" (1959) and "Color Me Blood Red" (1965). The film's impact on popular culture is still evident today, with Vincent Price's portrayal of Professor Henry Jarrod becoming an iconic role in his career. "House of Wax" has been recognized for its historical significance, being selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2014. In summary, the release of "House of Wax" on April 13, 1953, marked a significant milestone in cinema history, introducing audiences to the thrills of 3D technology and cementing Vincent Price's status as a horror icon.