Back From The Dead (1957)

Set in the Southern California coastline, a young wife (Peggie Castle) is possessed by the evil first wife of her husband (Arthur Franz). Her husband and sister (Marsha Hunt) attempt to get rid of the evil wife's spirit and bring the second wife back. Based on the novel THE OTHER ONE by Catherine Tunney (who adapts her book for the screen) and directed by Charles Marquis Warren (TROOPER HOOK). An intriguing premise poorly executed. While the film's rocky coastline and beaches bring a mood and atmosphere that helps, there's no getting around the fact that it's a low budget movie that needed a stronger script and direction. Although I saw the uncut and complete version of the film, it still seems that scenes are missing. Whether they were shot and edited out or never filmed at all, I don't know. But it seems curious how two scenes that would help the narrative don't exist in the final cut. The best thing about the film is the crisp B&W CinemaScope cinematography by Ernest Haller (LILIES OF THE FIELD). With Don Haggerty, Marianne Stewart, Evelyn Scott and Ned Glass.