Diary of a Madman (USA, 1963)

The film centers around Simon Cordier (Vincent Price), a French magistrate and amateur sculptor who comes into contact with a malevolent entity. The invisible - yet corporeal - being, called a "horla" is capable of limited psychokinesis and complete mind control. Cordier first interacts with the horla when he meets a prisoner who the horla drove to commit murder. The horla possesses the inmate and attempts to kill Cordier, who in self-defense accidentally kills the man. The magistrate inherits the prisoner's troubles as the horla turns its hauntings toward him. As the horla begins to destroy Cordier's life, he fears he is going mad and seeks help from a psychologist, who effectively suggests a hobby. Cordier chooses to pick up his old interest in art, meeting a model along the way. The horla insists the model is not the charming jewel that Cordier sees, but instead a conniving gold digger, and compels Cordier to treat her as such. This sets up a conflict in Cordier, that he might not be the astute judge of character that his title indicates. As his and others' lives are put in jeopardy, he becomes convinced of the horla's existence and decides drastic measures are needed to end the horla's evil.

Cast:
Nancy Kovack (Odette), Vincent Price (Simon Cordier), Dick Wilson, Don Brodie, George Sawaya, Edward Colmans (Andre), Chris Warfield (Paul), Elaine Devry (Jeanne), Lewis Martin (Priester), Ian Wolfe (Pierre), Stephen Roberts (Rennedon), Harvey Stephens (Girot), Joseph Ruskin (Hoda),

Mary Adams (Louise)

Director:
Reginald le Borg

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