Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) reigned unrivaled in his mastery of mystery. Born in Boston, he was orphaned at age three, expelled from West Point for gambling and became an alcoholic. In 1836 he secretly wed his thirteen-year-old cousin. The Raven, published in 1845, made Poe famous. He died in 1849 under what remain suspicious circumstances.

Vincent Price's film career included such classics as Tower of London, Laura, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Tomb of Ligeia and Tales of Terror.

Basil Rathbone appeared in over eighty films including Captain Blood, The Adventures of Robin Hood, and The Comedy of Terrors, and made thirteen appearances in the tremendously popular Sherlock Holmes series.