Herk Harvey
Director · 1924 – 1996 · Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Harold Arnold "Herk" Harvey (June 3, 1924 – April 3, 1996) was an American film director, actor, and film producer. Harvey is best known for his sole feature film, Carnival of Souls, a low budget 1962 horror film starring Candace Hilligoss. It was produced and directed by Harvey for an estimated $33,000. Harvey had witnessed the recent success of Elmer Rhoden Jr. and fellow industrial filmmaker Robert Altman in producing low-budget feature films in nearby Kansas City, and began to secure backing from local investors in order to mount a similar project in Lawrence. While returning to Kansas after shooting a Centron film in California, Harvey developed the idea for Carnival of Souls after driving past the abandoned Saltair Pavilion in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hiring an unknown New York actress, Lee Strasberg-trained Hilligoss, and otherwise employing mostly local talent, Harvey shot Carnival of Souls in three weeks, on location in Lawrence and Salt Lake City, using a script penned by Centron associate John Clifford. Harvey also played an uncredited role as the film's most prominent "ghoul." Originally marketed as a B film and released by an upstart distribution company that quickly went bankrupt, Carnival of Souls never gained widespread public attention upon its original release but today has become hailed as a cult classic. Set to an organ score by Gene Moore, Carnival of Souls relies more on atmosphere than on special effects to create its mood of psychological horror. The film has a large cult following, built up primarily via late-night television screenings, and has been released on DVD by the Criterion Collection (complete with a host of special features, including an hour of excerpts from Harvey's Centron productions). To this day, the movie is still discussed by film buffs and occasionally has screenings at Halloween and art film festivals.
Movies17
Movie6.9HorrorMysteryMary Henry ends up the sole survivor of a fatal car accident through mysterious circumstances. Trying to put the incident behind her, she moves to Utah and takes a job as a church organist. But her fresh start is interrupted by visions of a fiendish man. As the visions begin to occur more frequently, Mary finds herself drawn to the deserted carnival on the outskirts of town. The strangely alluring carnival may hold the secret to her tragic past.
Carnival of Souls
1962 · 550 votes
Movie5.0CrimeDramaThis is the story of a minister who's feeling unhappy in his marriage who then has an affair with a church employee, who is also married, and who also has affairs, and whose husband is unwilling to divorce her. One day the minister's wife is found dead, in what appears to be an auto accident, but the highway patrolman who investigated the accident doesn't think that it's an accident but doesn't have enough evidence to justify an investigation. Later, when the woman's husband is killed an investigation begins.
Murder Ordained
1987 · 1 votes
Movie9.0HorrorThrillerA man battling drug addiction is stalked by an ominous masked photographer.
exposer
2022 · 1 votes
- Movie8.0Documentary
An educational short film exploring the geography, culture, and daily life of South Korea. Produced by Centron and directed by Herk Harvey, it offers students a concise introduction to the country, highlighting its people, economy, and traditions.
Korea: Overview
1980 · 1 votes
Movie9.0DocumentaryA young Eastern couple inherit a Kansas farm, on which they must reside for a certain time in order to qualify for inheritance. Their visits to well over a hundred scenic and historical points of Kansas lead the couple to permanent residence there.
Star 34
1954 · 1 votes
Movie3.7DramaThis public health drama follows a small town’s struggle as syphilis spreads among its young people. When local officials turn to the state health department for help, a field investigator steps in to trace the infection, interview those at risk, and ensure testing and treatment. Directed by Herk Harvey (later of Carnival of Souls), the film mixes education with stark warnings: after all, one bad date can change everything.
Dance, Little Children
1961 · 3 votes
Movie9.0DramaTwo sisters are trying to decide which classes to take next semester. When one wants to take home economics, the other is stunned. Why should anyone need to study home economics?
Why Study Home Economics?
1955 · 1 votes
Movie3.3DocumentaryAn educational short film about correct speaking methods.
Speech: Using Your Voice
1950 · 6 votes
MovieDocumentaryAfter losing his sight, Bob falls into despair—until a local institute helps him discover new abilities and reinterpret his life without vision.
Rebound!
1955
Movie10.0DramaAt a school social, Jim, a student at Lawrence High, proudly tells his cousin Sally about his school’s spirit. He recalls how enthusiasm once spiraled out of control—until Bob, the senior class president, stepped in to guide it in a more positive direction.
What About School Spirit?
1958 · 1 votes
- Movie7.0Documentary
George is a dealthly dull after-dinner speaker who thinks he's great because he keeps getting invited to speak, probably because of a severe shortage of speakers in his town. John, however, is invited to speak because he's genuinely interesting. The difference between the two? John uses gestures when he speaks, while George just stands there like a mannequin and drones on and on and on.
Speech: The Function of Gestures
1949 · 1 votes
- Movie9.0Drama
A lighthearted industrial short produced by Centron and directed by Herk Harvey, this film promotes the versatility and wholesome appeal of pork. Combining humor with mid-century marketing flair, it highlights pork as an ideal choice for the American dinner table.
Pork: The Meal with a Squeal
1963 · 1 votes
MovieDocumentaryComedyA satirical short film that humorously explores the absurdities of a corporate sales meeting. Through exaggerated interactions and miscommunications, the film highlights the challenges of decision-making and office dynamics in a comedic, insightful way.
- Movie7.0Drama
A 1961 industrial film produced by Centron Corporation for Monsanto, illustrating modern herbicide methods and the fight against unwanted vegetation.
Operation Grass Killer
1961 · 1 votes
- Movie9.0Drama
Barbara and her family move into a new neighborhood, and Barbara tries to make friends with her new neighbors. However, soon she realizes that no one wants anything to do with her. She can't understand why, until one day she overhears two of the local girls talking about Barbara's problem: she had bad manners!
Manners in Public
1958 · 1 votes
Movie5.0DramaAt East High, students resent the admission of Bruce—an unseen classmate their parents have warned them to avoid. But when an unexpected incident unfolds, they are forced to confront and reconsider their own prejudice.
What About Prejudice?
1959 · 2 votes
- Movie2.2Documentary
Old short about the importance of good platform posture and how we can improve it through the simple knee test.
Speech: Platform Posture and Appearance
1949 · 6 votes