Vincent Price doc "What Keeps Us Alive" screens on TCM, Friday

Matthew Miele's great new Vincent Price doc "What Keeps Us Alive" kicks off a night of Vincent's horror classics Friday on TCM.

Here's the scoop...

This fully authorized documentary reveals far more than the man behind Hollywood’s master of the macabre. Through rare archival materials and intimate interviews with Price’s children, Victoria Price and V.B. Price, alongside cultural icons and admirers including John Waters, Tim Burton, Patton Oswalt, Hank Azaria, Bill Hader, Cassandra Peterson, and Alice Cooper, the film uncovers the remarkable life behind one of the most recognizable voices and faces in popular culture.

The documentary traces a life of elegant contradictions: a classically trained actor who redefined screen villainy with charm and intelligence; an erudite art collector, educator, and gourmand who moved effortlessly between high culture and low-budget horror; and, perhaps most surprisingly, a warm and generous mentor figure whose influence extended far beyond the screen. Through his films, television appearances, cookbooks, lectures, and iconic voice work, Price became an unlikely cultural touchstone for multiple generations.

At its emotional centre is the story of Price’s evolving identity, shaped by the turbulence of Hollywood politics, the complexities of family, and a lifelong fascination with the psychology of villains. In later years, Price spoke of villainy not as evil, but as a mirror—an opportunity for audiences to confront their fears, hypocrisies, and hidden desires. The film explores how he transformed from a sophisticated screen antagonist into a beloved ambassador for curiosity, creativity, and individuality.

More than a portrait of a horror legend, this is the story of an artist who defied categorization. Through the reflections of family members, filmmakers, comedians, musicians, and cultural commentators, the documentary examines why Vincent Price continues to resonate decades after his death. What emerges is a richly human portrait of a man whose legacy endures not merely in screams and shadows, but in the intelligence, generosity, wit, and warmth that defined the man behind the mask. 

Unfortunately, What Keeps Us Alive – clearly made for an American audience – neglects to cover anything about Vincent Price's involvement with CHCH-TV's cult classic Hilarious House of Frightenstein or his childhood summers spent in Amherstburg, Ontario. Those interested in finding out more about Vincent's unlikely Canadian connections should check out my follow-up post right here. 

Daughter Victoria Price shared the documentary trailer here. 

Vincent Price: What Keeps Us Alive screens on TCM on Friday (October 30) at 8 pm Eastern, followed by a few of his classic 50's horror films: The Fly ('58) at 9:45 pm, Dr. Tongue & Bruno's fave House of Wax ('53) at 11:30 pm, Elvira's fave House On Haunted Hill ('59) at 1:15 am, Mad Magician ('54) at 2:45 am, John Waters' fave The Tingler ('59) at 4 am, The Bat ('59) at 5:30 am. 

Watch the Vincent Price A&E Biography followed by a few of his television appearances and interviews below.