Tag: boris karloff

Bested only by its sequel, Universal's Frankenstein capably conveys the story's horror and compassion in a masterful way.

Interesting for Karloff's performance and ambiguity, Isle of the Dead doesn't have the energy to make use of either.

There's not a single surprise in The Black Castle, but it's invitingly familiar, using all of Universal's best cliches and tropes.

While challenging social norms and casting Karloff as a vicious, manipulative husband, The Climax lacks any energy or drive in its storytelling.

Night Key isn't prime Universal, but it's raised in stature by way of Boris Karloff's starring role in an otherwise typical b-feature.

Released on the eve of the US involvement in World War II, Tower of London warns of those seeking power, and those who willingly assist.

Cutting Gangster Cinema’s Mold Released at the tail end of American prohibition, 1932’s Scarface, at times, is more a plea than movie. The Chief of Police (Edwin Maxwell) verbally …

Death in the Air The Black Cat came after the establishment of the Haye’s Code. It never feels as such. Murder is one thing, but Black Cat deals in …

Gentle Rapping Bela Lugosi stars as a doctor driven mad, his lust for violence sustained by grisly worship of Edgar Allen Poe. Released not long after the production code’s …

Spoiler: It’s Quite Visible Invisible Ray’s flimsy science isn’t worth the excitement or fear mongering. An opening text suggests super radium X-rays were inevitable soon (this back in 1936). …

Karloff’s Transplant Universal cobbles together a number of genres in their production of Black Friday. The mad doctor movie, brain transplant story, the gangster parable, Jekyll/Hyde motions, and some …

Poetry of Medicine The Body Snatcher conveys perfect ‘40s era wartime horror. It’s indirect, but morbid and unseemly, where actions matter and dialog hangs. Corrupt in intent, and gruesome, …