Tag: Boris Karloff
-
The Walking Dead (1936)
For a film that runs barely over an hour but spends almost half that time setting up the story, The Walking Dead (1936) is a tight little thriller. Director Michael Curtiz (Casablanca, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Mildred Pierce) expertly weaves seemingly disparate plots together to tell an elaborate, yet simple, story. What does a…
-
The Invisible Ray (1936)
I’ve been stuck in the 70s for a while now, so It’s been a while since I’ve watched a classic from the golden age of horror. Therefore, it was a pleasure to watch The Invisible Ray (1936), for the first time, by the way. The problem is, except for the time it was released, its…
-
The Mad Genius (1931)
When I think of Michael Curtiz, I automatically associate him with Casablanca (1942.) I forget the number of classic horror films he directed, starting with this one, The Mad Genius (1931.) With nearly 179 credits (according to IMDb) in his 50+-year career, it’s not surprising that he made movies of all genres. I forget this,…
-
The Man with Nine Lives (1940)
Added to the many miracles performed by modern science that have accounted for the saving of thousands upon thousands of human beings, comes its newest and most modern discovery – frozen therapy. Estimates of how long frozen therapy can produce a state of suspended animation range from days to years. But on the fact that…
-
The Black Room (1935)
Although produced by Columbia Pictures, the graveyard sets in The Black Room (1935) are as gorgeous as any number of Universal Pictures genre films of the same era. They’re obviously built on a soundstage; nevertheless, they are works of art. From the painted backdrops to the simulated ground covering and tombstones, the art direction by…
-
The Raven (1935)
When I recently re-watched The Raven (1935), I didn’t remember liking it as much the first time I saw it. In fact, if comparing it to my memories of The Black Cat (1934), I might like The Raven even more. It’s a nasty little thriller, letting Bela Lugosi shine as an evil madman, while letting…
-
The Body Snatcher (1945)
Written by Philip MacDonald & Val Lewton, Robert Louis Stevenson (short story) Directed by Robert Wise Starring Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Henry Daniell, Edith Atwater, Russell Wade US Release May 17, 1945 RT 77 min. Home Video Turner Home Entertainment Classic Horrors rating = 6 (out of 10) Cocky Dr. Wolfe “Toddy” McFarlane (Henry Daniell) and his assistant, Donald…
-
Night Key (1937)
Written by Tristam Tupper, Jack Moffitt, William A. Pierce (original story) Directed by Lloyd Corrigan Starring Boris Karloff, Warren Hull, Jean Rogers US Release May 2, 1937 RT 68 min. Home Video Universal Studios Home Entertainment Classic Horrors rating = 7 (out of 10) Night Key is in no way, shape or form a horror movie, although it…
-
The Mummy (1932)
Written by John L. Balderston Directed by Karl Freund Starring Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners, Arthur Bryan, Edward Van Sloan US Release Dec. 22, 1932 RT 73 min. Home Video Universal Studios Home Entertainment Classic Horrors rating = 7 (out of 10) Of all the wonderful elements in Universal’s The Mummy (1932), there’s one that’s largely…
-
Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (1947)
Written by Robertson White and Eric Taylor Directed by John Rawlins Starring Boris Karloff, Ralph Byrd, Anne Gwynne US Release Sept. 26, 1947 RT 65 min. Home Video VCI Entertainment Classic Horrors rating = 7 (out of 10) Warning: review contains plot spoilers. Some of today’s non-superhero comic book movies could learn a lesson from…
Classic Horrors Club 