The Black Cat
Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer
Horror icons Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi star in the shocking classic The Black Cat based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. After a bus crash on a lonely Austrian road, American honeymooners Joan and Peter Allison are forced to spend the night at the house of Poelzig, a sinister looking man who is engaged in an intense feud with Dr. Werdegast, whom the couple met on the Orient Express. Held captive in the mausoleum against their will, they soon discover that Poelzig is the high priest at Black Mass and has chosen Joan to be the Devil’s bride. The couple is then faced with trying to escape the unspeakable treachery culminating in an unforgettable climax to this horror classic.
American honeymooners Joan and Peter Allison are held captive in a mausoleum against their will by a Black Mass high priest who has chosen Joan to be the Devil’s bride.
Cast: Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, David Manners, Jacqueline Wells, Lucille Lund
Member Reviews
Slightly confusing in terms of plot, the film is basically an excuse to see two of horror's greats facing off in front of the most art deco set you've ever seen, and that's a recommendation, not a criticism. Surprisingly edgy in terms of content, the film features set pieces like a satanic mass and a man being skinned alive, all the way back in the 30s. Needless to say, Lugosi and Karloff steal every single scene, to the degree that our American "leading man" is barely in the film. If anything it's a shame it's over so soon.
Although a thin plot, its elegance is shown with Legosi swooning performance and Karloff's interesting antagonist.
Who would have thought Bela Lugosi could play the hero so well, and yet he does. Karloff is equally ghoulish as the villain, his vocal cadence lending so well to playing the heavy. Masterpiece of classic horror.
Really liked this one. Bela was superb. Why isn’t this movie more well known? It’s awesome!
A classic and one of the best horror movies of all time. Karloff and Lugosi are epic in this.