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Island of Lost Souls Sponsored by Charles and Ann Horak 1932 | | Adventure, Horror | d. Erle C. Kenton Charles Laughton, Richard Arlen, Bela Lugosi |
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| “What is the Law?!” Charles Laughton may just be the most menacing mad scientist in all of cinema - especially at night, in a jungle, snapping a whip and admonishing the half-man creatures he’s carved from living animal flesh! This rare Paramount horror film from 1932, is one of many cinema re-tellings of H.G. Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau, and is by far the best and most unsettling. Repeat after me: “Not to run on all fours, That is the Law!,” (with Bela Lugosi as the head “beast-man” and Sayer of the Law). - CH | ||
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The Island of Lost Souls remains the finest adaptation of H. G. Wells' Island of Dr. Moreau to date. While make-up technology and effects have advanced, the moody atmosphere, black and white cinematography, and acting have never been beaten. Charles Laughton creates a brilliant cinematic grotesque (ranking alongside his own Henry VIII and Captain Bligh) as Dr. Moreau, who plays God more successfully (and unrepentantly) than Dr. Frankenstein. The sharp dialogue gives new meaning to the natives being “restless tonight.” The supporting cast includes reliable second lead Richard Arlen, Bela Lugosi in a key cameo as the goat-legged Sayer of the Law, and Kathey Burke as “the Panther Woman” (the result of a much touted casting contest). The tale is science fiction, but as genetic exploration continues apace, the wonderous possibilities and dire warnings remain ever relevant. Director Erle Kenton would later helm Universal's House of Frankenstein (1944) and House of Dracula. - AL | ||