This spooky early outing for Karloff has a number of good qualities and also lesser qualities to distinguish it from other offerings. For a start, the film retains a haunting atmosphere which peaks at the scenes where Karloff rises from his tomb. However, it is let down by a slow pace which only picks up towards the end of the film. Sadly, the film quality has deteriorated over the years, and therefore 'jumps' regularly, and also crackles a lot which ruins the appeal of it somewhat and also dates it. A lot of the scenes are in the dark which makes things difficult to see.
The plot is the classic 'group of people congregate in house and are attacked by killer' story which has been the basis of other classics like THE CAT AND THE CANARY and THE OLD DARK HOUSE. The cast is good all round. Boris Karloff was following in the horrific footsteps of his classic FRANKENSTEINand once again wore makeup for the monster role, and very effective decayed makeup it is too. Ernest Thesiger is his usual repulsive self as the selfish servant, and the two are given good support from a variety of British actors including Cedric Hardwicke. Ralph Richardson also turns up in an early role. A ghostly drumbeat helps to keep things moving along in this atmospheric tale, and the only thing which ruins it is the bad quality of the film stock. If you can get past this aspect though, then you will find yourself enjoying this classic creaky chiller.
The plot is the classic 'group of people congregate in house and are attacked by killer' story which has been the basis of other classics like THE CAT AND THE CANARY and THE OLD DARK HOUSE. The cast is good all round. Boris Karloff was following in the horrific footsteps of his classic FRANKENSTEINand once again wore makeup for the monster role, and very effective decayed makeup it is too. Ernest Thesiger is his usual repulsive self as the selfish servant, and the two are given good support from a variety of British actors including Cedric Hardwicke. Ralph Richardson also turns up in an early role. A ghostly drumbeat helps to keep things moving along in this atmospheric tale, and the only thing which ruins it is the bad quality of the film stock. If you can get past this aspect though, then you will find yourself enjoying this classic creaky chiller.