The Black Cat (1934)

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 HALLOWEEN REVIEWS 2022


Director: Edgar G. Ulmer

Writers: Peter Ruric, story by Edgar G. Ulmer & Peter Ruric, suggested by a story by Edgar Allan Poe

Stars: Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, David Manners, Julie Bishop, Egon Brecher, Harry Cording, Lucille Lund, Henry Armetta



A pair of young American newlyweds (David Manners and Julie Bishop) become involved in the face-off between the devil-worshipping architect Poelzig (Boris Karloff) and Werdegast (Bela Lugosi), the man he destroyed years before, who has returned for his vengeance.

 




The style of the film is operatic, with big, exaggerated performances, a swelling score derived from classical tunes, and magnificent, brooding set design. 



Director Edgar Ulmer does a wonderful job of building an atmosphere of sinister dread that makes the early part of the film utterly fascinating. 



However, once Poelzig reveals his true nature and intent to the young couple, the film abruptly runs out of steam.

 


The masterful build-up is resolved by a lot of frantic running from room to room, capped off by the obligatory and ludicrous explosion at the end. 



Is this due to the studio hacks that supposedly recut Ulmer's film? 



Has a restored version ever been released?


















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