Written
April 14, 2009
THE BODY SNATCHER = Atmospheric Horror FIlm Classic
Val Lewton's production of Robert Louis Stevenson's creepy novella is probably one of his finest as he casts for the first time both Boris Karloff (naturally in the title role) and Bela Lugosi in this macabre tale about a Scottish medical school's head professor and how he procures cadavers for his students to experiment with in the lab. Incredibly effective on a rather small budget but you would never know as Lewton was the master at creating the most with virtually nothing at all. First-timer Robert Wise who would go on to be one of Hollywood's most competent and versatile directors plays out the chilling scenes quite effectively as he mounts the suspense with well-wrought characterizations and believable inner conflicts. Terrifically hair-raising climax tops this thrilling old chestnut for horror buffs of all ages!
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