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Original Message
Island of the Lost Souls
Posted by user510 on June 29, 2017 at 15:55:12:
(1932)
Based on the HG Wells novel "The Island of Dr. Moreau"
This movie is pre code and shows a bit more of the Panther Woman than would have in the post code era. But that's not the reason for watching. The movie is short on time, gets into its plot quickly, and then resolves into a conclusion without much dalliance.
Dr. Moreau's island is populated by the recipients of his experimental medicine. It seems Moreau's goal is to transform animals into humans. The good Dr. has visions of himself as a 'creator' on level with God, he admits at one point. However his experiments fall short of his ultimate designs and suffer side effects which makes living on this island rather dangerous. What with all of these hybrids roaming about looking as they do. Part animal. Part human. Animal instincts ready to leap out at any moment.
The cast is good. In particular is Charles Laughton in the role of Dr. Moreau. Laughton is masterful in his portrayal and fascinating to watch. Richard Arlen, as the protagonist, is an actor who would, in the years to come, have a full career in character roles up until his death in 1976.
Bela Lugosi has a supporting character role in this movie and does manage to keep the film interesting along its way. Although his character is so hairy that the only way to recognize him is by his eyes and voice.
The female leads in the film I don't recognize but did serve the movie well. Kathleen Burke as the Panther Woman is fastinating to watch. Her acting style is a hold-over from the silent era, expressing with facial and body poses as much as with her spoken words. Which are few. I mean, it hasn't been long since she was a full panther. But now she is the good Dr.s most prized experiment. But then, in one scene, her claws begin to come back. Oh the drama! (sarcasm)
This movie played yesterday on Turner Classic Movies. I recorded it to dvr and am glad I did. A good addition to the horror flik library.
-Steve