Cast
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Bela Lugosi
as Dr. Feodor Orloff / Prof. John Dearborn
Hugh Williams
as Det. Insp. Larry Holt
Greta Gynt
as Diana Stuart
Edmon Ryan
as Lieutenant Patrick O'Reilly
Wilfred Walter
as Blind Jake
Arthur E. Owen
as Dumb Lou
Alexander Field
as Fred Grogan
Gerald Pring
as Henry Stuart
O.B. Clarence
as Prof. John Dearborn (voice)
May Hallatt
as Police Constable Griggs
Bryan Herbert
as Police Sgt. Walsh
Charles Penrose
as Morrison, undercover detective
Julie Suedo
as Orloff's Secretary
Crew
Director
- Walter Summers
Producer
- John Argyle
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Bela Lugosi tries hard here, but he really can't quite hold it all together as the doctor who is indirectly collecting insurance policies held on men who are brutally murdered. We know from early on just who is doing the killing and just who is pulling the strings, so to a certain extent we are just really marking the homework of Hugh Williams' "Insp. Holt" as he investigates the crimes and tries to get to the bottom of things before any more people are killed. His investigation is soon being assisted by the daughter of one of the victims - "Diana" (Greta Gynt) and that brings him to a school for the blind where Lugosi's "Dr. Orloff" acts as a consultant. Can he put two and two together in time? If it lost ten/fifteen minutes then it could have worked better, but even at 75 minutes it's too long with not enough happening to sustain the interest in what is a dark and gloomy production that is sadly devoid of jeopardy. It might actually have worked better on stage - it has some of the hallmark ingredients of a solid, if unimaginative, one act play - but on a big screen it's unremarkable fayre, I'm afraid.
Feb 12, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Human Monster presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Walter Summers brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1939, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Human Monster took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 76 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 96 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1969 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1939, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Human Monster shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Headspace, which focuses more on action than character development, The Human Monster offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Desperation and See No Evil explore similar territory, The Human Monster stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 3, 1939
- Runtime: 1h 16m
Where to Watch
