Cast
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Bela Lugosi
as Dr. Richard Marlowe
George Zucco
as Nicholas
Tod Andrews
as Ralph Dawson
Wanda McKay
as Betty Benton
Louise Currie
as Stella Saunders
John Carradine
as Toby
Pat McKee
as Grego
Mici Goty
as Marie
Ellen Hall
as Evelyn Marlowe
Henry Hall
as Sheriff
Mary Currier
as Mrs. Benton
Ralph Littlefield
as Sam, gas station attendant
Terry Walker
as Alice, first motorist-victim seen
Claire James
as Zombie
Ethelreda Leopold
as Zombie
Crew
Director
- William Beaudine
Producer
- Jack Dietz
- Sam Katzman
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Nothing new in this thriller with Bela Lugosi as the mad scientist ("Dr. Marlowe") who is kidnapping young women from their cars and using hypnotism and a bizarre voodoo mysticism to steal their life-force in order to restore his long dead wife. George Zucco is his garage-owning sidekick who helps procure the victims. A journalist (Tod Andrews) is picked up by Louise Currie after he runs out of petrol, but after she, too, is taken he joins up with the local sheriff to get to the bottom of it all. John Carradine steals this as the gormless "Toby" but otherwise it's all been done before, and to a similar standard. It's not terrible, but that's not really much of an endorsement.
Jun 30, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Voodoo Man presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director William Beaudine 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 1944, 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 Voodoo Man took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 62 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 82 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1944, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Voodoo Man shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Frankenstein '80, which focuses more on action than character development, Voodoo Man offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like I Was a Teenage Frankenstein and Doctor Butcher M.D. explore similar territory, Voodoo Man stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 21, 1944
- Runtime: 1h 2m
Where to Watch
