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Henry Hull stars as a snooty botanist who becomes inflicted with Lycanthropy (or "Werewolfery", as stated in the film) from the bite of another werewolf (Warner Oland) during an expedition in Tibet. A rare flower which grows there is the only known antidote for the affliction, and Hull and his rival are at odds with one another in trying to secure it. Since this was the very first official "sound" werewolf picture, there are many unconventional aspects to it because there were no cinematic rules early on: This wolf-man lurks about in cape and hat, much like a Mr. Hyde. He's animalistic at one moment, but then can reason and speak rationally through his fangs in another (which can come off as unintentionally humorous). The makeup on Hull is minimal but used to great effect. Warner Oland (Fox's own Charlie Chan) is quite good as Dr. Yogami, the fellow cursed soul. But Valerie Hobson, who plays Hull's neglected wife, is a handful much like she was in BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. And Lester Matthews as a former love interest of Hobson's is ineffective as usual. Director Stuart Walker seems to try emulating James Whale in a few comical moments, with half-hearted results. This is not a "good" Universal horror, but it's still got enough going for it for a decent enough time. I think a serious mistake was in making the lead character so unlikable. As an interesting side note, this film was at one time being prepared as a vehicle for Boris Karloff (in the Hull role) and Bela Lugosi as the competing Dr. Yogami (imagine those possibilities!). **1/2 out of ****
score 6/10
JoeKarlosi 6 October 2009
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2137043/ |
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25-2-2021 06:05:41