The Black Cat is another Universal horror film from the 1930's that is fairly well regarded for a film in that genre. It has two of Universal's greatest horror stars. Boris Karloff as Hjalmar Poelzig, the leader or a cult of devil worshipers and Bela Lugosi as Dr. Vitus Werdegas, Poelzig's nemesis.
Edgar G. Ulmer wrote and directed The Black Cat and to say it is a confusing film is an understatement. The film has something to do with Lugosi trying to find out what happened to his wife and how Karloff is involved with her disappearance. The film really seems to be about Ulmer indulging himself in filming lots of strange scenes but not really figuring out how to tie them all together with a story that makes sense.
The Black Cat is also an interesting study in the acting abilities of Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. Lugosi was primarily known for his interpretation of Dracula. He certainly had the look down for that character. But as an actor he left a lot to be desired. His Hungarian accent is as thick as mud and his acting is not so hot. He borders on campy eye rolling hysteria throughout most of the film. His limited range as an actor was a problem for him throughout his career.
Boris Karloff on the other hand, gives a very smooth and subtle performance as the cultivated sadist Poelzig. His underplaying is very effective compared to Lugosi. Like Lugosi, Karloff was stuck in the horror genre his entire career, but he always brought authority and conviction to his roles.
If The Black Cat is a confusing mess of a film it's certainly a fascinating mess. The sets are very cool and Karloff makes an interesting villain, whether he is mummifying his old girlfriends, torturing his wife or leading his devil cult in some kind of satanic mass. Lugosi was not much of an actor but he certainly has a commanding presence. Ulmer also has one amazing scene of a subjective camera wandering around Karloff's dungeon which is I hate to use the word but will is, "poetic."
65 minutes.
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