Monday, June 23, 2014

Movie review - "House of Horrors" (1946) ***

Rondo Hatton proved so popular as The Creeper in The Pearl of Death that Universal decided to give him his own starring vehicle. Well, technically it's his but the real lead is played by Martin Kosleck. He's the Dr Frankenstein equivalent, a selfish artist who gets so many bad reviews he decides to kill himself; however he comes across the Creeper (his version of the Frankenstein monster), befriends him and uses him to take out art critics.

That's a decent idea for a film, and it's helped by Kosleck's strong performance and Hatton's presence (greatly reduced whenever he has to say dialogue). There's also some colourful support roles with snobbish art critics, wisecracking gal reporters, cops and a macho cheesecake artist who is the leading suspect. Plus solid direction, and spirited work from Virginia Grey as the female lead. Better value than the second Hatton work, The Brute Man.

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