Two of the greatest horror movie stars were Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi; they teamed on several occasions, of which this was the first and perhaps the best... It's definitely the one where they really go mano a mano.
Its an intense, way out film with a weak link to Edgar Alan Poe but a lot of imagination and boldness. Lugosi is relatively subdued but it's still a fantastic role - a dashing, tormented psychiatrist, haunted by having been in a prison for 15 years, determined for revenge. Karloff is unique, with his close cropped haircut, black robes and sleeping next to Lugoi's daughter.
David Manners is bland in what is really a thankless role, the "ordinary guy", but he's solidly bland if that makes sense. Jacqueline Wells - who later became Errol Flynn co-star Julie Bishop - gets to have more fun as Manners' bride who gets a little horny after Lugosi injects her with something, giving Manners a big kiss.
Lots of things I noticed on reviewing - Karloff caressing the wooden sculpture of a naked woman, the choppy nature of the story, the fact the middle seems padded despite the fact its only 65 minutes, the awkwardness of the comical police interlude. But it's got great sets, a wonderful kinky feel and a slap up climax.
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