Revisiting the Classics: THE BLACK CAT

Two things: First off, this is the film of that title starring Bela Lugosi that does feature Boris Karloff, not the film starring Bela Lugosi that does NOT feature Karloff. The former is a Universal Pictures release dating from 1934. The latter is also a Universal Pictures release and was released in 1941. Got it? Secondarily, the movie, despite what its credits tell you, has absolutely nothing to do with the short story by Edgar Allan Poe. It really has nothing to do with cats, period. Lugosi’s character, Dr. Vitus Werdegast, is given a terrible fear of cats, although this is never explained and feels like it was an affectation tacked onto the character just so the studio could use the title, and on occasion a cat—there are supposed to be several, all of which are black, although its obvious that it’s the same cat; maybe the cat keeps coming back to life? Nah; it was just cheaper to use the same one—will saunter through a scene, but that’s it.

In terms of execution, the pace drags at times. The female characters exist only to scream and swoon at the appropriate intervals; they are the kind of useless set-dressing that drives feminists crazy in our modern day and age. The plot? It’s a good, old-fashioned revenge story. There’s nothing supernatural going on. (Unless that cat DOES come back from the dead.) Karloff’s character is a former war criminal turned necromancer, and Lugosi’s is out to get him. As for characterization, Karloff’s Hjalmar Poelzig, like the two female characters, is rather thin; he’s just evil—this may be the most evil character he portrayed in his storied career—without many layers to reveal. The sets are nice but not exceptional. The primary reason to watch this one is its performances, and fortunately for the film those are sufficient. Lugosi and Karloff are at the tops of their respective games, and exhibit that icy chemistry with which all classic Horror movie fans are familiar in every frame where they appear together. It’s an interesting twist to see Lugosi cast as a good guy to Karloff’s heel, but it works. Recommended, naturally.

By TheCheezman

WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS, specializing in theatrical performances and haunted attractions. He has written, produced, and directed (and occasionally acted in) over two dozen plays, most of them in the Horror and True Crime genres. He obtained a doctorate in Occult Studies from Miskatonic University and is an active paranormal investigator. Is frequently told he resembles Anton Lavey. And Ming the Merciless. Denn die totden reiten schnell!

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