The Black Cat (1934)

Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer. Starring Béla Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Julie Bishop, David Manners, Lucille Lund, Harry Cording, Egon Brecher, Henry Armetta, Albert Conti.

Traveling with American newlyweds Manners and Bishop, recently-freed POW (Lugosi) visits “old friend” Karloff at his Hungarian estate to learn what became of his wife, proceeds to make other startling discoveries. First pairing of Universal horror stars Karloff and Lugosi transports traditional Gothic horror trappings to the modern day; strange story deals with (among other things) post-war trauma, and the interior design of the mansion reflects minimalist and avant-garde styles. Although discretion keeps the grotesqueries subtle or implied, this Universal horror hit touches on several taboo subjects/practices, including flaying, necrophilia, and Satan worship (the first movie to explicitly do so). Plot is a bit messy and the honeymooners are forgettable, but the stars have good, ghoulish fun together; strong atmosphere and a surprise or two makes it a worthy viewing. Overbearing use of music throughout the entire film is a frustrating distraction, however. Per credits, “suggested” by the Edgar Allen Poe short story of the same name, though it bears no legitimate resemblance.

68/100