This Val Lewton 'horror' film isn't that well known but it is one of his
best. Inspired by the 'Bedlam' plate from Hogarth's "The Rake's
Progress" it's set in and around the notorious asylum in 18th century
London, presided over by Boris Karloff's cruel Master Sims. For what is
essentially a B-movie it's beautifully designed and very well written by
Lewton himself, under the pseudonym Carlos Keith, and the director Mark
Robson. Karloff is superb and there is an excellent performance from
Anna Lee as the noblewoman who ends up as one of his 'patients' while
the scenes set in the asylum are unusually powerful. If, like "Freaks",
the film feels outwardly exploitative, at its core this is as much a
social-conscience picture as "The Snake Pit" and it remains one of Mark
Robson's best films
The films reviewed here represent those I have liked or loved over the years. It is not a list of my favourite films but all the films reviewed here are worth seeing and worth seeking out. I know many of you won't agree with me on a lot of these but hopefully you will grant me, and the films that appear here, our place in the sun. Thanks for reading.
Monday, 12 August 2019
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