Skip to main content

The Monster Walks


Not too long ago, I reviewed five movies from the silent film era of the 1920's.  Due to favorable responses from the membership of Horror-Movies.ca, I have decided to continue moving forward through the years by reviewing five movies from each subsequent decade- right up to the most recent one.  To kick off this trek, let me present the first of the ones from the 1930's... "The Monster Walks"...

Ruth Earlton returns home after years away for the reading of her father's will.  Soon, the stormy night is filled with the chilly touch of death as some inhuman monster stalks through the halls.  It's up to Ruth's fiance, Dr. Ted Carver to figure out what is happening before Ruth becomes the next victim...

This is a sad... sad movie.

It seems that in the transistion from silent to talking films, some of the art was lost.  The sets aren't all that interesting or creative... nor is the story.  While the camera work is still simplistic, you can start to see some innovation in the use of panning and tracking shots.  There is also some interesting use of shadow in this movie as well.

The acting is wooden and almost hesitant- possibly, once again because of the recent transition from silent to talking films... after all, it's not like they HAD to remember their lines in silent films, right?  The best acting is given by the ape in my opinion.  The only other "saving grace" in this film was the comic relief provided by Willie Best as the unfortunately stereotypical black servent- but at least he lives.  I found Rex Lease as Dr Ted Clayton to be rather overbearing and arrogant, making me wish he would be one of the ones knocked off by that monster that's walking.  Vera Reynolds isn't bad looking... but I kept getting distracted by the size of her forehead in this movie- sorry, but it's pretty damn massive.  I'd just like to say that I kinda enjoyed Sheldon Lewis' portrayal of her uncle, Robert, even though I was hoping he'd get killed too.  The role that annoyed me the most was that of Hanns Krug- played by Mischa Auer.  I didn't find him likable, interesting... or even all that sinister of a character... though he does deliver one line that I do love, in reference to the ape, "They never forget their hatred..."

I really felt sorry for Willie Best and the ape for having to appear in this film.

There is no way to avoid saying it- but this movie fits solidly within The Ugly.  This monster should've just kept walking out the door...

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Zombie Bikers From Detroit (2001)

Over the years, it has been shown that with very little money, a skillful director can put together a high quality horror movie (John Carpenter's " Halloween ", " The Blair Witch Project ", and " Paranormal Activity " being a few of them).  So, when it comes to determining a movie's quality, budget is no longer a negative... Ken and his mother have moved from Hell, Michigan to Grosse Pointe near Detroit.  Upon his arrival, he meets the lovely Courtney, and her jealous suitor Chad.  While Ken and Chad square off, an evil is growing within Detroit and slowly spreading towards Grosse Point... where Ken will meet his destiny ... This week's " What Movie Wednesday " winner was " Zombie Bikers From Detroit "- a low budget horror movie that feels like it was put together as a school project.  High School, or College... I can't really tell. The premise- as stated in my little synopsis is interesting- as was the title.  ...

Meridian: Kiss of the Beast (1990)

Sometimes, a director/producer will surprise you- such was the case during " Terrorpolooza 2012 " when I watched Charles Band's " Meridian: Kiss of the Beast " Catherine Bomarzini has come home after her father's death.  Needing company, she asks Gina to stay with her.  Soon, the two meet a wondering troupe of performers that Catherine invites to dinner at her castle. Catherine find herself pulled into a love triangle and an ancient curse that only she can break. After watching movies like " Evil Bong ", and " Demonic Toys ", I really wasn't expecting too much from this Charles Band movie- but I was pleasantly surprised by it. The story is actually quite interesting with lots of potential for eerie scenes, and character development.  It's a nice twist on the classic " Beauty and the Beast " story.  It's a bit slower than most of Band's other works, but moves smoothly and draws you with it. I have to ad...

Grave Questions: Jessica Cameron

February is " Women in Horror Month "- a month in which to celebrate the impact that women have had on the genre and the industry- from writing, to acting, to directing and producing. Jessica Cameron has experienced the industry in all those capacity- making her a perfect choice for me to ask some " Grave Questions " of in order to raise awareness of the great women in Horror. Please not that this article SHOULD'VE been posted in February, but due to technical difficulties, we're putting it up now.  Thank you. TCoT :   Which female horror stars helped to inspire you to not only enjoy the genre- but to get involved in bringing scary movies to the world? Jessica :  I literally said to my " Truth or Dare " producer, "If the Soska sisters can make " Dead Hooker in a Trunk " with nothing, then I can make " Truth or Dare ".  So needless to say that those girls have been a huge inspiration in everything I do behind the ...