Rating: 
Summary: That is the law! Are we not men?
Review: The earliest and best H.G. Wells' adaptations is Island Of Lost Souls, based on The Island of Dr. Moreau. After being rescued from a lifeboat by the S.S. Covena, Edward Parker ends up on an island run by the mysterious Dr. Moreau and his assistant Montgomery. The Covena was delivering some animals, mostly dogs, for Moreau.The island also has some pretty strange natives, who are hirsute and barely human. Fortunately, Moreau has a whip that scares them off. Apart from Moreau, Montgomery, and M'ling the servant, there's Lota, a ravishing young girl whom Moreau introduces to Parker. He is curious as to their interractions, as he secretly observes them. The natives also have a strange ritual. Moreau asks them "What is the law?" To which they reply "Not to eat meat. That is the law. Are we not men?" And other replies. The leader of the natives says of Moreau: "His is the hand that makes/His is the hand that heals/His is the house of pain." Those who have read the book will know what's going on, but does not exactly follow it, as is the case with most future Moreau adaptations. Charles Laughton plays Moreau in a variety of shades, far from the typical mad scientist. He's refined, reserved in speech (for the most part), and cunning. His smile, and that weird twinkle in his eyes lends the hint to his (Laughton's) homosexuality, but his performance here demonstrates why Hollywood decided to protect him. Richard Arlen plays Parker as a bit of an uptight and conventional prude, and Leila Hyams as his fiancee Ruth is a perfect match for him. Kathleen Burke is a wonder as Lota--pity she didn't appear in that many films. She gives a sensitive, sympathetic portrayal, speaking in a soft, child-like voice. If I were Parker, I'd dump Ruth for Lota anyday. Bela Lugosi is barely recognizable in furry makeup as the leader of the natives, but once one sees those unmistakable eyes... one instantly recognizes the man who lost his identity playing Dracula ad nauseum. And whoever played the giant Ouran did so with great menace. As this was made before the Hays Code, some of the scenes and implied dialogue on the island is strong for that era. That this was initially banned in many countries and in some parts of the U.S. is not surprising. Pity they don't make movies like this anymore, because it stands heads over many.
Rating: 
Summary: What is the Law?
Review: This atmospheric old thriller is amazing. With the limited techniques of the 30's it manages to be more moody, chilling and effective than it's modern remakes (both of them, the one with Burt Lancaster and the other with Brando). The lack of modernity actually helps the movie. Black & white photography with it's deep black shadows, torch lit jungles, etc. makes for a much more sustained sinister tension. The makeup effects are fine, and again so much more effective shot in the half light of black & white. Laughton is simply wonderful as this unrestrained loony Dr. Moreau, performing his hideous torturous experiments on his animal/human subjects. That his just desserts are served up to him in his own "House of Pain" is perfect. Lugosi is fine in a bit part. But, this is Laughton's show all the way, and his final scene....broken glass, scalpels, and crescendo of terrified cries of agony...well, it'll put shivers down your spine. Unforgettable.
Rating:
Summary: What is the Law?
Review: This atmospheric old thriller is amazing. With the limited techniques of the 30's it manages to be more moody, chilling and effective than it's modern remakes (both of them, the one with Burt Lancaster and the other with Brando). The lack of modernity actually helps the movie. Black & white photography with it's deep black shadows, torch lit jungles, etc. makes for a much more sustained sinister tension. The makeup effects are fine, and again so much more effective shot in the half light of black & white. Laughton is simply wonderful as this unrestrained loony Dr. Moreau, performing his hideous torturous experiments on his animal/human subjects. That his just desserts are served up to him in his own "House of Pain" is perfect. Lugosi is fine in a bit part. But, this is Laughton's show all the way, and his final scene....broken glass, scalpels, and crescendo of terrified cries of agony...well, it'll put shivers down your spine. Unforgettable.
Rating:
Summary: A Superb Horror Film
Review: What distinguishes this film are the remarkably atmospheric cinematography, the ceaselessly inventive camera angles, and the high production values for the set. Fine acting too. Still vital and stylish 60 years later.
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