Horror Bites - X The Unknown

THE INVISIBLE RAY (1936)

The power of radioactive elements isn't generally a subject for films in this period, at a time when science fiction stories were less common. Things would of course be very different some years later in the true atomic age. Instead this is a kind of prototype for later features, many of which still cast classic horror stars. As a result it's a strange mixture of ideas in which new discoveries are seen as miracle cures, as well as fuelling deadly weapons. The narrative itself is often a mixed bag but it's a fairly compelling one, despite the lack of actual medical accuracy. But it makes a change from mad scientists studying biology as their subject. Instead it's about starlight and rocks from outer space.

Horror Bites - Ape Escape

MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE (1932)

Time for a diversion into the rather odd sub-genre of... apes running amok and kidnapping women. Perhaps the whole monster meets girl thing started here; one year before King Kong. Although this cliché extends to all kinds of creature features so it's an interesting progenitor. Where would B-movie nonsense have been without this early horror tale? But this is generally a mad scientist story, one that is concerned with strange ideas about proving the theory of evolution. There are a lot of weird moments included here, even if Bela Lugosi tries his best to keep things focused. It's also pretty dark and sinister even for a pre-censorship feature. Let's take a closer examination...

 

Horror Bites - Lunatic Fringe

DOCTOR X (1932)

The 1930s were a Golden Age of horror for many reasons, including the creation of many screen icons that are still found in popular culture today. Expressionist cinema gave them a certain look, while various actors gave them a certain sound. But what about the less well known features from this part of the decade, before censorship and changing audience tastes? There are plenty of experimental movies out there, and this is one of them. Perhaps it's a result of Warner Bros competing with Universal. Not content with just one genre or even just one colour, this is a strange hybrid story of murder and mad scientists. How successful is the final product? It really depends on what you're looking for.

Scorecard

JANUARY

FILM OF THE MONTH Grosse Point Blank ☆☆☆☆