Post by Lunkhead on Oct 26, 2006 9:25:16 GMT -8
It’s always fun rediscovering films you haven’t seen since you were a kid. For me, it had been over 40 years since I saw THE BLACK ROOM on Double Chiller Theater out of Philadelphia. I vaguely remembered Boris as the good and evil twins, but what stayed with me all those years was a line of dialogue from early in the film. I always recalled it as “There will be no black room”. In reality it is “There won’t be any black room”. I’d remembered there was some kind of curse to the room, but that was about it.
So, finally getting to see this again on the new “Boris Karloff Icons of Horror Collection” was a treat. I’d read of the film’s favorable reputation and it did not disappoint. Boris is simply great in the dual roles of Anton and Gregor, and the split screen technique works very well here, allowing them to interact flawlessly. His work in this film ranks up with his best and further showcases his talent as an actor. The tale of inevitable doom is well written and pulls you in from the start, but Boris’ characterizations raise it to a whole new level. The sets are impressive and add to the foreboding atmosphere. The film is beautifully scored and Roy William Neill does a fine job directing. The supporting cast is also good which includes the lovely Marian Marsh (SVENGALI) and Thurston Hall. Look also for a brief role by Edward Van Sloan. This classic is a must for all Karloff fans, and I am so glad it is now part of my collection.
So, finally getting to see this again on the new “Boris Karloff Icons of Horror Collection” was a treat. I’d read of the film’s favorable reputation and it did not disappoint. Boris is simply great in the dual roles of Anton and Gregor, and the split screen technique works very well here, allowing them to interact flawlessly. His work in this film ranks up with his best and further showcases his talent as an actor. The tale of inevitable doom is well written and pulls you in from the start, but Boris’ characterizations raise it to a whole new level. The sets are impressive and add to the foreboding atmosphere. The film is beautifully scored and Roy William Neill does a fine job directing. The supporting cast is also good which includes the lovely Marian Marsh (SVENGALI) and Thurston Hall. Look also for a brief role by Edward Van Sloan. This classic is a must for all Karloff fans, and I am so glad it is now part of my collection.
