Isle of the Dead (1945)
Genre: Horror
Duration: 71 minuten
Country:
United States
Directed by: Mark Robson
Stars: Boris Karloff, Ellen Drew and Marc Cramer
IMDb score:
6,5 (5.770)
Releasedate: 1 September 1945
Isle of the Dead plot
"A grave's dank darkness smothers the screams of a girl still alive!"
During the Greco-Turkish War in 1912, a Greek general, an American journalist and a British consul, his wife and several other persons are quarantined on an island when the plague is discovered in one of them. However, an old woman is convinced that they are victims of demons.
Actors and actresses
Gen. Nikolas Pherides
Thea
Oliver Davis
Mary St. Aubyn
Madame Kyra
St. Aubyn
Albrecht
Dr. Drossos
Andrew Robbins (uncredited)
Col. Kobestes (uncredited)
Reviews & comments
mrklm
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- 11629 messages
- 10041 votes
Atmospheric horror drama about a number of people who have to remain in quarantine in a castle during the Greco-Turkish war in 1912 after the plague is discovered on the island. The cultural and ideological contrasts between the different characters provide good moments in which Karloff - as a Greek general - stands out in terms of acting. The horror element comes from a local legend that makes some of those present suspect (and fear) that one of them is a vampire in human form. Considering the limited budget, excellently produced and very atmospheric, even though this film relies mainly on dialogue and less on action, which makes the whole thing somewhat static.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Bobbejaantje
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- 2301 messages
- 2092 votes
Great film. The first time I see Boris Karloff in a 'normal' role and I thought he was well cast in this film as a maniacal general who is slowly losing his way. When his character staggers through the room, deathly ill, in the final scene, he evokes memories of the world-famous monster he previously created for Universal: a nice reference. Apart from good acting performances, the strength of the film for me lies mainly in the excellent b&w photography by Jack MacKenzie, who, according to his CV, is more of a second-rate actor, but who nevertheless delivers a strong performance here with shadowy night-lit scenes and interiors. For example, the sick lady of the St. Auby house is often in her bedroom, where shadows from the blinds are invariably outlined against the wall, suggesting latticework in the best expressionist/noir tradition.
The entire film has to rely on a psychologically threatening atmosphere that is fed by the superstition of the island guests. It is wonderful how director Mark Robson and his producer Val Lewton manage to create an oppressive atmosphere, and this purely based on suggestion. The horror is in the imagination of the people. In that respect, the film also reminded me of I Walked with a Zombie within Lewton's further oeuvre. Finally, I would certainly like to mention the beautifully majestic yet restrained music score by the acclaimed Leigh Harline, which is the perfect companion for this piece of cinema.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Fisico
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- 10039 messages
- 5398 votes
Superstition and magic versus the scientific explanation. The theme plays in this film which makes it more of a psychological 'what if' "horror". The atmosphere is oppressive and is well portrayed by the characters. All in all a rather slow film that did not completely grab me.
A strong role by legend Karloff. Beautiful black and white photography too. A film that relies more on atmosphere than horror.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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