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From the Corner: "The Monster Walks" (1932)


We're going to step out of the Silent Movie Era for this next review from The Corner of Terror.  It's an 1932 horror movie in which we learn that "The Monster Walks" never forgets its hatred...

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 servant- but at least he survives.  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 the 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...
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  1. Richard C. LambertOctober 15, 2018 at 11:37 PM

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