The Walking Dead

     THE WALKING DEAD (1936): Starring- Boris Karloff, Ricardo Cortez, Edmund Gwenn, Marguerite Churchill, Warren Hull, and Barton MacLane.

                                            Directed by- Micheal Curtiz

     Well, I'm still a little shaken from my viewing of BLOOD CULT, but this movie helped me forget it (Thank Christ).

     The movie I'm talking about today is THE WALKING DEAD. You might not recognize that title, and I'm not entirely sure why. This movie is one of the most unjustly underrated horror films of all time. It deserves to be just as famous as any of the films Boris Karloff made at Universal. 

     The film begins with a group of criminals, led by Nolan (Cortez), who have a bit of a problem. A local judge is looking for any excuse to send these thugs to jail. So, they murder the judge and frame John Ellman (Karloff) for the crime. 

     Ellman is sentenced to death for the crime. On the night of his execution, it is discovered that Ellman is innocent. However, this news reaches the jail too late, and he is executed anyway.

     Dr. Beaumont (Gwenn) has a solution for Ellman's problem. He brings him back from the dead. However, the Doctor soon becomes obsessed with finding out what the afterlife is like from Ellman. Meanwhile, Ellman regains his memories and sets out for revenge against the men who framed him.

     I'm honestly amazed that more people haven't heard of this movie. It's not only a classic horror movie, but it's a classic movie. Period.

     The direction is perfect, and the film is beautifully shot. There are scenes in this movie which truly are visual masterpieces. Also, the performances of the cast are all excellent, especially Gwenn, who later became more famous as Santa Claus in MIRACLE ON 34th STREET.

     But none of that is what makes the film stand out. The greatest part of this film is Karloff's performance as the doomed Ellman. If there was ever a need for further proof that Karloff was a great actor, it's this movie. It's one of his best performances, managing to evoke sympathy and even love for this character who could otherwise have been a standard monster. I particularly like the scene in which Ellman is being led to the electric chair. With a look of profound sadness in his face, Karloff looks towards the heavens and says only, "He'll believe me." I'm not ashamed to admit that I got a little teary-eyed.

     This movie carries my highest recommendation. They truly don't make them like this anymore. This is one to check out.

     My rating:  * * * *  out of  * * * *