The Black Cat
Directed by Edgar Ulmer. US. 1934. NR. 65 min.
- Sun, Oct 7, 2:00 pm
A fascinating (and horrifying) bit of cinema history, The Black Cat may seem an unusual choice to start our month of Edger Allen Poe classics, since the references to Poe are actually minimal, coming from the film’s title. But it is a truly fascinating film. For the first time ever, Universal Studios’ two reigning monster stars, Karloff and Lugosi were brought together, under the direction of famed cult director Edgar Ulmer, and the result was one of the most bizarre, thrilling, and beautifully imagined films of the Golden Age of film horror. Touching on such forbidden themes as devil worship, necrophilia, possible incest, human sacrifice, and the flaying alive of one character, it caused a sensation in its time. Ulmer’s art deco set designs and fluid, ominous photography provide a timeless setting for evil, and the two stars turn in what many feel to be their most frightening performances. This cinema rarity is most highly recomended, as this may be the only time you will be able to see it on the big screen.