#586: KENTON, Erle C.: Island Of Lost Souls (1932)

KENTON, Erle C. (United States)
Island Of Lost Souls [1932]
Spine #586
Blu-ray


A twisted treasure from Hollywood's pre-Code horror heyday, Island of Lost Souls is a cautionary tale of science run amok, adapted from H. G. Wells's novel The Island of Dr. Moreau. In one of his first major movie roles, Charles Laughton is a mad doctor conducting ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked man (Richard Arlen) who finds himself trapped there. This touchstone of movie terror, directed by Erle C. Kenton, features expressionistic photography by Karl Struss, groundbreaking makeup effects that have inspired generations of monster-movie artists, and the legendary Bela Lugosi in one of his most gruesome roles.

70 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2011
Director/Writers


Based on The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells.
Screenplay by Waldemar Young.
Adaptation by Philip Wylie.
Erle C. Kenton was 36 when he directed Island of Lost Souls.

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Sixteen-page booklet featuring an essay by writer Christine Smallwood.

Commentary

Featuring film historian Gregory Mank.

Conversation

Between filmmaker John Landis, Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker, and genre expert Bob Burns.

Interviews

With horror film historians David J. Skal; filmmaker Richard Stanley, the original director of the ill-fated 1996 adaptation; and Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh of the band Devo.

Short film

From 1976 by Devo, featuring the songs “Secret Agent Man” and “Jacko Homo.”

Stills gallery

Theatrical trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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