HORROR
ISLAND (1941) is one of
the 1940's Universal horror films that gets very little attention. The main
reason for this it that it does not feature any of the big horror stars the
studio created in the 30's or even an actor from the 40's that went on to
larger acclaim inside the genre. Although it reteams the male and female leads
from THE MUMMY'S HAND (1940), playing essentially the same roles they enacted
so well in that film, it seems that Universal didn't even bother to make note
of the fact to ballyhoo this picture. Another thing working against it is the
movie's lack of a monster of any kind. It sports a 'phantom' but beyond looking
vaguely like The Shadow the character offers little in the way of classic
chills to entice the thrill seeking crowd. So, what does
HORROR ISLAND
offer instead? A fog-bound castle off the coast of
Florida, a cast of mildly interesting
victims and a hunt for hidden pirate treasure are the ingredients tossed about
by the script. It's all a bit light and silly but does this under seen film
deliver the goods?
Once I'm finished babbling about the DC Comics animated
films for video Troy
and I discuss the film's comedic tone, creepy setting and it's stalk & kill
plotline while marveling at the cast. Where else are you going to see the classic
western sidekick actor Fuzzy Knight running around a gothic castle? We talk
about the production history, the sick day that cost the film it's final scene
and the clever use of left over sets. There is some examination of the idea of
how difficult it would be to quickly get in and out of a suit of medieval armor
and we wonder about well timed crossbow bolts. This is a movie that throws a
lot of things at the wall and not all of them stick.
We close the show with two excellent messages from listeners.
If you would like to send us your thoughts the show can be reached at
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