Like Bride of Frankenstein, this horror is ahead of its time. The script may be potty, and the performances hammy as ever (though I find Karloff nicely subtle), but the architectural set design and the despairing atmosphere of imminent death make the film's texture rich and compelling (and genuinely creepy in places, such as when Karloff sits up in bed). The sinister and gory detail are radical moves for a film of its time, and remain unequalled by mainstream horror in this period. Suspend your disbelief (why don't the honeymooners just walk out of the house?) and indulge in some wicked fun.
Review of The Black Cat
