By the mid-1940s, Boris Karloff had starred in more Horror films than any one actor should be forced to make. He could be counted on to deliver, thanks to his look and his voice, but since he couldn’t escape the genre, he looked for more interesting parts to play. Perhaps his greatest opportunity came thanks to Producer Val Lewton (Cat People) and director Robert Wise. A literate adaptation of a story by Robert Louis Stevenson, Karloff plays one of his most sinister villains, a grave robbing sociopath. With the voice of a gentleman, the manners of someone aiming to appear above their social class, and chillingly casual about committing murder, this isn’t Karloff’s showiest or most iconic role, but this is the one he could’ve been Oscar nominated for. He’s supported by Wise’s patient, atmospheric direction. Bela Lugosi has a small but key supporting role.
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