IMDb >
The Black Cat (1934)
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Black Cat (1934) More at IMDbPro »
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
7 May 1934 (USA)
more
Tagline:
Things you never said before or even dreamed of!
Plot:
American honeymooners in Hungary are trapped in the home of a Satan- worshiping priest when the bride is taken there for medical help following a road accident. full summary | add synopsis
NewsDesk:
(49 articles)
Exclusive: Future El Guapo Reviews Spider-Man 6!
(From LatinoReview. 10 December 2009, 2:26 PM, PST)
John Malkovich To Play Spider-Man 4 Villain
(From FilmShaft.com. 8 December 2009, 3:12 PM, PST)
(From LatinoReview. 10 December 2009, 2:26 PM, PST)
John Malkovich To Play Spider-Man 4 Villain
(From FilmShaft.com. 8 December 2009, 3:12 PM, PST)
User Comments:
"The Black Cat", for all its flaws, is one of the most unique horror films ever made
more (92 total)
Cast
(Complete credited cast)| Boris Karloff | ... | Hjalmar Poelzig (as Karloff) | |
| Bela Lugosi | ... | Dr. Vitus Werdegast | |
| David Manners | ... | Peter Alison | |
| Julie Bishop | ... | Joan Alison (as Jacqueline Wells) | |
| Egon Brecher | ... | The Majordomo | |
| Harry Cording | ... | Thamal, Werdegast's Servant | |
| Lucille Lund | ... | Karen Werdegast Poelzig | |
| Henry Armetta | ... | Police Sergeant | |
| Albert Conti | ... | Police Lieutenant |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
65 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)
Certification:
Finland:K-16 (1987) |
UK:15 |
Australia:PG |
Finland:(Banned) (1936) |
USA:Approved (PCA #4601) (11 August 1938 for re-release)
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: One of the women in Poelzig's glass coffins visibly moves while he is admiring her.
more
Quotes:
Hjalmar Poelzig:
Vitus! Your are mad.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in John's Arm: Armageddon (2008)
more
Soundtrack:
Les Preludes
more
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (92 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Black Cat (1934) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| The Spider Returns | The Secret of Treasure Island | Vengeance - and the Woman | The Phantom Rider | Federal Agents vs. Underworld, Inc. |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Horror section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |

"The Black Cat", for all its flaws, is one of the most unique horror films ever made. Its certainly the most bizarre horror film of the 30s outside of the legendary "Freaks". Plus, it unites two of the greatest genre icons of all time, Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. Its also one of the few occasions that Edgar G. Ulmer was able to show how talented a filmmaker he was. He only created one other notable film, the absolute masterpiece "Detour" which is possibly the greatest b-film ever made.
The main reason why the film works so well are the performances of both Karloff and Lugosi. Karloff plays one of his most deliciously evil yet charming and sophisticated characters yet. The man exudes tension whenever he appears on camera. Even better surprisingly is Lugosi. Lugosi was sometimes criticized as having charisma but no real acting skill. He is actually superb in his role as a tragic hero. This makes me wish he was given more parts such as this instead of the grade-c schlock he was confined to late on. Both of the stars have marvelous interplay, especially the chess scene. They more than make up for the sappy performances by David Manners and Julie Bishop.
In addition to the performances, Ulmer must be given a lot of credit. His direction and story are both bizarre and throughly captivating. Also, the set design is quite surreal, coming across as art deco gone horribly wrong. Its not a perfect film, but is one of the most memorable horror films of the 30s. (7/10)