The Undying Monster (1942)

Surviving members of an aristocratic Welsh family are threatened by a legendary monster when they venture out on chilly, foggy nights.

Director:

John Brahm

Writers:

Lillie Hayward (screenplay), Michael Jacoby (screenplay),

Stars:

James Ellison, Heather Angel, John Howard

Cast

Complete credited cast:
James Ellison	...	Robert Curtis
Heather Angel	...	Helga Hammond
John Howard	...	Oliver Hammond
Bramwell Fletcher	...	Dr. Jeff Colbert
Heather Thatcher	...	Christy
Aubrey Mather	...	Inspector Craig
Halliwell Hobbes	...	Walton, the Butler

Storyline

A werewolf prowls around at night but only kills certain members of one family. It seems like just a coincidence but the investigating Inspector soon finds out that this tradition has gone on for generations and tries to find a link between the werewolf and the family, leading to a frightening conclusion.

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Plot Keywords:

werewolf | foggy night | old mansion | secret | female detective | 

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Taglines:

LUSTS UPON BEAUTY! (original print ad - all caps)

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Genres:

Drama | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 November 1942 (USA)

Also Known As:

O Segredo do Monstro

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

63 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of American tough guy Charles McGraw who ironically plays a British horse groom here.

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Goofs

In the library, Dr. Colbert's monocle drops. In the next shot, it's back in his eye.

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Quotes

Helga Hammond: Sometimes dogs are smarter than folks.

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Connections

Featured in Creature Features: The Undying Monster/The Human Monster (1971)

User Reviews

Underappreciated 'b' film

The Undying Monster belongs to the same genre of films that Val Lewton was producing at RKO in the forties: something I call 'gothic noir'. Lucien Ballard's rich black and white photography hints of his future work on noir classics like Laura and The Killing, and John Brahm's assured direction makes the absolute most of the rather pedestrian scenario. There are some simply amazing compositions for what was obviously a second feature, and the cast is buoyed by stalwarts Halliwell Hobbes and Holmes Herbert (I love the way their names sound together!). There's even a brief scene that features a shaky cam in extreme closeup--half a century before Blair Witch Project. Highest recommendation for noir fans, though blood and guts horror mavens will probably be disappointed.