The Mad Ghoul (1943)

A university chemistry professor experiments with an ancient Mayan gas on a medical student, turning the would-be surgeon him into a murdering ghoul.

Director:

James P. Hogan

Writers:

Brenda Weisberg (screenplay), Paul Gangelin (screenplay),

Stars:

David Bruce, Evelyn Ankers, George Zucco

Cast

Complete credited cast:
David Bruce	...	Ted Allison
Evelyn Ankers	...	Isabel Lewis
George Zucco	...	Dr. Alfred Morris
Robert Armstrong	...	Ken McClure
Turhan Bey	...	Eric Iverson
Milburn Stone	...	Macklin
Andrew Tombes	...	Eagan
Rose Hobart	...	Della
Addison Richards	...	Gavigan
Charles McGraw	...	Garrity
Gus Glassmire	...	Caretaker

Storyline

Curious about the effects of an ancient Mayan nerve gas on humans, a scientist exposes his young assistant and turns him into a mindless ghoul that must have human heart substance to live.

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Plot Keywords:

ghoul | university | heart | medical student | scientist | 

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Taglines:

A Sensation in Horror!

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Genres:

Sci-Fi | Horror

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 November 1943 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mystery of the Ghoul

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

65 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Part of the original SHOCK THEATER package of 52 Universal titles released to television in 1957, followed a year later with SON OF SHOCK, which added 21 more features.

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Quotes

Dr. Alfred Morris: I could use an assistant. How'd you like to spend your vacation helping me with my experiments at home>
Ted Allison: Would I? Say, there isn't a fellow in class who wouldn't give a leg to work with you in the lab!
Dr. Alfred Morris: [Tongue in cheek] Oh, that's rather more than the privilege is worth. You needn't give me a leg; just lend me a hand.

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Connections

Featured in 100 Years of Horror: Scream Queens (1996)

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Soundtracks

"All For Love"
Music Arranged by Milton Rosen
Lyrics by Everett Carter
Sung by Evelyn Ankers (dubbed by Lillian Cornell)

User Reviews

Underappreciated Universal Fare

Of all the Universal stars and stock character actors, the one that seems to get lost in the shuffle the most is George Zucco. It is a shame as I can never say I saw him give a bad performance despite the lack of depth in the cinematic vehicle he was appearing in. Zucco is the star of Mad Ghoul and does a wonderful job playing a man obsessed with a pretty singer played by Evelyn Ankers. Zucco works with the fiancee of Ankers, both scientists working on what keeps life after death..in a zombie form at least. Ankers, however, is not quite sure she loves David Bruce still, and is having a relationship with the pianist touring with her, Turhan Bey, who has little to do in his role. Zucco somehow induces Bruce to become a zombie/ghoul at times...thus telling his pretty fiancee things that cool down the relationship so old George can have a crack at her..or so he thinks she might be so inclined toward him(not knowing about Bey of course). The Mad Ghoul is a wonderful film because it has some great scenes and dialogue for George Zucco. Zucco shines as a sinister man with a battle between moral conscience losing to his base desires. The rest of the cast is good(look for Robert Armstrong of King Kong fame), the scenes and graveyard sets in particular are very appropriate. Don't forget the Mad Ghoul when catching up with your list of Universal horror films. It is worth seeing if for no other reason than seeing Zucco in one of his finest performances.