Bedlam (1946)

Nell Bowen, the spirited protege of rich Lord Mortimer, becomes interested in the conditions of notorious St. Mary's of Bethlehem Asylum (Bedlam). Encouraged by the Quaker Hannay, she tries... See full summary »

Director:

Mark Robson

Writers:

William Hogarth (suggested by The William Hogarth painting Bedlam Plate #8 "The Rake's Progress"), Val Lewton (screenplay),

Stars:

Boris Karloff, Anna Lee, Billy House

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Boris Karloff	...	Master George Sims
Anna Lee	...	Nell Bowen
Billy House	...	Lord Mortimer
Richard Fraser	...	The Stonemason
Glen Vernon	...	The Gilded Boy (as Glenn Vernon)
Ian Wolfe	...	Sidney Long
Jason Robards Sr.	...	Oliver Todd (as Jason Robards)
Leyland Hodgson	...	That Devil Wilkes (as Leland Hodgson)
Joan Newton	...	Dorothea the Dove
Elizabeth Russell	...	Mistress Sims

Storyline

Nell Bowen, the spirited protege of rich Lord Mortimer, becomes interested in the conditions of notorious St. Mary's of Bethlehem Asylum (Bedlam). Encouraged by the Quaker Hannay, she tries to bring support to reforming Bedlam, but the cruel Master Sims who runs it has her committed there. The inmates, however, have the last say.

---

Plot Keywords:

bedlam | quaker | asylum | african american child | visions of hell | 

---

Taglines:

Sensational Secrets of Infamous Mad-house EXPOSED! (1946 one-sheet poster)

---

Genres:

Drama | Horror | Thriller

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 May 1946 (USA)

Also Known As:

Chamber of Horrors

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

79 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The comment Sims makes to Nell about the inmates, "Fierce as wild bulls, untameable as flies, these have oft from strangers' side snatched rapiers suddenly and done much harm", is a quote from the play, 'The Honest Whore' by Thomas Dekker and Thomas Middleton

---

Goofs

At the fête, the violinists are shown playing with 20th-century bows.

---

Quotes

Lord Mortimer: A capital fellow, this Sims, a capital fellow.
Nell Bowen: If you ask me, M'Lord, he's a stench in the nostrils, a sewer of ugliness, and a gutter brimming with slop.

---

Connections

Referenced in Gulliver's Travels (1996)

User Reviews

Great acting by Boris Karloff ruling a mental hospital against hapless inmates

The film concerns upon a gorgeous heroine(Anna Lee)who 's falsely accused as nutty and wrongfully jailed in famous Bedlam asylum governed by a evil ruler(Boris Karloff) in England during 18th century.Suspense,macabre and horror is exposed lurking,menacing,harassing in rooms,stars,doors and reflected in the sensationalistic and cruel interpretation by Karloff.Scenarios movie are based on William Hogarth paintings that imaginatively bring to life'scenes about madhouse, besides has ideas adapted of Edgar Alan Poe writings,especially in its final conclusion.There are a certain social critical referred to horribles and revulsive conditions in that the nuts are forced to live.The motion picture has a dark atmosphere created by Nicholas Musuruca(Stranger on third floor and Cat people) makes a awesome camera work,along with John Alton are the fundamentals creators of noir cine.Cinematography is magnificent lights and dark are originating eerie and creepy scenario.The movie is produced by RKO and the last of the famed Val Lewton films,the biggest producer of horror classics(Iwalked with a Zombie,Cat people,Ghost ship),plus he produced for director Mark Robson numerous films(Isle of the dead,seventh victim) with similar technicians.Usual musician RKO,Roy Webb,creates a fine score with the habitual musical director Bakaleinikoff.Excellent set design at charge Albert D'Agostino.The picture is rightly directed by Mark Robson.Addicts of Karloff and horror should no account miss this movie.The flick will like to classic cinema moviegoers