The Island of Dr. Moreau (1977)

User Rating:

5.6/10   

Director:

Don Taylor

Writers:

H.G. Wells (novel)
Al Ramrus (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

13 July 1977 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller | Adventure | Romance

Tagline:

The Doctor Is In-SANE!

Plot:

A ship-wrecked man floats ashore on an island in the Pacific Ocean. The island is inhabited by a scientist...

Plot Keywords:

Island | Experiment | Pacific | Scientist | Public Hanging

Awards:

6 nominations

Cast

Burt Lancaster	...	Dr. Paul Moreau
Michael York	...	Andrew Braddock
Nigel Davenport	...	Montgomery
Barbara Carrera	...	Maria
Richard Basehart	...	Sayer of the Law
Nick Cravat	...	M'Ling
The Great John L.	...	Boarman
Bob Ozman	...	Bullman
Fumio Demura	...	Hyena Man
Gary Baxley	...	Lionman
John Gillespie	...	Tigerman
David S. Cass Sr.	...	Bearman (as David Cass)

Runtime:

99 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Netherlands:12 | West Germany:16 (nf) | Australia:M | Finland:K-16 | France:-12 | Norway:15 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:PG (certificate #24896)

Filming Locations:

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Company:

American International Pictures (AIP)

Trivia:

A number of big-name British actors passed on the Burt Lancaster role.

Goofs:

Boom mic visible: During the opening scene when the boat is being pushed ashore you can see the shadow of the boom mic in the water's edge.

Quotes:

Sayer of the Law: Are we not men?

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in Wacko (1982)

Soundtrack:

Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja

Surprisingly well done

I recently saw this version of The Island of Dr. Moreau for the first time courtesy of MGM Midnite Movies.

It was much better than I thought it would be. Of course that was mainly due to the fact that I had already seen the abomination made in 1996 starring Brando and Kilmer. After seeing that mess I had pretty low expectations for this one. I was pleasantly surprised by the acting, yes even Michael York's, as well as the make-up.

Barbara Carrera was beautiful as always even though her character seemed to be more window dressing then integral to the plot. I'm not complaining mind you, she makes lovely window dressing.

Lancaster did an excellent job as Moreau. His subdued, scientific detachment fit the part perfectly and it was interesting as he started going over the edge towards the end of the movie.

York managed a very good scene when he, as he was changing into an animal, managed to remember things from his childhood as he desperately tried to keep his identity and humanity.

Not the best movie that I've seen but it's in the top 10% or so. After watching this version it makes me even more appalled at the 1996 disaster. It's too bad that a lot of people now have an idea of what Island of Dr. Moreau based on that version instead of on this one.

I'd give it an 8 out of 10.