The Haunted Strangler (1958)

A researcher investigating a notorious serial killer who was hanged 20 years earlier seemingly becomes possessed by the long dead strangler.

Director:

Robert Day

Writers:

John Croydon (as John C. Cooper), Jan Read (screenplay)

Stars:

Boris Karloff, Anthony Dawson, Jean Kent

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Boris Karloff	...	James Rankin
Jean Kent	...	Cora Seth
Elizabeth Allan	...	Barbara Rankin
Anthony Dawson	...	Supt. Burk
Vera Day	...	Pearl
Tim Turner	...	Dr. Kenneth McColl
Diane Aubrey	...	Lily Rankin
Max Brimmell	...	Newgate Prison Turnkey
Leslie Perrins	...	Newgate Prison Governor
Jessica Cairns	...	Asylum Maid
Dorothy Gordon	...	Hannah
Desmond Roberts	...	Dr. Johnson
Roy Russell	...	Medical Superintendent
Derek Birch	...	Guyse Hospital Superintendent
Peggy Ann Clifford	...	Kate

Storyline

A writer investigating the execution of a serial killer known as "The Haymarket Strangler" 20 years previously begins to suspect that the wrong man might have been hanged. However, when he picks up a scalpel used by the murderer, he finds himself possessed by the killer's spirit and begins committing similar murders.

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Plot Keywords:

serial murder | psychotronic film | year 1860 | prison | public execution | 

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Taglines:

Karloff-KING OF MONSTERS-In His New Picture of 1,000 Horrors!

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Genres:

Crime | Mystery | Horror

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Last feature of Leslie Perrins.

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Goofs

In the opening scene at Newgate Prison, the excess end of the rope for the noose changes length from long, to cut off, to long again between shots.

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Quotes

James Rankin: I'm sorry, Barbara, but a man must do the work in which he believes!

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Connections

Featured in 78/52: Hitchcock's Shower Scene (2017)

User Reviews

The Haunted Strangler (1958) **1/2

Set in Victorian times, Boris Karloff plays a determined writer who becomes obsessed with a twenty-year-old case surrounding "The Haymarket Strangler" and intends to prove that the young man who was hanged for the murders two decades earlier was in fact innocent. All evidence seems to point to a certain Dr. Tenant who used a surgeon's knife to not only choke the life out of his victims, but to slash their flesh as well. But the details of Tenant's life and whereabouts since the crimes remains a mystery, one which Karloff comes to learn hits closer to home for him than he suspected.

It's amazing to realize that Boris Karloff was nearly 70 when he appeared in this film as it is impressive to see him perform so vigorously in a very physically demanding role. He is required to undergo very strenuous activity as he contorts his body and facial features to simulate a Jekyll/Hyde madman on the loose -- upper teeth gnawing spasmodically at his lower lip, one eye half-closed, a twisted arm wielding a scalpel. At more refined times, Karloff is very dedicated in his role as the well-meaning but disoriented author on a road to madness.

There is no question that there are some powerful moments in this feature, and it is highly required viewing for any fan of Karloff. Unfortunately, the film bears a weight of becoming tedious on occasion, so first-time viewers would want to make allowances for this in between the thrills. **1/2 out of ****

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 May 1958 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Haunted Strangler

Filming Locations:

Walton Studios, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

GBP70,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Producers Associates, Amalgamated Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1