Unusual film with a complex plot and excellent period atmosphere.

I always want to applaud quiet horror, but this one just ain't there

Of all the Val Lewton projects I've seen with this early form of horror, this is the least memorable. Not to say there aren't worse ones (there are), but I honestly cannot remember a single scene of this anymore.

Producer Lewton's look at Bedlam doesn't pretend to be a horror movie and even plays a bit tame as a belated expose. But Boris has a great role as Bedlam's alternately toadying and bullying warden, while Robert Clarke, in his pre-_Hideous Sun Demon_ daze, turns in a bizarre bit as an inmate with a canine complex. Karloff's confrontation with feisty heroine Lee -- a sworn enemy who's wrongfully entrusted to Boris's creepy "care" -- are also vividly rendered.

Karloff puts on a great performance, as does the beautiful Anna Lee. The plot is enjoyable enough, but it takes quite awhile to get going. Still, the performances of the leads are enough to keep the movie interesting until the plot picks up.

"Nicholas Musaraca's excellent cinematography contributes a number of fine effects..."