Definitive version of the Wells novel, with Laughton really chowing down on his very juicy role. Leila Hyams is fascinating as the cat girl, Lugosi excellent, all the settings and backgrounds are smashingly atmospheric. Accused of being tasteless in its time, which is probably fair enough -- the final scene is as chilling as anything ever put onscream (as Forry Ackerman might say!).

The lead actor is pretty bad, but Laughton is excellent as the insane yet refined Dr. Moreau, and Lugosi has a great, memorable scene. Some of the creatures are very well designed, as are the sets. I found the pacing, tension, and atmosphere to be better than most early horror, it just needs a better soundtrack.

Charles Laughton gives an chilling performance, the kind that reminds me why the sideshow psychos they throw in modern movie just don't do it for me.

Bloodchilling. One of the best horror films of the 1930s (or any other era). It beats the crap out of both the remakes

A great concept hindered by talented but inconsistent execution. Laughton is great and the tension is well built thanks to the makeup work and some good shot choices, but the rest of the acting isn't up to par and the ending is a bit lacking.