Classic Horror Movie Review- Dead Men Walk
Dead Men Walk (1943)
“You creatures of the light how can you say with any
certainty what dwells in the oceans of the night.” Eerie declaration by disembodied head in the
fire during opening credits.
Kindly Dr. Lloyd Clayton (George Zucco) has secretly
murdered his evil twin brother, Elwyn Clayton (also played by George Zucco) to
protect the town from Elwyn’s sorcery.
Unfortunately, Elwyn is more of a master of the dark arts than his
brother anticipated. Elwyn returns from the dead intent on revenge by enslaving
their niece, Gayle (Mary Carlisle) for eternity.
This movie has some interesting similarities to a latter
vampire flick, Black Sunday which also opens with the murder of a sibling. Asa
is executed by her own brother for witchcraft. Both movies have the lead
playing dual roles of hero/vampire. In "Black Sunday" Barbara Steele portrayed wicked Asa and her innocent descendent
Katia. While both movie villains faithfully
follow the vampire genre (coffin dwelling and craving for human blood) you won’t
see even the hint of a fang in either movie.
Fun facts:
This 64 minute black & white film was shot in 6 days.
George Zucco served in the British army during World War I
“Dead Men Walk” was Mary Carlisle’s last film. She retired
from movies shortly after getting married.
Aren’t movies better with sweet treats? An almond Hersey
chocolate bar always tastes better in a darkened theater. Here’s your chance
for a Halloween treat. Leave a comment with your favorite fright flick, email
address to be entered into a drawing to win either a copy of Hot Flash (spicy)
or Package Deal (sweet). Be sure to note whether you prefer spicy or sweet in
your comments along with your email address. Drawing will close October 31,
2015 at 8:00PM PST.
Have a wonderful Halloween!
