Das schwarze Zimmer (1935)

Das schwarze Zimmer: Directed by Roy William Neill. With Boris Karloff, Marian Marsh, Robert Allen, Thurston Hall. Ignoring an ancient prophecy, evil brother Gregor seeks to maintain his feudal power on his his Tyrolean estate by murdering and impersonating his benevolent younger twin.

“This film is competently directed and photographed, yet it is not noteworthy from either point of view. The story, concerning human compassion versus cruelty, and the cold, merciless workings of fate, is clever and interesting, all the more so since it does not linger too long and overstay its welcome…this film clocks in at 1 hour and change.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBy Columbia Pictures standards, this film is almost opulent, having several sets and a number of outdoor shots, and having good actors, costumes, technicians and atmosphere all around. But, since it is a Columbia Picture, central Europe looks amazingly like Southern California. Still, it proves that Universal did not have a monopoly on horror in the 1930u0026#39;s.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis is not a supernatural film, except perhaps in the fact that it deals with the subjects of prophecy and fate…it is instead a psychological horror film and so it helps to have the right set of expectations going in. In a way, this film is a kind of precursor to the ambiguous metaphysics and psychological themes of the 1940u0026#39;s Val Lewton horror/noir classics.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhat makes this film stand out is Karloffu0026#39;s brilliant performance in the double role of twin brothers, one evil and one good. Karloff is completely convincing in both parts, and it is a genuine pleasure to watch him. It is also striking that even without monster make-up Karloff can scare the pants off you, when he chooses.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eModern horror fans are liable to have trouble accessing this film, but it is recommended to fans of classic horror and classic film in general.”