The Body Snatcher

    Directed by Robert Wise.
    Starring Boris Karloff, Henry Daniell, Russell Wade, Bela Lugosi.
    RKO Radio Pictures, 1944.
    Availability
    Rating: * * * *

Seldom has Boris Karloff been such a powerful presence as in this movie. The story unfolds around Doctor Wolfe "Toddy" MacFarlane (Daniell) and his young associate, Fettes (Wade). These two work at the local medical school and, due to the lack of dead bodies for dissection, employ the cabman John Gray (Karloff) as a bodysnatcher. Karloff stalks the night plundering the Edinborough graveyards of freshly buried bodies.  When MacFarlane finally decides to make an end to the grave robbing Gray puts pressure on the guilt-stricken doctor and his associate for their illegal dealings. His greed and constant taunts push the doctor to the brink and bring the picture to it's thrilling climax.

Karloff really makes this picture. His lines are always delivered chillingly and in a manner that leaves no doubt about Cabman Gray's personality. His mixture between mockery and threat are perfect for his character. It is also interesting to note Bela Lugosi in another one of his numerous side-roles as Joseph, the doctor's servant.  Some may argue that this movie is not horror at all but a psychological drama, but I think that's up to the viewer's interpretation of the ending.  I recommend you judge for yourself.  If you like B&W horror movies at all, this is a must see.