Although the plot twists and turns are obvious and sometimes silly, this classic horror film does pioneer a sort of atmosphere of dread. The macabre set design adds to the excellent (for its time) makeup job. Some of the actors are wooden (the gypsies - probably non-professional actors - are horrible,) but Claude Rains and Lon Chaney Jr. (in human form) are believable and their scenes together, as father and son, are the film's best. |
