Mingling Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde with the exploits of Jack The Ripper, this literate horror thriller brought Boris Karloff – who was approaching 70 years of age – back to British films after more than 20 years away.
For the occasion, screenwriter Jan Reed contributed a fascinating plot that involves novelist and social reformer James Rankin (Karloff ) investigating an old murder case and the execution of serial killer Edward Styles – known as “The Haymarket Strangler” – 20 years previously.
Intending to prove that Styles was, in fact, innocent, Rankin discovers a lot more than he bargained for. When he eventually obtains the knife used in the murders, it unlocks a dark secret within himself, and the movie takes a very unusual turn.
There’s a splendidly atmospheric ending (heightened by Lionel Banes’ vivid black-and-white photography), with Karloff in a graveyard, unravelling the mystery at last – to his own cost.
Karloff achieved the transformation into a grotesque figure simply by taking out his dentures!
Released in some markets as The Haunted Strangler.
James Rankin
Boris Karloff Superintendent Burk
Anthony Dawson Hospital Superintendent
Derek Birch Hannah
Dorothy Gordon Barbara Rankin
Elizabeth Allan Lily Rankin
Diane Aubrey Dr Kenneth McColl
Tim Turner Cora Seth
Jean Kent Pearl
Vera Day Newgate Prison Turnkey
Max Brimmell Newgate Prison Governor
Leslie Perrins Young Blood
John Fabian Dr Johnson
Desmond Roberts Asylum Maid
Jessica Cairns Medical Superintendent
Roy Russell Kate
Peggy Ann Clifford Can-Can Girl
Joan Elvin
Director
Robert Day
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Intending to prove that Styles was, in fact, innocent, Rankin discovers a lot more than he bargained for. When he eventually obtains the knife used in the murders, it unlocks a dark secret within himself, and the movie takes a very unusual turn.
