The Body Snatcher

Among the finest hours of horror star Boris Karloff. [18 Oct 2005, p.C3]

The movie has those unmistakable, shiver-inducing touches Lewton (Cat People) is famous for: a loyal little dog refusing to leave the site of its master’s fresh grave, a blind singer’s song suddenly and shockingly stopping offscreen, and the surprise of that final coach ride.

A classy thriller with a notable period atmosphere and intelligent use of the macabre. [07 May 1992, p.3]

A horror item considerably better than most. [09 Jun 1945, p.56]

Based on a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, and given tightly scripted adaptation, Snatcher seldom lacks interest.

This new gloomlodger, though not as nerve-paralyzing as the performers might lead you to expect, has enough suspense and atmospheric terror to make it one of the better of its genre.

Robert Wise’s direction is no more accomplished here than in The Sound of Music or any of his later big-budget projects, but Boris Karloff in the title role is surprisingly subtle—at times.