HotToastyRag H.G. Wells created a host of memorable science fiction stories, and if you know the character of Dr. Moreau, you'll be a little more familiar with the story of Island of Lost Souls than I was. Richard Arlen gets shipwrecked on an island inhabited by strange human-animal hybrids, and the mastermind behind them is the deranged mad scientist Charles Laughton. Richard's fiancé Leila Hyams tries to find him, and Charles tries to get Richard to fall for Kathleen Burke, a "panther woman" in the meantime. This pre-code movie is pretty creepy. I did hide my eyes during a couple of scenes, so if you have little kiddies with you, you might want to rent another movie instead. It's easy to see the similarities between this story and The Time Machine, which I also found scary as a kid. Bela Lugosi and a dozen extras are made up to be "ape-men", with hair all over their face and body. If anyone tried to make this movie two or three years later, it would doubtlessly be much different, with less torture scenes and a more conservative costume for Kathleen, whose figure is put on full display every time she's in front of the camera.Unless you go in for old horror movies-this one reminded me of Freaks-I would stick with The Time Machine if I were you. This movie really isn't that great unless it's your niche of choice.

Fella_shibby I first saw this on a vhs in the late 90s. Revisited it few days back on a blu ray. God bless Criterion Collection. This is the first n the best version of H.G. Wells novel The Island Of Dr Moreau with an amazing cast n splendid performances. This is indeed one of the best horror films of its era. Many may find it a bit slower now because of the romantic sub plot. In this movie, appearance wise, Charles Laughton looked n behaved like Hitler with his moustache n dictatorial ways but his deeds were more like Josef Mengele when it came to human experiments. I had always wanted to play football with Joseph Mengele's head. Charles Laughton was a terrific actor. In this movie he looked a bit comical with his goatee, helmet and whip but his acting was amazing. His mannerisms n facial expressions were top notch. Bela Lugosi's performance was also very good but a bit too small n his face hidden with lots of wolf like hair.

alexanderdavies-99382 I know H.G Wells hated this adaptation of his novel "The Island of Dr. Moreau" but the film is a brilliant one. Rather violent for its time - it was banned in Great Britain for many years - this film is a well-made one. Charles Laughton steals the film as the evil scientist, Dr. Moreau. Bela Lugosi was wasted in his brief scenes but still adds a lot to the proceedings.The recent DVD has restored picture and sound quality.One of the leading horror films of the 1930s.

PimpinAinttEasy Dear Earl.C.Kenton,I am sure this was a provocative and controversial film for its time. A scientist who tries to play god by turning animals into humans and studying their behavior. Humans/animals kept as slaves in a controlled environment. Brainwashing and social repression through use of slogans (later used by the rock band Devo in their songs). Suggestions of bestiality. Voyeuristic study of human sexual behavior. Man messing with nature and paying for it. The dark side of human sexuality and its connection with mass riots. Charles Laughton was terrific as the sinister scientist. He had the best lines compared to the other actors. Arthur Hohl as the sullen Montgomery was also quite good. Richard Arlen was quite macho but he sort of disappears in the middle of the film. Kathleen Burke was too thin to be sexy as the scantily clad panther woman. I liked the sets on the island which were dark and in a state of decay indicating imminent mutiny and chaos. The film was a bit cheesy due to the bad acting by some of the monstrous human-animals. But even then, it is a film way ahead of its time. You seem to have made quite a lot of horror films. I will check them out, Earl.Best Regards, Pimpin.(6/10)