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poster of The Monster
Rating: 5.6/10 by 24 users

The Monster (1925)

A general store clerk and aspiring detective investigates a mysterious disappearance that took place quite close to an empty insane asylum.

Directing:
  • Roland West
Writing:
  • Roland West
  • Crane Wilbur
  • Willard Mack
  • Albert Kenyon
Stars:
Release Date: Mon, Mar 16, 1925

Rating: 5.6/10 by 24 users

Alternative Title:
Dr. Palmers unheimliches Haus - AT
O Monstro - BR
Kummitustalon salaisuus - FI
Le Docteur X - FR
O ktinanthropos - GR

Country:
United States of America
Language:
English
No Language
Runtime: 01 hour 35 minutes
Budget: $0
Revenue: $0

Plot Keyword: insane asylum, silent film
Subtitle   Wallpaper   Watch Trailer    

Lon Chaney
Dr. Ziska
Johnny Arthur
Johnny Goodlittle
Edward McWade
Luke Watson
Ethel Wales
Mrs. Watson
Elmo Billings
Freckle Faced Kid (uncredited)
Herbert Prior
Dr. Edwards (uncredited)
William H. Turner
Detective Jennings (uncredited)
Dorothy Vernon
Townswoman at Accident Scene (uncredited)

CinemaSerf

The problem with this is that it just takes forever to get past the introduction of the rather insipid characters and become interesting. "Johnny" (Johnny Arthur) is the wimpish store-man who shares a shine on the boss's daughter "Betty" (Gertrude Olmstead) with the slightly more sophisticated "Amos" (Hallam Cooley). Now "Johnny" has just finished qualifying as a private investigator and decides that a local missing person might be a suitable place to start his sleuthing career. The action, such as it is, all centres around a disused sanatarium and when his gal and his rival get stuck there requiring rescue, all three (eventually) meet "Dr. Ziska" (Lon Chaney) and it's soon pretty clear that he is up to no-good. It's a slow burn this, and Chaney isn't anywhere near his best - but to be fair, this isn't the chunkiest part for him (or us) to get immersed in. There are some fun, almost slapstick, moments and electricity plays quite a significant role as our threesome try to escape the clutches of their menacing host. Loads of rain, a tightrope walk and a rather decrepit motor cycle cop also try their best to liven it up and at times Roland West hits the spot. Just not quickly or often enough to make this film much to write home about.


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