Synopsis
Edinburgh, 1831. Among those who undertake the illegal trade of grave robbery is Gray, ostensibly a cab driver. Formerly a medical student convicted of grave robbery, Gray holds a grudge against Dr. MacFarlane who had escaped detection and punishment.
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Cast
- Boris KarloffJohn Gray
- Bela LugosiJoseph
- Henry DaniellDr. Wolfe 'Toddy' MacFarlane
- Edith AtwaterMeg Camden
- Russell WadeDonald Fettes
- Rita CordayMrs. Marsh
- Sharyn MoffettGeorgina Marsh
- Donna LeeStreet Singer
- Ted BillingsTownsman (uncredited)
- Robert ClarkeRichardson a Medical Student (uncredited)
Recommendations
- 100
Chicago Tribune
Among the finest hours of horror star Boris Karloff. [18 Oct 2005, p.C3] - 88
TV Guide Magazine
Literate, but not at the expense of the cinematic, THE BODY SNATCHER is one of Lewton's greatest works and contains what is arguably Karloff's finest performance. - 83
Entertainment Weekly
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. - 75
Slant Magazine
Even if the narrative threads aren’t as tightly focused on exploring a complex theme as one might hope, The Body Snatcher nevertheless manages to still send chills, and predominately through Wise’s fleet direction and Karloff’s unflinching embodiment of a real-world monster. - 75
The Seattle Times
A classy thriller with a notable period atmosphere and intelligent use of the macabre. [07 May 1992, p.3] - 70
The New York Times
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. - 70
Time Out
This adaptation of the old Burke and Hare business (based on a Robert Louis Stevenson story) is still great entertainment, with Karloff, Lugosi and Daniell (Hollywood's greatest sourpuss) leaving no dead body unturned in 19th century Edinburgh. - 70
Variety
Based on a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, and given tightly scripted adaptation, Snatcher seldom lacks interest.
