The Ghoul
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Movie Reviews of The Ghoul
Movie Review: This lost vintage bit of Karloff is a visual stunner
Summary: 4 Stars
I had seen the great lost Boris Karloff film, "The Ghoul," here on Amazon for quite a long time and have had it in my cart for a long time too. Whenever I went to make a DVD purchase I would put "The Ghoul" aside waiting to buy it at a later date. I don't know what my hesitation sprang from except for the fact that I was a little unsure of how the film would look and was concerned about spending money on something that might be a major disappointment. I had purchased the Kino version of Karloff's other lost 1930s film, "The Old Dark House," and was very unhappy with the horrible quality of the film print used to make the DVD (of course, that is the only print known to exist).
Well, I should have never worried about "The Ghoul." The picture and sound quality of this DVD is outstanding. The film looks like it could have been transferred from an original pristine master negative. I can't imagine that it looked better even when it was new.
So, what about the film itself? Well, I think you have to be a fan of Karloff and early 1930s horror films in order to enjoy "The Ghoul." If you don't fall in to either of these categories than this movie isn't for you. But if you are a fan of the Universal horror movies of Hollywood's golden age than you really should enjoy this gem. Although made in Britain, "The Ghoul" looks like it could have been produced on Universal's backlot. The atmosphere, the quality sets and photography, the cast (including actors who had or would work at Universal) are all reminiscent of that studio's vintage horror product.
"The Ghoul" isn't in a league with other early 1930s horror classics like "Frankenstein" or "The Invisible Man" but it is a reasonably entertaining production. Admittedly the film is a bit slow and creaky in spots but, hey, how many films from this era aren't? Personally, I found "The Ghoul" more lively and fast-moving than some of Universal's films of this period ("Dracula" and "The Mummy" come to mind). The film could have been more interesting if someone like James Whale had directed it but it is still good.
Movie Review: GOOD AND LITTLE KNOWN KARLOFF HORROR
Summary: 4 Stars
After finishing Frankenstein and The Mummy, Boris Karloff would return for a time to his native England to do films and theatre. On of the films he did, his first in England was this 1933 horror, The Ghoul. The film was lost for decades an only recently was found in the past 25 years.
Derivative of The Mummy, Karloff plays Egyptoligist Professor Morlant who is on his deathbed at the beginning of the film. He instructs his servant Laing, to bury him with an Egyptian artifact called "the Eternal Light" bandaged in his hand. At the light of the first full moon, the artifact is supposed to restore Morlant to life and make him immortal.
Laing however steals the gem from his hand...not to keep, but to give to Morlants heirs. However others have designs on the gem including Broughton, Morlants business manager and a couple of mysterious Egyptians.
At the full moon, Morlant returns to life, but as an undead ghoul, bent on revenge. Karloff, looks not too much unlike the Ardeth Bey character from the Mummy with wizened, somewhat decomposing features as he moves about killing those who seek to steal from him.
If there is one negative of the movie it's that karloff isn't in it all that much. He dies in the first 10 minutes or so and then doesn't appear again until some 30 -35 minutes later. Not exactly what you would expect from a "starring" role.
The stellar cast features Ernest Thesiger as Laing. Thesiger would go on to star with karloff in the Bride of Frankenstein as the evil Dr. Pretorious. Broughton is played by the cooly evil Sir Cedrick Hardwicke. And a Young Sir Ralph Richardson plays a local vicar.
The print is exceptional. Very clear with excellent sound and contrast. Unfortunately there are no extra features but It's still a good movie and quite inexpensive.
Movie Review: Delightful, Old Fashioned Gothic Horror
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Ghoul" is delightful, old-fashioned gothic horror. Film legend Boris Karloff stars as Professor Morlant, the eccentric, oddball millionaire who wishes to live forever by means of an Egyptian jewel that is required to be entombed with him. Unfortunately, on the night of his death, a group of associates and distant relatives descend on his London chateau for their inheritance. Someone steals the jewel and Morlant rises from his grave in order to get it back so that he may live forever. Great performances are given by all, especially Kathleen Harrison as the comical, gregarious Kaney. In fact, the film is laced with quite a bit of humor. There are some moments of tension as the jewel passes from one thief's hand to another while Morlant attempts to retrieve it.
"The Ghoul" is fun to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Once considered a "lost" film, it will be cherished by all who love gothic horror and/or are fans of Boris Karloff. Released in 1933, it was filmed in black and white and has an aspect ratio of 1.37:1, which is nearly full frame; modern viewers may not appreciate it. A higher body count would have helped tremendously; alas, the censors would probably not have allowed it even though the original "King Kong" was released in the same year.
Movie Review: Enjoyable British chiller
Summary: 4 Stars
"The ghoul" is a pleasant horror movie without being a masterpiece. This British chiller tells the story of a professor of Egyptology (Boris Karloff) who is in possession of a mysterious jewel called "the eternal light". When the professor dies, the jewel is stolen by his servant (Ernest Thesiger). The professor will step out from his grave for revenge. The atmosphere of this film is most of the time enjoyable, but unfortunately it becomes too talky sometimes. Karloff is very impressive as a walking dead. The first minutes just before he dies are particulary thrilling. Foggy London adds to the general impression of mystery. And of course there is Ernest Thesiger who gives a great performance. Two years later he will be the excentric and diabolical Dr. Pretorius in "Brides of Frankenstein"! The direction of T.Hayes Hunter is perhaps too academic and we're missing the touch of Universal studios. It would have been a nice subject for film directors like Tod Browning or James Whale. The quality of this DVD is very good - don't forget the film was made in 1933. I can only recommand this rarely seen horror movie from Great Britain.
Movie Review: The Eternal Light
Summary: 4 Stars
A jewel (The Eternal Light) comes into the possession of Professor Morlant (Boris Karloff). The jewel is supposed to have the powers of the ancient Egyptian gods, in which Morlant believes will give him immortality. On Morlant deathbed he instructs his servant, Laing to bind the jewel in his hand and he warns Laing if the jewel is stolen, he will rise from the dead and hunt for revenge. Laing steals the jewel. After Morlant death, he arises from the dead and discovers the jewel has been stolen and then goes looking for it.The makeup is effective and Boris does appear to resemble something more dead than alive.
The Ghoul was Boris Karloff's first British produced file and England's first major effort to capitalize in on horror films.