LeonLouisRicci Confined but effective Gothic Tale of Twin Brothers (of course one Good one Evil) was a refreshing and rewarding experience for the wanting to expand His Roles, Boris Karloff. This is a very good looking and atmospheric Movie that is supremely played out by Karloff and the Film as a whole is a gem of its kind.More Period Melodrama than Horror this one is often touted as one of Karloff's best outings and he delivers an interesting and insightful foreground to the semi-lavish proceedings. There is an air of Dread throughout and it is all played quite convincingly and some of the Sets are delightfully twisted and ominous.This is a Mid-Thirties Movie and it has that Studio look that can work well when handled well, and here the Director and Cast give this a much better appearance than the budget would allow. Definitely worth a look for Fans of Karloff, early, creepy Hollywood, and Gothic proceedings.

Michael O'Keefe A gripping tale featuring a brilliant performance by Boris Karloff in a duel role as twin brothers Anton and Gregor de Berghman. Gregor is a brutal baron living in the shadow of an aged prophesy that the handicapped younger brother Anton will eventually murder him in their castle's "Black Room". When the kinder twin returns after a long absence, Gregor is jealous of the high regard Anton is given. The older twin is suspected of evil doing concerning the disappearance of young women of the village. Gregor decides to relinquish his power to Anton; only to murder him in the concealed "Black Room" and take his identity. It appears the prophesy is broken. When the villagers later get wind of the impersonation, there will be an unruly uprising and the discovery of the de Berghman castle's hidden "Black Room" and the prophesy will come to a true and chilling demise. Karloff is more than outstanding. Also starring are: Marian Marsh, Thurston Hall, Katherine DeMille, and Robert Allen.

dotlikestotrot I love Boris and in this movie he shines as the set of twins. I saw it for the first time last year. I recorded it and have watched it numerous times since. If you are his fan...this movie can not be missed. All the supporting actors are wonderful as well, and the beautiful Marion Marsh easy on the eyes. I knew Karloff was an under rated actor...But this movie proves it. Why more fuss was never made about this film, I just don't know. I will tell you I never saw the out come of this movie coming. Or maybe I just didn't want to spoil the shock for myself. Thank goodness for Halloween movies and TCM's airing of them or I would have caught this flick. Enjoy it, I know you will.

Hitchcoc Boris Karloff plays dual roles in this very suspenseful and fun horror film. Twins are born with a curse on them. It is prophesied that the younger (by a few minutes) brother will kill the older. The Count becomes a horror to his subjects, using women and committing murder at will. The villagers have little to say; he has isolated themselves. In their forties the two are reunited when a plot is developed to seize land and combine two royal entities. The other factor is a beautiful young woman who the Count lusts after. She is the apple of her father's eye and loves a young lieutenant. Another significant entity in all this is the title "Black Room." It was bricked up because of the prophecy, but the Baron has built a death chamber in it for the disposing of bodies. He tosses them down a sort of well. The whole plot is quite good and the acting is excellent. Also, the suspense is very good because there is a need for the prophecy to be fulfilled. The screenplay and direction work very well and Karloff pulls off both roles to perfection. This is well worth the effort.