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The Human Monster

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The Human Monster

Released Mar 24, 1939

1h 13m

Horror

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4 Reviews

38%

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250+ Ratings

In London, philanthropist Dr. Orloff (Bela Lugosi) volunteers his services at a home for blind men, which serves as a cover for his notorious exploits. On the side, Orloff runs an insurance company that offers loans to desperate, unattached men, whom he convinces to list him as a beneficiary. With the aid of a blind man from the home, Orloff then coldly murders the men to collect the insurance. Although the police begin an investigation, Orloff brazenly continues the brutal killings.

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Despite the title, despite the presence of Bela Lugosi, and despite the movie's standing as the first U.K.-produced horror picture to earn the British Film Censors' "H" classification, The Human Monster isn't a horror flick as much as it's a mystery.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 2, 2019

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MFB Critics

Monthly Film Bulletin

Not for the timid or over-sensitive, but well constructed and well acted. Bela Lugosi adds much to the eerie atmosphere, and Hugh Williams as a keen young inspector is comfortably reassuring.

Jan 31, 2018

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Engrossing fast-paced black and white Gothic horror thriller.

Rated: B-

Feb 14, 2016

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Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Lugosi is in fine form as the "brilliant, but unbalanced" Orloff and seems to be enjoying every last drop of his incredible perfidy.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 10, 2012

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Audience Member

Very atmospheric and creepy, fun old movie to watch at night

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Audience Member

Written by the man who put King Kong to paper. Fun to watch in context. The snappy dialogue b/w the American and the British detectives makes the unlikely events bearable. Lugosi is always bad in a charming way. He's got a hulking sidekick who does his killing for him. Worst make-up ever. In the end it's just fun.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

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Audience Member

Rather talky thriller features Bela Lugosi and a hulking blind monster.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

Enjoyable Lugosi flick--Creepy little chiller!!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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Audience Member

Decent horror flick with some nice bits and overall a good story. Bela Lugosi was good and there were some ok characters. A few scenes were slow but it wasn't too bad.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

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don s

Banal story with no twists and no drama or suspense. Lugosi is merely acceptable. The "reveal" was easy to guess and the ending was just as you'd expect. Not worth your time.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Walter Summers

Director

Bela Lugosi

Dr. Feodor Orloff

Hugh Williams

Det. Insp. Larry Holt

Greta Gynt

Diana Stuart

Edmond Ryan

Lieutenant Patrick O'Reilly

Wilfred Walter

Jake

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Synopsis

In London, philanthropist Dr. Orloff (Bela Lugosi) volunteers his services at a home for blind men, which serves as a cover for his notorious exploits. On the side, Orloff runs an insurance company that offers loans to desperate, unattached men, whom he convinces to list him as a beneficiary. With the aid of a blind man from the home, Orloff then coldly murders the men to collect the insurance. Although the police begin an investigation, Orloff brazenly continues the brutal killings.

Director: Walter Summers
Producer: John Argyle
Screenwriter: John Argyle, Patrick Kirwan, Walter Summers, Edgar Wallace
Distributor: Monogram Pictures Corporation
Production Co: John Argyle Productions
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 24, 1939, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 22, 2016
Runtime: 1h 13m

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