The Man They Could Not Hang

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nick s This sci fi movie has an intriguing cryonics concept. That concept drives the plot, which is cool. After a pacey start it takes some unexpected turns and becomes quite a different movie. I think it just needed a bit more time spent on character development so we could see the mental breakdown of the doctor. Other than that well acted and very entertaining. Especially given the era when it was made. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/04/25 Full Review Alex K This sci-fi horror film from Columbia was surprisingly ahead of its time in terms of the science behind mad doctor Karloff's experiments, since basically what he is describing is the process for open heart surgery. However, in 1939 such an idea was unheard of. Columbia wasn't know for it's horror films much like Universal and the many studios that made up poverty row were at the time but that doesn't mean that they couldn't make chillers with the best of them. Karloff is in typically fine form in this film being given lots of dialogue in which to chew through and the rest of the cast is capable as well, they aren't given as much to do as Karloff but they aren't bad either. Helmed by Nick Grinde the film has more of a visual polish and flair than many other films of its type Where the film tends to fall apart is the script, It builds up to a great point and then rather than going further and delivering more of the goods that its set up, it decides to just end, and rather unceremoniously I might add. It could've been so much more. That said it's a fun little chiller and an enjoyable little film for genre enthusiasts. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/22/24 Full Review Josh G A fun premise with a with some good actors but the third act fall flat and seems to be a unfinished film to a point. The idea is a super cool scifi but we spend so much time in court or just hanging out with other characters loosely affected by the invention the is cool but a mcguffin. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Karloff is as strong as ever, but the film around him is silly despite a great, and obviously influential set up. The rest of the cast isn't much but it's still a fun little film Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member Boris Karloff is awesome as usual, even if some of his supporting cast isn't the best he's worked with. The script, especially the dialogue, is the shining star of this movie, though it seems to end far earlier than it should've. The aesthetics are classy and reminiscent of the wave of flicks that this film is grouped in. It's not a perfect film, but it IS the inspiration for Abominable Dr. Phibes, House on Haunted Hill, Saw, Psycho and more. Definitely give it a watch. B Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member Boris Karloff gives a great performance in this strange, flawed film. The beginning is rough but it picks up and has an exciting final act. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Man They Could Not Hang

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