The Monster

Unrated

3/16/19251h 35m

Theatrical Release (US)

Overview:

A general store clerk and aspiring detective investigates a mysterious disappearance that took place quite close to an empty insane asylum.

Director:

Roland West

Status:

Released

Language:

English

Buget:

$0.00

Revenue:

$0.00

Key words:

insane asylum
silent film

Cast

Lon Chaney

~ as ~

Dr. Ziska

Johnny Arthur

~ as ~

Johnny Goodlittle

Gertrude Olmstead

~ as ~

Betty Watson

Hallam Cooley

~ as ~

Amos Rugg

Charles Sellon

~ as ~

Russ Mason

Walter James

~ as ~

Caliban

Knute Erickson

~ as ~

Daffy Dan

Frank Austin

~ as ~

Rigo

Edward McWade

~ as ~

Luke Watson

Ethel Wales

~ as ~

Mrs. Watson

View full cast & crew

Reviews (1)

CinemaSerf
Written 1 year(s) ago
6
The problem with this is that it just takes forever to get past the introduction of the rather insipid characters and become interesting. "Johnny" (Johnny Arthur) is the wimpish store-man who shares a shine on the boss's daughter "Betty" (Gertrude Olmstead) with the slightly more sophisticated "Amos" (Hallam Cooley). Now "Johnny" has just finished qualifying as a private investigator and decides that a local missing person might be a suitable place to start his sleuthing career. The action, such as it is, all centres around a disused sanatarium and when his gal and his rival get stuck there requiring rescue, all three (eventually) meet "Dr. Ziska" (Lon Chaney) and it's soon pretty clear that he is up to no-good. It's a slow burn this, and Chaney isn't anywhere near his best - but to be fair, this isn't the chunkiest part for him (or us) to get immersed in. There are some fun, almost slapstick, moments and electricity plays quite a significant role as our threesome try to escape the clutches of their menacing host. Loads of rain, a tightrope walk and a rather decrepit motor cycle cop also try their best to liven it up and at times Roland West hits the spot. Just not quickly or often enough to make this film much to write home about.