A Century of Horror
1930s
The Island of Lost Souls
The first adaptation of The Island of Dr. Moreau is a stone cold masterpiece that honestly surpasses a lot of the Universal Monster classics it was produced in competition with. A shocking thriller that touches on themes of colonialism, classism, religion, there's more meat to this bad boys bones than a lot of its brethren.
Occasionally genuinely horrifying, and anchored by Charles Laughton's disturbingly horny performance as well as one of Lugosi’s best pathos-filled monsters.
The Old Dark House
“Old Dark House” movies are one of my absolute favorite horror subgenres (lovingly lampooned in The Rocky Horror Picture Show) and this is the flashpoint for the whole genre. Some regular folks get a flat tire on a dark and stormy night and seek shelter at a big creepy house full of weirdos! Universal monster director James Whale finds the perfect midpoint between Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein, blending creepiness with lots of laughs.
Watch immediately after Island of Lost Souls for a Charles Laughton starring with Karloff/Lugosi double feature!
Also Recommended
Dracula, Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Freaks, Murders in the Rue Morgue, Vampyr, Doctor X, The Most Dangerous Game, The Mummy, Mysteries of the Wax Museum, Murders in the Zoo, The Invisible Man, The Black Cat, Bride of Frankenstein, Mark of the Vampire, Werewolf of London, The Raven, Mad Love, The Invisible Ray, Draculas Daughter, The Devil Doll, Son of Frankenstein.