Watch The Black Room

In the 1935 horror film, The Black Room, Boris Karloff plays twin brothers Anton and Gregor de Berghman. Anton is the noble and kind-hearted nobleman of the family, while Gregor is the evil twin who has been kept hidden away in the titular black room in the family castle. Anton is engaged to Thea (Marian Marsh), a woman of lower social status. The relationship is opposed by some in the town, including the town's burgomaster, who believes Anton should marry someone of his own social standing. Meanwhile, Gregor escapes from the black room and begins to terrorize the townspeople. As the murders pile up, suspicion falls on Anton. He becomes desperate to prove his innocence and protect Thea from his brother's wrath. Together, they unravel the mystery of the black room and discover the truth about the de Berghman family curse. Boris Karloff delivers a captivating performance as both brothers, displaying impressive range as the noble Anton and the demonic Gregor. Marian Marsh is also strong as Thea, a woman determined to stand by her fiancé’s side even in the face of danger. The Black Room is notable for its use of atmospheric lighting and shadow work. The scenes set in the black room are especially effective, with stark black-and-white contrasts adding to the eerie atmosphere. The film also features some gruesome murders for its time, including a brutal ax attack. While The Black Room is not without its flaws - the pacing can be slow at times, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped - it remains a thrilling and chilling horror film for its time. At its core, it is a classic tale of good versus evil, with Karloff expertly portraying both sides of the coin. Overall, The Black Room is a solid entry into the horror genre, and a must-see for fans of vintage horror films.