
Watch The Corpse Vanishes
- NR
- 1942
- 1 hr 4 min
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4.5 (3,284)
The Corpse Vanishes is a thrilling 1942 horror film starring the iconic Bela Lugosi as Dr. Lorenz, a mad scientist who is obsessed with finding a solution to reverse the aging process. Unfortunately, his research has led him to murder young brides on their wedding day to extract a special gland from their bodies, which he believes holds the key to his experiments. He then discards their corpses into a secret crypt located beneath his mansion. The movie begins as reporter Ruth Ames (Luana Walters) attends the wedding of Joan and Peter, two of her friends. Just as the ceremony is about to begin, Joan suddenly collapses and dies, leaving everyone in shock. Ruth, being a journalist with a nose for a good story, decides to investigate the mysterious death. As she looks deeper into the case, she discovers that several other young brides in the area have died under similar circumstances. All of the victims were wearing the same rare orchid on their wedding day, which leads Ruth to investigate local florist Fagin (Frank Moran) and his assistant Angel (Tristram Coffin). However, they don't seem to know much about the orchid and deny any involvement in the murders. After digging deeper, Ruth meets Dr. Lorenz, who becomes immediately suspicious of her inquiries. His wife, the aging Countess Lorenz (Elizabeth Russell), is equally wary of Ruth's presence and begins to suspect she may be the next victim. As Ruth uncovers more eerie details, she begins to realize that Dr. Lorenz and his wife may be hiding a deadly secret. With its classic horror elements, The Corpse Vanishes is an entertaining and suspenseful film that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Lugosi delivers a chilling performance as Dr. Lorenz, a man obsessed with youth and longevity, and his wife Elizabeth Russell is equally convincing as the aging Countess Lorenz, whose beauty is fading. Another standout performance comes from Luana Walters as Ruth Ames, the intrepid reporter who is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. She is brave, resourceful, and quick-witted, making her a refreshing and likable character in a genre often filled with helpless damsels in distress. One of the standout scenes in the film features Lugosi and Russell discussing their twisted experiments while being interrupted by a group of young girls singing outside their window. The juxtaposition of the innocent children and the dark, macabre subject matter is eerie and unsettling, adding to the film's overall creepiness. Overall, The Corpse Vanishes is a must-see for fans of classic horror. It has all the classic scares, twists, and turns that make the genre so enjoyable, and features a talented cast that brings the story to life. With its macabre subject matter and iconic performances, it's easy to see why the film remains a favorite among horror fans to this day.