Watch The Monster Walks

The Monster Walks, a classic horror movie from 1932, tells the story of Ruth Earlton (Vera Reynolds), who is summoned back to her family’s mansion after her father’s death. She is joined by her fiancé Robert (Rex Lease) and family friend Dr. Giggs (Mischa Auer), who is set to read the will left behind by Ruth’s late father.

Upon arrival, the trio discovers that things are not as they seem at the Earlton mansion. Ruth’s father was a prominent scientist who had been conducting experiments on animals, and rumors abound that he created a monster in his laboratory. When a violent storm hits the mansion, members of the household begin disappearing one by one, and it becomes clear that Ruth’s father’s experiments may have had unintended consequences.

The Monster Walks is a classic example of early horror films, with a moody atmosphere, eerie music, and a dark mansion setting. The film’s pacing is slow, with long periods of dialogue and few scares, but it effectively builds suspense as the mystery of the monster unfolds. The film is particularly effective at creating a sense of isolation and dread, with the stormy weather trapping the characters inside the mansion and cutting them off from the outside world.

The performances in The Monster Walks are solid, with Vera Reynolds delivering a convincing turn as the terrorized heroine and Rex Lease providing stalwart support as her fiancé. Mischa Auer’s portrayal of Dr. Giggs is particularly noteworthy, as he alternates between being an ally and a suspicious figure throughout the film. Martha Mattox also gives a strong performance as the family’s housekeeper, with a sinister edge that keeps the audience guessing about her true motivations.

Despite its low budget and limited special effects, The Monster Walks manages to create a convincing sense of terror and suspense. The use of shadows and lighting is particularly effective, with the monster itself being kept largely off-screen until the climax of the film. The creature design is simple but effective, with its lumbering gait and glowing eyes creating a sense of otherworldly menace.

The Monster Walks also contains some interesting thematic elements, particularly in its portrayal of the dangers of scientific experimentation. Ruth’s father is portrayed as a brilliant but ruthless scientist, who is willing to create monsters in the name of progress. The film suggests that this type of hubris can have disastrous consequences, both for the scientist and for those around him.

Overall, The Monster Walks is a fascinating example of early horror cinema, with a moody atmosphere and effective use of suspense. While it may feel slow-paced and dated by modern standards, it remains a crucial part of horror movie history and is well worth checking out for fans of the genre. Its themes of scientific hubris and the dangers of playing God continue to resonate in contemporary horror, making it a film that remains relevant even nearly a century after its release.

In conclusion, The Monster Walks is a creepy and atmospheric horror film that maintains its relevance even after all these years. With solid performances, effective use of suspense, and a cautionary theme about the limits of science, it's a must-watch for fans of classic horror cinema.

The Monster Walks is a 1932 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.1.