The Body Snatcher (1945) – Review

Working for RKO, producer Val Lewton brought to screen some startling moments of cinematic horror with such offerings as Cat People and I Walked with a Zombie to his credit, but in the case of The Body Snatcher, he and director Robert Wise were given the keys to the horror kingdom with Boris Karloff in the titular role of this horror classic.

Based on an 1884 short story by Robert Louis Steven, The Body Snatcher is set in 19th-century Edinburgh and revolves around the sinister doings of cabman John Gray (Boris Karloff) and Dr. Wolfe MacFarlane (Henry Daniell), who runs an anatomy school. The two men are driven by greed and desperation as they engage in the grim practice of grave robbing to provide bodies for medical experiments, if only grave robbing was the worst of their crimes. What makes The Body Snatcher truly memorable is the palpable atmosphere of dread that permeates every scene and keeps you nailed to your seat. Wise’s adept direction and the moody cinematography by Robert De Grasse creates a foreboding sense of unease that is required for this sort of outing to work and its done expertly here. The use of shadows and dimly lit sets adds a layer of intensity, transporting us into the dark and grim world of 19th-century Edinburgh.

“Just put him next to Lon Chaney Jr.”

The film’s central conflict arises when young medical student Donald Fettes (Russell Wade) discovers the truth behind the fresh cadavers supplied by Gray and MacFarlane and its this revelation that sets off a series of spine-chilling events, culminating in a gripping moral dilemma that tests the characters’ humanity. Things get morally complicated when they need a new body for experimentation, MacFarlane is reluctant to operate on a sweet little paralyzed girl without a new spinal cord to study, so Fettes goes off on his own to ask Gray to procure a body as soon as possible. Needless to say, Gray doesn’t bother stalking the local graveyard, he simply goes out and murders a local street singer and quickly brings her to Fettes. The tension builds relentlessly as the characters become entangled in a nightmarish dance of guilt and desperation, and as the plot unfolds, MacFarlane finds himself trapped in a web of deceit and blackmail spun by the sinister Gray.

Who could have guessed this guy wasn’t on the up and up?

Stray Observations:

• While based on a fictional short story, author Robert Louis Stevenson took the idea from actual events that occurred in 19th-century England and Scotland, particularly those of grave robbers Burke and Hare.
• How evil is Boris Karloff in this film? Well, he clubs to death a small dog that was guarding the grave of its young master. That’s pretty evil in my book.
• When you accuse someone of murder and they ask you if you’ve told anyone else, for Heaven’s sake say yes!
• As typical of most Hollywood films of this era, while the story takes place in Edinburgh, only one person in the entire movie has a Scottish accent.
• This film featured the 8th and last on-screen teaming of Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi.

Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi (1934-1939)

With this performance in The Body Snatcher, Boris Karloff proves once again what a legend he is as his performance is nothing short of exceptional, his imposing presence and eerie charisma makes him the perfect embodiment of malevolence. Adding to that great performance is that of Henry Daniell whose portrayal of Dr. MacFarlane adds depth and complexity to the movie as his internal struggle between his noble profession and the unholy alliance with Gray makes him a fascinating character to watch. As if their dark pact isn’t bad enough we also see a tragic relationship between MacFarlane and his housekeeper Meg Camden (Edith Atwater) who is actually MacFarlane’s wife but their marriage has been kept secret to keep his illustrious station untainted by being married to a woman of a lower class. Rounding out the cast of characters is Joseph the school’s custodian (Bela Lugosi) who makes the mistake of trying to blackmail a cold-blooded killer, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative.

“I clearly didn’t think things through.”

With this film, Robert Wise is able to masterfully explores themes of morality, greed, and the fine line between science and the supernatural. It questions the ethics of medical practices during the time, delving into the consequences of tampering with the natural order of life and death. As the film unfolds, it becomes apparent that the true horror lies not in the supernatural elements but in the darkness lurking within human hearts, and despite its age, The Body Snatcher retains its ability to captivate modern audiences. Its atmospheric horror, well-crafted plot, and outstanding performances continue to be an inspiration for many filmmakers in the genre. Whether you are a fan of classic horror or just seeking a thought-provoking and eerie tale, this film is a must-watch. The film’s climax is a spine-chilling sequence that will haunt your thoughts long after the credits roll as the film truly defies expectations, avoiding simplistic resolutions and instead delving into the darkest corners of the human psyche.

Check your morals at the door.

In conclusion, The Body Snatcher remains a timeless horror gem. Its powerful storytelling, haunting visuals, and remarkable performances create an unforgettable cinematic experience. So, if you dare to step into the shadows of 19th-century Edinburgh and confront the malevolence that lies beneath, this is the film to watch. But be warned, for once you enter this macabre world, you may find yourself haunted long after the credits roll.