THE BLACK CAT (1934): A TRUE UNIVERSAL CLASSIC TURNS 90!!

HORROR 101 with Dr. AC

THE BLACK CAT (1934) d. Edgar G. Ulmer (USA)

Bearing no resemblance to the original story by Edgar Allan Poe, Universal’s atmosphere-drenched 1934 offering, The Black Cat, from Austrian expatriate Edgar G. Ulmer, is a superior piece of filmmaking, made all the more historic for marking the first and finest on-screen teaming of horror icons Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. The storyline of mysterious doctor Vitus Werdegast (Lugosi) and an American couple (David Manners, Julie Bishop aka Jacqueline Wells) taking refuge during a rainstorm in a secluded Hungarian mansion is a bit muddled (due in part to studio interference and editing by Universal). But Ulmer and his two leads make up for it with sheer presence, swift pacing, and a dreamlike “atmosphere of death,” as one character puts it, that pervades throughout. Karloff (as resident Satanist/scientist Hjalmar Poelzig) and Lugosi square off admirably, playing a figurative and literal game of chess with one another, their characters’ dark history revealing itself layer by layer, with the tension mounting to a memorable and satisfying climax. The delight in watching these two hugely popular stars at the top of their game is palpable, and one can easily forgive the minor flaws in logic and dull supporting characters. The director’s heightened noir is stylized, to be sure, but undeniably engaging, with special kudos to Charles D. Hall’s exemplary art direction. Tonight, AC and his awesome panel of guests (Aaron AuBuchon, Stan Hyde, Bobby Zier) celebrate 90 years of The Black Cat, an extraordinary slice of Universal Classic Horror ripe for rediscovery by a new generation. ------------------------------ AARON AUBUCHON is a film professor and writer, and also an editor, director, motion graphics artist and producer. He is also co-host of the Discover the Horror podcast. STAN HYDE teaches, examines, and consults on international film programs for students (International Baccaluareate's Film Course), as well as writing about model making, film history, and some fiction. He is winner of the Mangled Sky-Scraper Award for helping bring G-FEST, the annual Godzilla Convention in Chicago to life since 1995, and is a 2021 Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association Hall of Fame recipient for his work with science fiction conventions, clubs, and fanzines. BOBBY ZIER has a passion for Dracula and runs a TikTok and YouTube channel called Lugosi Theatre. He recently received his second “Monster Kid of the Year” Rondo Award for his efforts in keeping classic horror alive and well. ------------------------ Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!!