Reviewed by: Jason Lockard
Ever since Boris Karloff first donned the make-up of the Frankenstein monster in the classic Universal monster movie, the public wanted to see him in more films. He would became a horror icon.
After what seemed his hay day of films in the 30s and 40s. Boris was finding himself to be popular again thanks to the advent of television. Boris would star in many Italian productions, one of those film is the rare The Island Monster. Now Alpha Video is bringing the Boris Karloff fanatics this film.
The film takes place on the island of Ischia. The residents are held in the iron grip of a drug smuggling operation. The Italian government decides to sends secret agent Mario Andreani to uncover the organization's mysterious leader. Taking his young daughter with him, Mario soon befriends Don Gaetano (Karloff), an elderly philanthropist who resides on the island. Gaetano offers to help him catch the smugglers and bring them to justice.
The film's title is a bit misleading! It make is seem like it is a horror/monster film when it is more of a mystery film. The film is not Boris' greatest not by a long shot. The English dubbing of this film is a bit of a downer as well, as we don't hear Boris. When the time came to record the English track for release, Boris was unavailable so they got a Karloff impersonator. As for this DVD release, the film is presented in full screen format. It looks and sounds really good for a 1950s Italian film. As for bonus features there is a rare short subject film entitled, Hollywood Hobbies in this presentation we see the private live of Hollywood stars such as Clark Gable, Buster Crabbe, Richard Arlen, James Gleason, Jack Holt, Walter Huston and yes Boris Karloff playing field hockey!"
This may not be the best Karloff film, but this DVD has the film and the special bonus feature of seeing Boris Karloff at play. No Boris Karloff fan's collection is complete with out this one! Head over to Oldies.com and pick up your copy today!
Moral Rating: Violence
Audience: Teens and Adults
Genre: Mystery
Length: 95 Minutes
DVD Released: 2018
DVD Rating: B
){kind=link}
0 Comments