Bowery at Midnight
A seemingly charitable soup kitchen operator (who moonlights as a criminology professor) uses his Bowery mission as a front for his criminal gang. Police attempt to close in on the gang as they commit a series of robberies, murders and bizarre experiments on corpses.
Insights
Plot Summary
A sinisteržitec, Professor Ormund, disguises himself as a soup-kitchen owner in New York's Bowery district. He secretly experiments with reanimating corpses, turning them into zombie-like servants to aid his criminal schemes. When a young reporter begins investigating disappearances linked to the soup kitchen, he uncovers Ormund's horrifying secrets and must race against time to stop the mad scientist's nefarious plans.
Critical Reception
Released during a period of prolific output from Monogram Pictures, 'Bowery at Midnight' is a modest, yet memorable, entry in the horror genre, largely carried by the presence of Bela Lugosi. While not a critical darling upon release, it has gained a cult following over the years for its campy charm and Lugosi's dedicated performance.
What Reviewers Say
- Bela Lugosi's iconic presence elevates the film beyond its low-budget origins.
- The film effectively blends horror elements with a noir-ish mystery.
- Appreciated for its B-movie charm and engaging, if predictable, plot.
Google audience: Audience reviews are generally positive, highlighting Bela Lugosi's performance as a standout. Many viewers enjoy the film's straightforward horror elements and its value as a classic B-movie.
Fun Fact
During the film's production, Bela Lugosi was paid $1,250 for his role, a significant sum for a Monogram Pictures production at the time.
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