Review of The Devil Bat (1940) by Bryan G — 29 Apr 2010

[font=Courier New]Dr. Caruthers (Bela Lugosi) feels animosity toward the company he sold a formula to after they make millions, and he is only giving a few thousand. So he devises a plan of revenge involving giant bats he has created in his secret laboratory. After giving various members of the families who own the company a shaving lotion, he releases the bats which are attracted to the scent of the lotion.

I figured since it was going to be Halloween soon, I should try to watch a couple of my favorite horror films in celebration. [i]The Devil Bat[/i] isn?t one of the greatest movies ever made, but it is one of my favorite poverty row flicks that Lugosi was reduced to doing toward the end of his career.

The movie is made enjoyable by Lugosi?s screen presence. Whether he is talking lovingly to his monster bats, or bidding his victims farewell, he seems perfectly fitted for this cornball role. Not to say that he isn?t a gifted actor. He is one of my favorite icons of early cinema. But this film still shows his talents just as well.[/font].