Review of White Zombie (1932) by Kevin R — 04 Nov 2010

How do you think those eyes will regard you when the brain understands?

Legendre is a sugar plantation owner that operates his farm and factory utilizing zombie slaves. When a young couple arrives in the area, a local man approaches Legendre about killing the girl and having her transformed into a zombie. The plan is executed but the local man discovers the beautiful female as a zombie is not as appealing as she was in flesh in blood. What options are left for the young zombified lady?

"I thought beauty alone would satisfy but the soul is gone.".

Victor Halperin, director of Revolt of the Zombies, Torture Ship, Buried Alive, Party Girl, and When a Girl Loves, delivers White Zombie. The storyline for this picture is interesting, unique, and well delivered. The plot seemed a little ahead of its time and contained elements depicted by Max Brookes in World War Z and within the recent movie Fido. The acting is solid and the cast contains Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, and Joseph Cawthorn.

"I see death.".

My wife came across several Bela Lugosi movies this past October and DVR'd a few. The title of this picture grabbed my attention, as I love zombie movies, so I figured I give this film a shot. Lugosi was fairly young and fit in this movie and delivered a compelling and intimidating performance. This was a rare non-vampire picture for Lugosi that was better than average. I recommend seeing this picture if you are a fan of old school horror movies.

"You must bring the life back to her eyes.".

Grade: B+.