Reviews (1)

Gang must help Gabriel Dell. Gale Storm co-stars.
This is the ninth film for the East Side Kids (Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Bobby Stone, Sunshine Sammy Morrison, David Gorcey). A new member is introduced as "Stash", Stanley Clements joins the gang. Since they helped the police in finding the crooks behind the magnesium ring operation in LET's GET TOUGH, now they are trying to help Gabriel Dell hide from the police. Gabriel wants to break away from the gang and swears he is never coming back. Just as he trys to go out the hide-out door, Officer Joe Reagan (Roger Pryor) is hot on Gabriel's trail. He looks around the hide-out. Nothing. When the boys think the coast is clear, Gabriel tells the gang again he is not coming back. He opens the door and Officer Reagan is right there and he overheard the boys clear their names. So Gabriel is off to jail for participation in a hold-up. Gale Storm plays Danny's (Bobby Jordan) sister. Notice the ad-lib Huntz Hall does at the end of the film. Leo Gorcey puts water on himself after kissing a nurse. Huntz Hall spits some water back at him.
The next film in the series: 'NEATH BROOKLYN BRIDGE (1942). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Enjoyable 1950s Adventure Series
Jon Hall stars as Dr. Tom Reynolds, or "Ramar" in this jungle adventure series set in Africa and, later, India. The series ran 52 episodes over a two year period from 1952 to 1954 and was broadcast well into the 1960s in syndication. The stock scenes of wildlife were good, but didn't always mesh well with scenes set in obvious studio "jungles." Besides Hall, also in the weekly cast were Ray Montgomery as Professor Howard Ogden and Nick Stewart as their native guide, Willy-Willy. Look for Woody (billed as "Woodrow") Strode in two of the four episodes on this DVD.

Alpha Video's DVD presentation is reasonably good, considering the age of the broadcasts; video contrast is, for the most part, good and the audio is clear throughout all four episodes. The show isn't great, but it's enjoyable enough on its own terms and will certainly bring back lots of memories for Baby Boomers and those who enjoy television from the early days. Alpha has also released a second volume on DVD with an additional four episodes. Episode titles on this first volume include "Dark Venture," "Voice of the Past," "King of the Watus," and "Lady of the Leopards."

My rating is closer to *** & 1/2. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Round Two of Ramar
Here's another four episodes of the 1950s jungle adventure series that starred Jon Hall as Dr. Tom Reynolds, Ray Montgomery as Professor Howard Ogden, and Nick Stewart as their guide Willy-Willy. All four episodes are, again, set in Africa. If you already have Volume 1 of Ramar, you will undoubtedly enjoy these four additional episodes. The audio/visual quality of this set is on a par with Volume 1 . . . audio is clear and the video portion is relatively defect free, though I doubt that Alpha Video did anything in the way of digital restoration. Woody Strode does not appear in any of the episodes on this set as he did on Volume 1, but look for a young Bernie (billed as "Bernard") Hamilton in the "Savage Challenge" episode. Hamilton went on to a long career in television and films; this is one of his earliest appearances. Nick Stewart, from the Amos and Andy television series, seemingly adds a little more humor to these episodes than those in Volume 1.

The episodes included in Volume 2 include: "Idol Voo-Doo," "Mark of the Bola," "Curse of the Devil Doll," and "Savage Challenge."

As was the case with Volume 1, my rating is closer to *** & ½ stars. It would be interesting to see some of the Ramar episodes that were set in India; hopefully Alpha Video will consider releasing some of the Indian episodes if there is ever a Volume 3 release. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The East Side Kids help find the mugger.
Cousin Herbie (Al Stone) joins the gang. Gabriel Dell and friends beat up a rich older man (Herbert Hayes). The East Side Kids come to his safety. Grateful, he gives them his business card to call him tomorrow. Huntz notices the rich man mistakenly left his wallet behind with nearly a thousand dollars inside. They truly decide to return it to the man. Suddenly, the police catch the boys with the dough and down to the station they go. They call the rich man, Cortland and it's all straightened out. He invites the boys to his home to help them with gymnasium equipment they need. With the help of the East Side Kids (Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Bobby Stone, Billy Benedict, Dave Durrand, Jimmy Strand, Bob Gorman) and Cortland's son, Roy (Johnnie Duncan) they will catch Gabriel Dell the mugger. Bobby Stone was not credited, but I got him here. Leo Gorcey's father, Bernard Gorcey, makes an appearance as a telegram man. The next six films: Follow The Leader (1944), Block Busters (1944), Bowery Champs (1944), Docks of New York (1945), Mr. Muggs Rides Again (1945), Come Out Fighting (1945). ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Three times the Bela for Your Buck!
Man, there is just something about this cheap little flick. And that something is Bela Lugosi. Although he is essenially one character, that character plays 3 roles in the film. Part of the low-brow charm of BOWERY is that, at times, you feel like you're watching 3 different films. With that lean 61-minute running time, the action comes fast and the body count rises rapidly.

Bela certainly made better poverty-row films (Devil Bat, Invisible Ghost), but BOWERY is still pretty entertaining.

This is the 2nd release by the Lugosi Estate, and it's a keeper. The picture and sound quality are mostly top-notch (some of the exterior night scenes are pretty murky, but they probably didn't look that great to begin with). There's another audio commentary track by Bela Lugosi Jr. and genre critic Ted Newsome. You won't learn much about the movie, but Bela Jr. does have some great memories of his father to share. You also get another fun radio play starring Bela Sr., and 2 trailers for other Lugosi flicks.

All in all, a must-have for Lugosi fans. Let's hope his estate will make good on Bela Jr.'s promise to keep 'em coming.

Surprisingly Good Flick from Monogram!
Monogram Pictures were poverty-row quality, but here, as in a few other Lugosi movies, they make the most of their limited resources and even make a virtue out of them. I don't remember any other movie that captured the seedy, dusty atmosphere of the Bowery as this one. The plot is actually a very interesting one, with a psychology professor masquerading at night as a mission proprietor to front his third line, robbery and murder. Lugosi, in my opinion a vastly underrated and stereotyped actor, does a wonderful job in differentiating the three personae of Professor Brenner (aka Karl Wagner). His tenderness and affection for his wife are very convincingly portrayed; the only real and unexpected jolt is his murdering her in order to prevent the police from discovering his double life. Here is an example of the film's being a bit too short and not being able to fully deliniate the contradictions of the main character; otherwise, this is one of the most interesting interpretations that Bela Lugosi achieved onscreen. The ending is really frightening, as it is suddenly and swiftly presented to the viewer.

What's that smell in the basement?
Bowery at Midnight (1942) stars Bela Lugosi in one of his many 'poverty row' films, a time when Lugosi was on the outs with the major studios and subsequently worked with independent studios like Monogram and PRC. Directed by Wallace Fox (the back of the box mistakenly says Wallace 'Cox'), most known for his westerns, who also directed another one of Lugosi's low-end films called The Corpse Vanishes (1942).

Bela plays three roles in this film, a kindly soup kitchen operator on skid row, a psychology professor and loving husband, and finally a vicious crime lord (I kept wondering when this character found time to sleep).

Basically the plot runs that Bela runs a soup kitchen, enlisting the aid of various criminal elements that pass through to perform heists, jobs, scores, whatever, while maintaining a secret life as a educator...once an individual outlives his usefulness in Lugosi's crime organization, that individual is then eliminated, keeping turnover high and costs down. This also helped to keep Lugosi's activities secret. Also, if a henchman exhibited the slightest bit of treachery, he was gone...like all the way gone, if you know what I mean (I love how they would bury these poor fellows in the basement, and then put markers with their names, no less, showing where each one rested. Not the smartest move, in my opinion, but whatever). And that soup kitchen/criminal lair...I haven't seen that many secret doors in like...well...ever. How in the heck did they keep track of all of them?

Anyway, one of Bela's students, who is involved with Bela's female assistant at the soup kitchen, decides to do a paper on transients, unaware that his teacher is also the man in charge of the soup kitchen. He finds himself in dire trouble as he stumbles across Bela's alter ego, and soon the police are involved. There was an actor in the movie, Dave O'Brien, who plays a detective, which I recognized from somewhere, but couldn't place until I finally remembered he was also in the movie 'Reefer Madness' aka 'Tell Your Children' (1938).

Soon Bela's worlds begin to collide as the police close in, and he meets a suitable fate involving recently deceased criminals resurrected from the dead?! This movie has everything. For a cheapie little movie, I found much to like with the sets and decor. The makers of this movie may not have had much, but what they had, they used very well. A fine example of making the best of what you've got. Oh, and keep an eye out. About 17 minutes into the movie, you may notice a movie poster for one of Lugosi's other poverty row movies, made within the same year. The hour run time serves nicely to keep things moving as the pace rarely slows down.

This disc was released by Lugosi's Estate, and has many worthwhile features including a digitally remastered picture from 35mm film elements, commentary by film historian Ted Newsom and Bela Lugosi, Jr., a photo gallery, some trailers featuring Lugosi's other poverty row releases including one with the Bowery Boys, a wonderful mini movie poster insert, and there is even a radio episode called "Gasoline Cocktail" from some old time radio crime show. If you are interested in getting this movie on DVD, this is the one to get, rather than some of those cheaper releases floating around.

Cookieman108

Good Script . . . Excellent Bela
One item few fans know about Bela Lugosi is that, in his spare time, he was an excellent gourmet cook. Give him a few ingredients, a little time, and he could give the Iron Chef a run for his money. This philosophy also influenced Lugosi's films. Quite often he was called upon to make a decent meal from scattered leftovers. Sometimes his main ingredient would be a portion of ham, depending on the film involved. But, give him a good script and he shone like the sun breaking through on a cloudy day.

"Bowery at Midnight" gives Lugosi a chance to stretch his acting legs. He plays a character who uses three different guises during the course of the film. By day he is a respected professor of criminal psychology as the City University. In his spare time, he is a kindly do-gooder who runs a soup kitchen in the Bowery. But we soon learn this is a cover for his real persona, a snarling, ruthless crime boss who mistreats everyone who had the bad fortune to work for him. Work for this Lugosi at your own peril, for when he has decided you have lost your usefulness, he tosses you to his henchman doctor for disposal. Unknown to Bela, the doc, whom he has also badly misterated, gets revenge by transforming them into zombie-like creatures and keeps them in the mission's basement. When the police catch on, Bela goes to his mistreated employee for help and a place to hide. The doc is more than happy to oblige, leading Bela down the steps to the basement - and his doom at the hands of those he had previously cast aside.

Given the 61 minute running time, the script has to sacrifice characterization for action, but it keeps its continuity quite well and makes sense throughout the film. It's actually fun to see Lugosi in three different characters, going from the pompous, elitist professor of criminology to the kindly, caring social worker to the thoroughly nasty gang boss.

This is the second DVD in the "Bela Lugosi Presents" series and like the first, "The Devil Bat," it is loaded with wonderful extras. First, the picture quality is excellent, as it digitally remastered from a 35mm print. You will not find this quality in other DVD versions of this movie. Secondly, the commentary by Ted Newsom and Bela Lugosi, Jr., serves to enhance the viewing experience by filling us in on behind the scenes information on both the film and Bela's private life. A rare photo and poster gallery is included, as well as a collectable movie poster insert, giving a flavor of the times to the viewer. As if that wasn't enough, a few Lugosi trailers are thrown in as is, as an extra bonus, "Gasoline Cocktail," a radio drama starring none other than Bela himself. If you think his voice is exceptional in the movies, wait until you hear it on radio. Simply fabulous for Bela fans, and cinema fans in general.

I can only hope that Ted Newsom and Bela Lugosi, Jr. do not stop here. Having whetted our appetites with this feast for eyes and ears, we impatiently look forward to their next offering.

EXTRAS EXTRAS!!! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!
Finally a series of Lugosi films put out by the Bela Lugosi Estate. With commentary from Bela Jr and Ted Newsom, a crystal clear stills, lobby card and poster section from the Borst Archive. Perfectly designed and animated motion menus. Also added are some bonus trailers and a complete radio program. This is THE version to buy, quality is SUPERIOR!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

More drama than humor for this East Side Kids entry.
This Monogram Picture of The East Side Kids is much slower than the later Bowery Boys incarnation. The last 15 minutes of this 64 minute movie is devoted to World War II patriotism. Nothing wrong with patriotism, this film just makes war look honorable. The beginning of the film aims at Muggs getting Kidnapped, but the bulk of the story is about the relationships between the gang members of The East Side Kids. Leo Gorcey's humorous banter is there for us to enjoy, and Huntz Hall is a scene stiller!
The FRONT ROW DVD is mastered from an original 16mm print, the sound is crisp and clear and the picture is sharp with good contrast. However the original print used in the transfer has many splices, at least four times a word of conversation is lost in a splice. Considering the "Poverty Row" aspects of Monogram Pictures I can accept this and enjoy the clear picture. The dark night scenes show some artifacting, but they are few and far between. Usually the picture is sharp and clear.

Kid Dynamaite Packs A Wallop!
The story centers around Muggs and Bobby Jordan.Bobby fills in for Muggs at a boxing match and that's where the trouble starts. The film is fast, funny, and very entertaining. Huntz Hall and the rest of the gang are there too. Look for the scene with the dancing contest. It is very good! Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall put on a good and hillarious dance act! This film is a winner! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The East Side Kids find a secret message and magnesium.
Would you believe it? The East Side Kids (Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Huntz Hall, Sunshine Sammy Morrison, David Gorcey, Bobby Stone) want to join the U.S. Army, but they have to be 21 years of age. (In real life, they all were over 21 except for Bobby Jordan and Bobby Stone who were almost). Not even the whiskers worked. So they went to the U.S. Marines. The muscles didn't work. Too young. So they go to the U.S. Navy. Smoking cigars didn't work. The japenese small business owners don't really care for the East Side Kids because thay are trouble makers. They like to throw eggs at store front businesses. Phil Ahn (Kung Fu tv series 1972-75 as "Master Po") plays the bad guy, Joe. While they go to Miss Keno to apologize to her for the damages they made, they see Joe make an exchange with Miss Keno. Later at the hide-out, Huntz Hall had taken a pen as a "souvenir". The pen won't work, but he finds a mysterious note inside. Leo does a trick he learned from correspondence college. They discover a secret message. They go to Matsui's Tea Shop to interpret the message. mat sui tries tio take it, but Leo says "no stealing". Matsui then releases a small dagger and kills himself. The boys run to Policeman Pop (Robert Armstrong) to tell him. They all go back to Matsui's Tea Shop. The old man is alive, or is he? Policeman Pop is angry at the boys. The boys go back to Matsui's. The old man is gone now. Huntz steals a bag of tea. Outside, the boys discover in the bag, it is not tea, it is not sugar, it's magnesium. Can the boys uncover this spy ring and catch the crook, Joe? Gabriel Dell appears in this one. The next film in the series: SMART ALECKS (1942).

lets get duped
This edition of Alpha videos Lets get Tough is an abomination. Save your money until some other company decides to do it right.Unviewable. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Leo Gorcey must fight in the ring. Huntz Hall joins gang.
Huntz Hall now joins the East Side Kids, who was over with Billy Halop, Bernard Punsly and Gabriel Dell as the Dead End Kids helping the Little Tough Guys and still will until 1943.
Well as you can see Leo Gorcey with Huntz Hall, Sammy Morrison, Donald Haines and David Gorcey are still up to no good. Leo hits "Monk" (Bobby Stone) and then puts shoe polish on his nose. Policeman Tom decides to stop them and reminds the gang of reform school. He wants to talk to the kids in the Pool Hall. In the Pool Hall is Clancy (played by Keye Luke of Charlie Chan film series, Kung Fu tv series, 1972-75,86 as "Master Po"). Later, Monk tells Bobby Jordan a lie that Leo had said something about his sister. Monk's plan works and Leo and Bobby fist fight. The police show up and the kids make a run for it. Leo ges caught. Policeman Tom talks Leo into fighting in the ring for the Golden Gloves. Can Leo and Bobby ever be friends again? Bobby ends up in the hospital and Leo gives him a special gift of life. In the next film, the boys meet Bela Lugosi and have to chase some spooks in SPOOKS RUN WILD (1941).

Gotham/Alpha DVD is bad, look for the Platinum Disc DVD
If you are a Bowery Boys - East Side Kids fan, you know these low budget dramadies are entertaining. Unfortunately, the DVD issued by Gotham Distributors/Alpha Video is almost unwatchable. A Washed out picture and distorted soundtrack take away from the enjoyment of this movie.
HOWEVER, if you can find the PLATINUM DISC CORPORATION DVD, you will enjoy a sharp clear picture with excellent contrast and a crisp clear soundtrack worthy of DVD.

For What It Is . . . Not Bad
Before there were the Bowery Boys, there were the East Side Kids, and if you thought the Bowery Boys was a low budget series, wait until you catch the East Side Kids. Compared with the production values in the East Side Kids Series, the later Bowery Boys semeed like MGM.

A note of difference: though both were released by the same studio, Monogram, the 22 pictures of the East Side Kids were independently produced by Sam Katzman and his Banner Films company. Once the popularity of the series was established, the Boys wanted more money and so Katzman gladly turned the series over to Monogram, who renemd it "The Bowery Boys.For the 60 or so films that would come out, each was a money maker for this "B" studio and helped finance some of their stabs at "A" billing and the respect it brings.)For students of film, Katzman has a defined niche in history as one of the giants of the exploitation movie. Consider the title of this movie, "Bowery Blitzkreig." One would assume that somewhere along the line Nazis and other bad guys of WWII would be added.

Nope, this is a film about Golden Gloves boxing as Muggs (Leo Gorcey) fights the crooked racketeers of the game while still finding time to donate blood to pal Danny (Bobby Jordan), shot while resisting crime. The performances are nothing new: Gorcey and company simply honed their roles from their previous stint as the Dead End Kids for Warner Bros., but they are entertaining.

The transfer is not the greatest, but we must keep in mind that prints of this movie were probably treated with benign neglect at the best. (I wonder how many of the 22 movies actually survived.) Even so, the movie is clear with only a few glitches and actually lacks the darkness that distinguished most of the series on television.

All in all, it's a little slice of nostalgia (How many of us remember whiling away our Saturday or Sunday afternoons watching these on a local channel?) at just the right price. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

"I find a coffin much more comfortable than a bed"
This fun horror classic stars the great Bela Lugosi in one of his best roles! Don't expect the plot to make much sense since nothing is ever really explained. Bela plays a creepy doctor who raises orchids and gives them to virgin girls who are about to be married. When the brides smell them, they go into a comatose state and seem to be dead to everyone. Bela and his henchmen (which includes a dwarf played by Angelo Rossitti from the classic film "Freaks") then steal the bodies by posing as morgue workers with a hearse. Once Bela has the brides at his laboratory he removes some of their 'fluids', which he uses to keep his sick aging wife youthful looking (his wife is played by the great 40s scream queen Elizabeth Russell). Soon a spunky female 'Louis Lane' type reporter played by Luana Walters is on to Bela, and when she tries to investigate (with the help of a hapless doctor), she discovers that Bela and his wife like to sleep in coffins and other odd things. When she confronts Bela about the coffin beds, he calmly replies in one of his most memorable lines ever: "I find a coffin much more comfortable than a bed". Classic 1940s b-movie fun. See it!

Vintage Bela Lugosi doing what he does best
The only thing worse than being left standing at the altar is having your bride fall over dead in the middle of the service. As The Corpse Vanishes opens, that is exactly what is happening; even worse, the bride's corpses keep getting stolen. The cops are baffled, but hard-nosed female reporter Pat Hunter is determined to solve the mystery and make a name for herself in journalism. She follows her leads to the home of Dr. Lorenz (Lugosi) and winds up having the most terrifying night of her life. Lorenz has a peculiar staff-a rather annoying older servant and her two sons, one a midget and the other a seemingly mute and obviously dim-witted stooped-over fellow. Most strange of all, though, is Lorenz's ill-tempered wife. Of course, the Countess has reason to complain because she is constantly fighting old age and death. Lorenz has come up with a way to maintain his wife's youth and beauty; the only catch is that it requires the regular extraction of a certain amount of the essence of life from young girls. Why blushing brides are the specimens of choice is never really made clear. In any event, Pat struggles to find a way to trap the good doctor and convince her boss that she is telling the truth about the things she has discovered.

Interestingly, there are some definite similarities between this 1942 film and 1931's Dracula: Lugosi plays an evil man who must steal the life essence from beautiful young women in order to hold mortality at bay; Lorenz secretly enters the rooms of his guests during the night and stares down at them with the look Lugosi is famous for; Lorenz and his wife sleep in coffins; and the dim-witted, eternally slump-backed assistant (called Angel of all things) can be compared with Dracula's Renfield. The plot is rather weak in spots, but I love the nostalgic campiness of it (and, apparently, the Mystery Science Theater 3000 gang did too). I would rank this movie among the better horror movies of that golden era of cinematic fright. Lugosi fans will surely want to have The Corpse Vanishes in their video libraries as it features one of his best performances.

Please note that this review if for The Corpse Vanishes only, even though you may see it linked to a double feature release featuring a second Lugosi movie.

POOR OLD BELA
Horror icon Bela Lugosi kills virgin brides to extract gland fluids to keep his ancient wife alive. Sounds spooky! It's not. Lugosi plays a mad scientist who heads a burly gang that includes an ugly old hag, a malicious dwarf, and two goons. They shuffle around in this 1942 boring travesty. Midget actor Angelo Rossitto(a favorite in many John Barrymore classics) follows Lugosi around. To appreciate the "Great One", see 1932's "White Zombie(excellent DVD) or "The Black Cat". This minor cheapie will put you fast asleep....

The mad doctor is at it again.
Any number of Bela Lugosi's poverty row films would qualify for "The Best of the Worst" award. "The Corpse Vanishes" is better than average, but just slightly. The story is the typical lurid horror-comics stuff of the mad doctor gone berserk, again and again. The character names change, but Bela essentially plays the same role in the same manner in each film. This entry has the advantage of a good supporting cast. Beautiful ice queen Elizabeth Russell, Simone Simon's feline compatriot in "The Cat People," is the cruel Countess Lorenz. She requires frequent transfusions of body fluid from healthy young women to survive. Dr. Lorenz (Bela) concocts a bizarre plan to keep the fluid supply coming by murdering young brides at the altar. Lugosi's familiar dwarf costar, Angelo Rossitto, is Dr. Lorenz's homunculus partner in crime. The "stormy night in the terrible house" segment, as trite as it sounds, is the best part of this little thriller. People sneak around and creep the night away through secret passages to the strains of a plodding musical score. Check out the Lorenz's sleeping arrangements, and try to keep a straight face. If you feel deprived because you don't have a representative poverty row Bela Lugosi film in your personal video collection this movie is for you. The rest should quietly pass by. ;-)

The Corpse is disguised as a plot
Bela does his best to breathe some life into this film but unfortunately, it's dead on arrival! There is an occassional redeeming scene but the story line is just too weak for the film to stay afloat. Unless you're looking for a cure for insomnia avoid this stinker at all costs! ... Read more

Description

The Corpse Vanishes--Lorenz (Bela Lugosi) kills innocent women to keep his wife young by pumping their blood into her body. Perhaps the most horrific of Bela Lugosi's Monogram series, it is also the silliest in many ways, especially when the audience finds Bela sleeping in a coffin for no discernable reason. 1942 - USA - 64 min

The Devil Bat--Features Bela Lugosi as a chemist who plots an elaborate revenge scheme on his business partners, whom he feels have cheated him out of his share. To this end he creates giant mutant bats to kill rip them into shreds. 1941 - USA - 67 min - B&W ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Corpse and a Bat
In the Devil Bat, Dr. Carruthers (played by Bela Lugosi) raises oversize bats that are enlarged by a special electrical machine. When the company he works for becomes rich because of the perfumes and colognes he has developed, he seeks revenge with these large bats that he has trained to "hate" a particular shaving cologne. His revenge is against his employer and family but a reporter puts together the bats and cologne and douses it on Carruthers. One of the last scenes is a giant bat going after Carruthers.

In The Corpse Vanishes, Dr. Lorenz (played by Bela Lugosi) keeps his wife young by kidnapping young females brides and extracting glandular fluid from them and then uses the fluid for his wife. He does this by kidnapping young brides, using a special orchid that puts them in suspended animation. He keeps the brides in an underground vault until their "fluids" run out.

The Devil Bat and The Corpse Vanishes are not Bela's best work but I think most Bela Lugosi fans will enjoy these two.

The quality of the pictures on the DVD are not crisp - but there are times where some of the old movies need a little less quality to give them their flair.

Lugosi's best Poverty Row films on one disc!
First of all, you know whether or not these are "your" type of movies. They're cheap, short and have Bela Lugosi just as his star was beginning to fade. THE CORPSE VANISHES is a typical Mongram 40's programmer, but Bela's really pretty good in it. The real attraction here is THE DEVIL BAT. An unexpected dose of humor is sprinkled throughout the macabre events. Lugosi is perfect as Dr. Carruthers, fiendlishly plotting deaths with his giant mutated bats. And surely no other film in history has used shaving lotion for such a sinister purpose! Naturally, one wishes for more supplemental materials. But the picture quality (and for the most part, the sound) is up to the usual Roan standard of excellence. There are several other povery row Lugosi films available from Roan (The Invisible Ghost, Bowery at Midnight, etc.) but if you only buy ONE, this is the one to get.

Bela never looked better!
I must admit, I was sweating bullets when I brought this DVD home, I was convinced that there would be something wrong with it, either bad audio, bad video or both. I have both of these films on the digitally remastered versions of the "Bela Lugosi Collection" VHS tapes whose manufacturers name escapes me at the moment. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the picture and sound. And after seeing this DVD, I think it looks even better than the tapes, as well it should! No extras though, I was never big into the "extras" anyway, besides you can't expect many with films like these, but I still love 'em! My hat is off to the Roan Group...I know they've released quite a number of these films on DVD that the bigger studios won't touch, and I've passed them up a number of times, until now. So take my word for it, If you've held off on this DVD waiting for some sucker to "jump in" and write a crappy review, I hate to disappoint you. This is a pleasant surprise. So come on in, Bela fans, the water's fine!

Creaky old low-budget horror movie.
"Vampire Bat" is a Dracula movie without Dracula. Lionel Atwill plays the role of the resident good doctor/mad scientist who sends his mesmerized servant out for victims. The victims are drained of blood Atwill uses in his obscure experiments. Melvyn Douglas, in spite of his obvious American demeanor and manner of expression, has a German sounding name in the movie and plays the local inspector of police. Dwight Frye does well portraying a "Renfield" type madman who gets blamed initially for the mysterious vampire-like killings. Fay Wray is wasted as Atwill's lab assistant. There is a weak attempt at comedy relief via a goofy old woman who likes to pretend she's "doctor for a day" by diagnosing herself and others until she gets her just reward by means of a strong laxative. The atmosphere of the film is spooky; nice and dark and gloomy. Aside from the main characters the villagers all look and talk as authentic mid-Europeans (circa 1930). The real identity of the fiend is kept secret until later in the film. The film does a good job of creating an air of terror and suspense. All things considered, this little film is a good movie for Halloween or anytime when the winds howl in the mountains by night, the clock strikes midnight, and there is something scratching at your bedroom window. Well....we warned you! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Leo Gorcey must fight in the ring. Huntz Hall joins gang.
Huntz Hall now joins the East Side Kids, who was over with Billy Halop, Bernard Punsly and Gabriel Dell as the Dead End Kids helping the Little Tough Guys and still will until 1943.
Well as you can see Leo Gorcey with Huntz Hall, Sammy Morrison, Donald Haines and David Gorcey are still up to no good. Leo hits "Monk" (Bobby Stone) and then puts shoe polish on his nose. Policeman Tom decides to stop them and reminds the gang of reform school. He wants to talk to the kids in the Pool Hall. In the Pool Hall is Clancy (played by Keye Luke of Charlie Chan film series, Kung Fu tv series, 1972-75,86 as "Master Po"). Later, Monk tells Bobby Jordan a lie that Leo had said something about his sister. Monk's plan works and Leo and Bobby fist fight. The police show up and the kids make a run for it. Leo ges caught. Policeman Tom talks Leo into fighting in the ring for the Golden Gloves. Can Leo and Bobby ever be friends again? Bobby ends up in the hospital and Leo gives him a special gift of life. In the next film, the boys meet Bela Lugosi and have to chase some spooks in SPOOKS RUN WILD (1941).

Gotham/Alpha DVD is bad, look for the Platinum Disc DVD
If you are a Bowery Boys - East Side Kids fan, you know these low budget dramadies are entertaining. Unfortunately, the DVD issued by Gotham Distributors/Alpha Video is almost unwatchable. A Washed out picture and distorted soundtrack take away from the enjoyment of this movie.
HOWEVER, if you can find the PLATINUM DISC CORPORATION DVD, you will enjoy a sharp clear picture with excellent contrast and a crisp clear soundtrack worthy of DVD.

For What It Is . . . Not Bad
Before there were the Bowery Boys, there were the East Side Kids, and if you thought the Bowery Boys was a low budget series, wait until you catch the East Side Kids. Compared with the production values in the East Side Kids Series, the later Bowery Boys semeed like MGM.

A note of difference: though both were released by the same studio, Monogram, the 22 pictures of the East Side Kids were independently produced by Sam Katzman and his Banner Films company. Once the popularity of the series was established, the Boys wanted more money and so Katzman gladly turned the series over to Monogram, who renemd it "The Bowery Boys.For the 60 or so films that would come out, each was a money maker for this "B" studio and helped finance some of their stabs at "A" billing and the respect it brings.)For students of film, Katzman has a defined niche in history as one of the giants of the exploitation movie. Consider the title of this movie, "Bowery Blitzkreig." One would assume that somewhere along the line Nazis and other bad guys of WWII would be added.

Nope, this is a film about Golden Gloves boxing as Muggs (Leo Gorcey) fights the crooked racketeers of the game while still finding time to donate blood to pal Danny (Bobby Jordan), shot while resisting crime. The performances are nothing new: Gorcey and company simply honed their roles from their previous stint as the Dead End Kids for Warner Bros., but they are entertaining.

The transfer is not the greatest, but we must keep in mind that prints of this movie were probably treated with benign neglect at the best. (I wonder how many of the 22 movies actually survived.) Even so, the movie is clear with only a few glitches and actually lacks the darkness that distinguished most of the series on television.

All in all, it's a little slice of nostalgia (How many of us remember whiling away our Saturday or Sunday afternoons watching these on a local channel?) at just the right price. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

More drama than humor for this East Side Kids entry.
This Monogram Picture of The East Side Kids is much slower than the later Bowery Boys incarnation. The last 15 minutes of this 64 minute movie is devoted to World War II patriotism. Nothing wrong with patriotism, this film just makes war look honorable. The beginning of the film aims at Muggs getting Kidnapped, but the bulk of the story is about the relationships between the gang members of The East Side Kids. Leo Gorcey's humorous banter is there for us to enjoy, and Huntz Hall is a scene stiller!
The FRONT ROW DVD is mastered from an original 16mm print, the sound is crisp and clear and the picture is sharp with good contrast. However the original print used in the transfer has many splices, at least four times a word of conversation is lost in a splice. Considering the "Poverty Row" aspects of Monogram Pictures I can accept this and enjoy the clear picture. The dark night scenes show some artifacting, but they are few and far between. Usually the picture is sharp and clear.

Kid Dynamaite Packs A Wallop!
The story centers around Muggs and Bobby Jordan.Bobby fills in for Muggs at a boxing match and that's where the trouble starts. The film is fast, funny, and very entertaining. Huntz Hall and the rest of the gang are there too. Look for the scene with the dancing contest. It is very good! Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall put on a good and hillarious dance act! This film is a winner! ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "The Double Switch" - Gene sets a cunning trap for a thieving rancher who tries to stage a phony holdup with money earmarked for fixing up country roads. Song: "When the Bloom is on the Sage." "The Star Toter" - When the town sheriff is killed by a bank robber, Gene takes over totin' the star and must bring the bandit to justice while convincing the thief's young son to forsake his father's ways and live on the straight and narrow. Song: "Back in the Saddle Again." "The Posse" - When the town bank is robbed, the trail leads to "Whopper" Daro, a reformed bandit and famous liar. Gene and Pat try to clear Whopper of the crime and track the real bandits while helping Whopper save face with his visiting daughter by pretending that he is the owner of Gene's ranch. Song: "Pretty Mary." "Blackwater Valley Feud" - A land war heats up when a rancher is found murdered. Gene must clear the name of the framed rancher and bring the real killer to justice. Song: "That's My Home." ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Morals Behind The Stories
This DVD is the typical Gene Autry Western. Each show portrays great moral value and ideals. In "The Star Toter," Gene show a young boy that the good guys can come out the winner, thus overshadowing the bad influences of a father on the wrong side of the law. In "The Posse" Gene show that everyone deserves a second chance, when he helps an ex-con who refused to give into backmail from the bad guys. These are just two examples that the children that grew up watching Gene Autry learned from. In "Doubleswitch" and "Blackwater Valley Feud", Gene tangles with the bad guys and as always, the cowboy in the white hat is Hero again. The Wrigley Chewing Gum commercials are a flash back into the early years when life was simpler and the Silver Screen legends like Gene Autry were looked up to as role models. The picture quality is great. As an Autry Fan and Collector I give this DVD 5 stars and I strongly urge you to let your children watch the man who as country Singer Johnny Cash once said was "a champion riding on Champion" for a good dose of moral integrity and values. All this Autry Fan can say is "I am glad that Gene Autry Still Rides The Trail." America still needs a Hero like him today!!!

Gene Autry Western Fan (Part2)
Now that I have had a chance to see two of the episodes of this DVD, I would like to to make an additional comment about the shows episodes, the background music is almost unbearable. The music shows no relationship to the action whatsoever, it really grates on the nerves. This is a great pity, because it spoils to some extent what are excellent shows. The shows as I said before have been excellently copied and restored, the shows have all the ingredients of good Gene Autry westerns, good music, plenty of action and have a good moral theme. It's a pity that Gene Autry did'nt pick a musical director who knew how to add the proper music ,and when not to add music, to his shows.

Gene Autry Western Fan
I have just received my copy of "Double Switch" and I am very happy that I ordered it. The DVD is excellent value for money, both in quality and content. I especially like the extra features which shows clippings from some of Gene Autry's films, these clipping serve to illustrate the 10 Gene Autry codes. One of these clippings is in color from the film, "Strawberry Roan", a film I wish was available, as I have never seen this. These clippings added to the other extra features of the disc make this DVD one of the best value Gene Autry items available. Apart from the other available DVD of the Gene Autry Shows on DVD, namely " Gold Dust Charlie" I hope that Image Entertainment will be able to make more Gene Autry shows available to the public on DVD and at the same quality and value. If they do, I would be happy to buy them all. ... Read more

Description

Saddle up, ride along and sing along with America's favorite cowboy into the golden age of television, where a white hat meant hero and a guitar was just as handy as a pearl-handled six-gun. Every week from 1950 to 1955, Gene Autry, the original singing cowboy and star of the rodeo ring, records, radio and the big screen, rounded up a whole herd of thrill-packed adventures and wagonloads of laughter right in America's living room. So, load up your cap gun, grab hold of the reins and get ready to ride off into a black and white sunset on the dusty trail to action and excitement. Episodes: "Gold Dust Charlie" - When Gold Dust Charlie turns up dead, Gene must outwit the claimjumpin' murderer and bring him to justice. Song: "Cowboy Blues." "Head for Texas" - Gene teams up with a down-on-his-luck jockey to stop a band of cattle rustlers who use a clever trick to steal livestock from a lovely lady ranch owner. Song: "Sing Me a Song of the Saddle." "The Doodle Bug" - Gene investigates a series of stagecoach holdups and discovers a gang of thieves and a pretty school marm in distress. Song: "Ridin' Down the Canyon." "The Silver Arrow" - When a witness to murder is found dead, pierced with a silver arrow, Gene and Pat Buttram help the accused man who has been framed. Together they flush out the real killer as he tries to steal the deed to a gold mine. Song: "Can't Shake the Sands of Texas from My Shoes." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Gold Dust Charlie - Gene Autry
If you grew up watching these old westerns on TV you will enjoy This DVD which features the first 4 episodes of one of the earliest of all TV horse operas.Aimed basically at those growing at the time the stories are quite juvenile and corny, nevertheless they are well produced and provide a fine nostalgia trip for those of an appropriate age.
From a technical point of view the picture and sound have been remastered and quality is excellent.Extras include Autry sponsoring Wrigley chewing gum and a Gene Autry singalong jukebox ! ... Read more

Description

128 minute double feature film DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good value DVD has varying quality.
I don't know that I would recomend Marengo as a quality DVD company, but this double feature from them is pretty good.
First one must consider that MONOGRAM PICTURES was a poverty row studio that rarely kept many negatives around. Most prints existing today were made from negatives struck from the studio's 1940s release prints. This means they are another generation away from the original negatives.

THE CORPSE VANISHES is the weaker of the two picture wise. It is soft and people's faces are a bit washed out. There are always film scratch lines present, but they are not very distracting. The film is clean of splices and the sound is clear. As of 2003, this is the best quality transfer available for this title, about the same as the ROAN copy.

THE INVISIBLE GHOST is much better. It is quite sharp with good contrast, and almost no scratches. The sound is even better. The title card is from a 1950s re-issue by Astor Pictures and that part looks grainy & dark. But don't let that dismay you, the actual movie is good. It is also similar to the ROAN copy.

If you are a fan of these low budget, erie atmosphere films, you will thoroughly enjoy this DVD!

Low-Budget Bela
Marengo Films has done a nice job with its Bela Lugosi double feature -- pairing two of the horror icon's better Monogram efforts, "The Invisible Ghost" (1941) and "The Corpse Vanishes" (1942). Though the print quality of "Corpse" is a notch below the sharpness of "Ghost," it remains superior to most public-domain dupes. Decent sound quality to boot. Neither Lugosi film is a classic, but you could do a lot worse when it comes to low-budget horror.

Invisible Ghost / Corpse Vanishes (DVD)
Bela Lugosi brought class even to second rate productions, and these are 2 of his best B movies. For lovers of "old-fashioned" horror, this dvd makes for a fun evening. Get it.

Bela Lugosi Classics
Being a huge fan of the work of the great Bela Lugosi, I was pleased to see this new arrival from Marengo Films, a new company to this genre. The Invisable Ghost from 1941 and The Corpse Vanishes from 1942 were films Bela made after his famous role in Dracula. In Ghost he is under the spell of his insane and domineering wife. Bela carries out a series of stranglings and is as always, super creepy. The Corpse Vanishes is another classic Lugosi film, Bela plays a crazy scientist that uses human blood to keep his dying wife alive. These two films are a great pairing and a must for Lugosi fans. I look forward to see other films released in this genre from Marengo. ... Read more

Description

Screen legend Bela Lugosi gives a classic nuanced performance as Professor Brenner, a psychology instructor at New York University who, when not enlightening his students-most of them played by buxom Monogram studio starlets-Brenner is engaged in charitable work, running a mission in the Bowery. In truth, however, the kindly professor is a fiend in human form, who uses his mission as a front for a vast criminal empire.When Judy (Wanda McKay), one of Brenner's students, stumbles onto the truth, she's targetted for extermination by the Dr. Jekyll-and-Mr. Hyde prof.This DVD release, digitally mastered from excellent materials, features interactive and illustrated production notes. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Three times the Bela for Your Buck!
Man, there is just something about this cheap little flick. And that something is Bela Lugosi. Although he is essenially one character, that character plays 3 roles in the film. Part of the low-brow charm of BOWERY is that, at times, you feel like you're watching 3 different films. With that lean 61-minute running time, the action comes fast and the body count rises rapidly.

Bela certainly made better poverty-row films (Devil Bat, Invisible Ghost), but BOWERY is still pretty entertaining.

This is the 2nd release by the Lugosi Estate, and it's a keeper. The picture and sound quality are mostly top-notch (some of the exterior night scenes are pretty murky, but they probably didn't look that great to begin with). There's another audio commentary track by Bela Lugosi Jr. and genre critic Ted Newsome. You won't learn much about the movie, but Bela Jr. does have some great memories of his father to share. You also get another fun radio play starring Bela Sr., and 2 trailers for other Lugosi flicks.

All in all, a must-have for Lugosi fans. Let's hope his estate will make good on Bela Jr.'s promise to keep 'em coming.

Surprisingly Good Flick from Monogram!
Monogram Pictures were poverty-row quality, but here, as in a few other Lugosi movies, they make the most of their limited resources and even make a virtue out of them. I don't remember any other movie that captured the seedy, dusty atmosphere of the Bowery as this one. The plot is actually a very interesting one, with a psychology professor masquerading at night as a mission proprietor to front his third line, robbery and murder. Lugosi, in my opinion a vastly underrated and stereotyped actor, does a wonderful job in differentiating the three personae of Professor Brenner (aka Karl Wagner). His tenderness and affection for his wife are very convincingly portrayed; the only real and unexpected jolt is his murdering her in order to prevent the police from discovering his double life. Here is an example of the film's being a bit too short and not being able to fully deliniate the contradictions of the main character; otherwise, this is one of the most interesting interpretations that Bela Lugosi achieved onscreen. The ending is really frightening, as it is suddenly and swiftly presented to the viewer.

What's that smell in the basement?
Bowery at Midnight (1942) stars Bela Lugosi in one of his many 'poverty row' films, a time when Lugosi was on the outs with the major studios and subsequently worked with independent studios like Monogram and PRC. Directed by Wallace Fox (the back of the box mistakenly says Wallace 'Cox'), most known for his westerns, who also directed another one of Lugosi's low-end films called The Corpse Vanishes (1942).

Bela plays three roles in this film, a kindly soup kitchen operator on skid row, a psychology professor and loving husband, and finally a vicious crime lord (I kept wondering when this character found time to sleep).

Basically the plot runs that Bela runs a soup kitchen, enlisting the aid of various criminal elements that pass through to perform heists, jobs, scores, whatever, while maintaining a secret life as a educator...once an individual outlives his usefulness in Lugosi's crime organization, that individual is then eliminated, keeping turnover high and costs down. This also helped to keep Lugosi's activities secret. Also, if a henchman exhibited the slightest bit of treachery, he was gone...like all the way gone, if you know what I mean (I love how they would bury these poor fellows in the basement, and then put markers with their names, no less, showing where each one rested. Not the smartest move, in my opinion, but whatever). And that soup kitchen/criminal lair...I haven't seen that many secret doors in like...well...ever. How in the heck did they keep track of all of them?

Anyway, one of Bela's students, who is involved with Bela's female assistant at the soup kitchen, decides to do a paper on transients, unaware that his teacher is also the man in charge of the soup kitchen. He finds himself in dire trouble as he stumbles across Bela's alter ego, and soon the police are involved. There was an actor in the movie, Dave O'Brien, who plays a detective, which I recognized from somewhere, but couldn't place until I finally remembered he was also in the movie 'Reefer Madness' aka 'Tell Your Children' (1938).

Soon Bela's worlds begin to collide as the police close in, and he meets a suitable fate involving recently deceased criminals resurrected from the dead?! This movie has everything. For a cheapie little movie, I found much to like with the sets and decor. The makers of this movie may not have had much, but what they had, they used very well. A fine example of making the best of what you've got. Oh, and keep an eye out. About 17 minutes into the movie, you may notice a movie poster for one of Lugosi's other poverty row movies, made within the same year. The hour run time serves nicely to keep things moving as the pace rarely slows down.

This disc was released by Lugosi's Estate, and has many worthwhile features including a digitally remastered picture from 35mm film elements, commentary by film historian Ted Newsom and Bela Lugosi, Jr., a photo gallery, some trailers featuring Lugosi's other poverty row releases including one with the Bowery Boys, a wonderful mini movie poster insert, and there is even a radio episode called "Gasoline Cocktail" from some old time radio crime show. If you are interested in getting this movie on DVD, this is the one to get, rather than some of those cheaper releases floating around.

Cookieman108

Good Script . . . Excellent Bela
One item few fans know about Bela Lugosi is that, in his spare time, he was an excellent gourmet cook. Give him a few ingredients, a little time, and he could give the Iron Chef a run for his money. This philosophy also influenced Lugosi's films. Quite often he was called upon to make a decent meal from scattered leftovers. Sometimes his main ingredient would be a portion of ham, depending on the film involved. But, give him a good script and he shone like the sun breaking through on a cloudy day.

"Bowery at Midnight" gives Lugosi a chance to stretch his acting legs. He plays a character who uses three different guises during the course of the film. By day he is a respected professor of criminal psychology as the City University. In his spare time, he is a kindly do-gooder who runs a soup kitchen in the Bowery. But we soon learn this is a cover for his real persona, a snarling, ruthless crime boss who mistreats everyone who had the bad fortune to work for him. Work for this Lugosi at your own peril, for when he has decided you have lost your usefulness, he tosses you to his henchman doctor for disposal. Unknown to Bela, the doc, whom he has also badly misterated, gets revenge by transforming them into zombie-like creatures and keeps them in the mission's basement. When the police catch on, Bela goes to his mistreated employee for help and a place to hide. The doc is more than happy to oblige, leading Bela down the steps to the basement - and his doom at the hands of those he had previously cast aside.

Given the 61 minute running time, the script has to sacrifice characterization for action, but it keeps its continuity quite well and makes sense throughout the film. It's actually fun to see Lugosi in three different characters, going from the pompous, elitist professor of criminology to the kindly, caring social worker to the thoroughly nasty gang boss.

This is the second DVD in the "Bela Lugosi Presents" series and like the first, "The Devil Bat," it is loaded with wonderful extras. First, the picture quality is excellent, as it digitally remastered from a 35mm print. You will not find this quality in other DVD versions of this movie. Secondly, the commentary by Ted Newsom and Bela Lugosi, Jr., serves to enhance the viewing experience by filling us in on behind the scenes information on both the film and Bela's private life. A rare photo and poster gallery is included, as well as a collectable movie poster insert, giving a flavor of the times to the viewer. As if that wasn't enough, a few Lugosi trailers are thrown in as is, as an extra bonus, "Gasoline Cocktail," a radio drama starring none other than Bela himself. If you think his voice is exceptional in the movies, wait until you hear it on radio. Simply fabulous for Bela fans, and cinema fans in general.

I can only hope that Ted Newsom and Bela Lugosi, Jr. do not stop here. Having whetted our appetites with this feast for eyes and ears, we impatiently look forward to their next offering.

EXTRAS EXTRAS!!! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!
Finally a series of Lugosi films put out by the Bela Lugosi Estate. With commentary from Bela Jr and Ted Newsom, a crystal clear stills, lobby card and poster section from the Borst Archive. Perfectly designed and animated motion menus. Also added are some bonus trailers and a complete radio program. This is THE version to buy, quality is SUPERIOR!!! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Three times the Bela for Your Buck!
Man, there is just something about this cheap little flick. And that something is Bela Lugosi. Although he is essenially one character, that character plays 3 roles in the film. Part of the low-brow charm of BOWERY is that, at times, you feel like you're watching 3 different films. With that lean 61-minute running time, the action comes fast and the body count rises rapidly.

Bela certainly made better poverty-row films (Devil Bat, Invisible Ghost), but BOWERY is still pretty entertaining.

This is the 2nd release by the Lugosi Estate, and it's a keeper. The picture and sound quality are mostly top-notch (some of the exterior night scenes are pretty murky, but they probably didn't look that great to begin with). There's another audio commentary track by Bela Lugosi Jr. and genre critic Ted Newsome. You won't learn much about the movie, but Bela Jr. does have some great memories of his father to share. You also get another fun radio play starring Bela Sr., and 2 trailers for other Lugosi flicks.

All in all, a must-have for Lugosi fans. Let's hope his estate will make good on Bela Jr.'s promise to keep 'em coming.

Surprisingly Good Flick from Monogram!
Monogram Pictures were poverty-row quality, but here, as in a few other Lugosi movies, they make the most of their limited resources and even make a virtue out of them. I don't remember any other movie that captured the seedy, dusty atmosphere of the Bowery as this one. The plot is actually a very interesting one, with a psychology professor masquerading at night as a mission proprietor to front his third line, robbery and murder. Lugosi, in my opinion a vastly underrated and stereotyped actor, does a wonderful job in differentiating the three personae of Professor Brenner (aka Karl Wagner). His tenderness and affection for his wife are very convincingly portrayed; the only real and unexpected jolt is his murdering her in order to prevent the police from discovering his double life. Here is an example of the film's being a bit too short and not being able to fully deliniate the contradictions of the main character; otherwise, this is one of the most interesting interpretations that Bela Lugosi achieved onscreen. The ending is really frightening, as it is suddenly and swiftly presented to the viewer.

What's that smell in the basement?
Bowery at Midnight (1942) stars Bela Lugosi in one of his many 'poverty row' films, a time when Lugosi was on the outs with the major studios and subsequently worked with independent studios like Monogram and PRC. Directed by Wallace Fox (the back of the box mistakenly says Wallace 'Cox'), most known for his westerns, who also directed another one of Lugosi's low-end films called The Corpse Vanishes (1942).

Bela plays three roles in this film, a kindly soup kitchen operator on skid row, a psychology professor and loving husband, and finally a vicious crime lord (I kept wondering when this character found time to sleep).

Basically the plot runs that Bela runs a soup kitchen, enlisting the aid of various criminal elements that pass through to perform heists, jobs, scores, whatever, while maintaining a secret life as a educator...once an individual outlives his usefulness in Lugosi's crime organization, that individual is then eliminated, keeping turnover high and costs down. This also helped to keep Lugosi's activities secret. Also, if a henchman exhibited the slightest bit of treachery, he was gone...like all the way gone, if you know what I mean (I love how they would bury these poor fellows in the basement, and then put markers with their names, no less, showing where each one rested. Not the smartest move, in my opinion, but whatever). And that soup kitchen/criminal lair...I haven't seen that many secret doors in like...well...ever. How in the heck did they keep track of all of them?

Anyway, one of Bela's students, who is involved with Bela's female assistant at the soup kitchen, decides to do a paper on transients, unaware that his teacher is also the man in charge of the soup kitchen. He finds himself in dire trouble as he stumbles across Bela's alter ego, and soon the police are involved. There was an actor in the movie, Dave O'Brien, who plays a detective, which I recognized from somewhere, but couldn't place until I finally remembered he was also in the movie 'Reefer Madness' aka 'Tell Your Children' (1938).

Soon Bela's worlds begin to collide as the police close in, and he meets a suitable fate involving recently deceased criminals resurrected from the dead?! This movie has everything. For a cheapie little movie, I found much to like with the sets and decor. The makers of this movie may not have had much, but what they had, they used very well. A fine example of making the best of what you've got. Oh, and keep an eye out. About 17 minutes into the movie, you may notice a movie poster for one of Lugosi's other poverty row movies, made within the same year. The hour run time serves nicely to keep things moving as the pace rarely slows down.

This disc was released by Lugosi's Estate, and has many worthwhile features including a digitally remastered picture from 35mm film elements, commentary by film historian Ted Newsom and Bela Lugosi, Jr., a photo gallery, some trailers featuring Lugosi's other poverty row releases including one with the Bowery Boys, a wonderful mini movie poster insert, and there is even a radio episode called "Gasoline Cocktail" from some old time radio crime show. If you are interested in getting this movie on DVD, this is the one to get, rather than some of those cheaper releases floating around.

Cookieman108

Good Script . . . Excellent Bela
One item few fans know about Bela Lugosi is that, in his spare time, he was an excellent gourmet cook. Give him a few ingredients, a little time, and he could give the Iron Chef a run for his money. This philosophy also influenced Lugosi's films. Quite often he was called upon to make a decent meal from scattered leftovers. Sometimes his main ingredient would be a portion of ham, depending on the film involved. But, give him a good script and he shone like the sun breaking through on a cloudy day.

"Bowery at Midnight" gives Lugosi a chance to stretch his acting legs. He plays a character who uses three different guises during the course of the film. By day he is a respected professor of criminal psychology as the City University. In his spare time, he is a kindly do-gooder who runs a soup kitchen in the Bowery. But we soon learn this is a cover for his real persona, a snarling, ruthless crime boss who mistreats everyone who had the bad fortune to work for him. Work for this Lugosi at your own peril, for when he has decided you have lost your usefulness, he tosses you to his henchman doctor for disposal. Unknown to Bela, the doc, whom he has also badly misterated, gets revenge by transforming them into zombie-like creatures and keeps them in the mission's basement. When the police catch on, Bela goes to his mistreated employee for help and a place to hide. The doc is more than happy to oblige, leading Bela down the steps to the basement - and his doom at the hands of those he had previously cast aside.

Given the 61 minute running time, the script has to sacrifice characterization for action, but it keeps its continuity quite well and makes sense throughout the film. It's actually fun to see Lugosi in three different characters, going from the pompous, elitist professor of criminology to the kindly, caring social worker to the thoroughly nasty gang boss.

This is the second DVD in the "Bela Lugosi Presents" series and like the first, "The Devil Bat," it is loaded with wonderful extras. First, the picture quality is excellent, as it digitally remastered from a 35mm print. You will not find this quality in other DVD versions of this movie. Secondly, the commentary by Ted Newsom and Bela Lugosi, Jr., serves to enhance the viewing experience by filling us in on behind the scenes information on both the film and Bela's private life. A rare photo and poster gallery is included, as well as a collectable movie poster insert, giving a flavor of the times to the viewer. As if that wasn't enough, a few Lugosi trailers are thrown in as is, as an extra bonus, "Gasoline Cocktail," a radio drama starring none other than Bela himself. If you think his voice is exceptional in the movies, wait until you hear it on radio. Simply fabulous for Bela fans, and cinema fans in general.

I can only hope that Ted Newsom and Bela Lugosi, Jr. do not stop here. Having whetted our appetites with this feast for eyes and ears, we impatiently look forward to their next offering.

EXTRAS EXTRAS!!! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!
Finally a series of Lugosi films put out by the Bela Lugosi Estate. With commentary from Bela Jr and Ted Newsom, a crystal clear stills, lobby card and poster section from the Borst Archive. Perfectly designed and animated motion menus. Also added are some bonus trailers and a complete radio program. This is THE version to buy, quality is SUPERIOR!!! ... Read more