The Monster

1925

1h 35m

IMDb RATING

5.7/10

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Comedy

Horror

Mystery

A general store clerk and aspiring detective investigates a mysterious disappearance that took place quite close to an empty insane asylum.

Directors

Roland West

Writers

Roland West(adaptation by)

Crane Wilbur(theatre play by)

Willard Mack(writer by)

Stars

Lon Chaney

Johnny Arthur

Gertrude Olmstead

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Top cast

Dr. Ziska

Johnny Goodlittle

Betty Watson

Amos Rugg

Russ Mason

Caliban

Daffy Dan

Rigo

Luke Watson

Mrs. Watson

Freckle Faced Kid (uncredited)

Herbert Prior

Dr. Edwards (uncredited)

William H. Turner

Detective Jennings (uncredited)

Dorothy Vernon

Townswoman at Accident Scene (uncredited)

Directors

Roland West

Writers

Roland West(adaptation by)

Crane Wilbur(theatre play by)

Willard Mack(writer by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

The problem with this is that it just takes forever to get past the introduction of the rather insipid characters and become interesting. "Johnny" (Johnny Arthur) is the wimpish store-man who shares a shine on the boss's daughter "Betty" (Gertrude Olmstead) with the slightly more sophisticated "Amos" (Hallam Cooley). Now "Johnny" has just finished qualifying as a private investigator and decides that a local missing person might be a suitable place to start his sleuthing career. The action, such as it is, all centres around a disused sanatarium and when his gal and his rival get stuck there requiring rescue, all three (eventually) meet "Dr. Ziska" (Lon Chaney) and it's soon pretty clear that he is up to no-good. It's a slow burn this, and Chaney isn't anywhere near his best - but to be fair, this isn't the chunkiest part for him (or us) to get immersed in. There are some fun, almost slapstick, moments and electricity plays quite a significant role as our threesome try to escape the clutches of their menacing host. Loads of rain, a tightrope walk and a rather decrepit motor cycle cop also try their best to liven it up and at times Roland West hits the spot. Just not quickly or often enough to make this film much to write home about.

Geronimo196708 Dec, 2023