74
Metascore
10 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonAmong the finest hours of horror star Boris Karloff. [18 Oct 2005, p.C3]
- Literate, but not at the expense of the cinematic, THE BODY SNATCHER is one of Lewton's greatest works and contains what is arguably Karloff's finest performance.
- The movie has those unmistakable, shiver-inducing touches Lewton (Cat People) is famous for: a loyal little dog refusing to leave the site of its master’s fresh grave, a blind singer’s song suddenly and shockingly stopping offscreen, and the surprise of that final coach ride.
- 75Slant MagazineClayton DillardSlant MagazineClayton DillardEven if the narrative threads aren’t as tightly focused on exploring a complex theme as one might hope, The Body Snatcher nevertheless manages to still send chills, and predominately through Wise’s fleet direction and Karloff’s unflinching embodiment of a real-world monster.
- 75The Seattle TimesThe Seattle TimesA classy thriller with a notable period atmosphere and intelligent use of the macabre. [07 May 1992, p.3]
- 70The New York TimesBosley CrowtherThe New York TimesBosley CrowtherThis new gloomlodger, though not as nerve-paralyzing as the performers might lead you to expect, has enough suspense and atmospheric terror to make it one of the better of its genre.
- 70Time OutTime OutThis adaptation of the old Burke and Hare business (based on a Robert Louis Stevenson story) is still great entertainment, with Karloff, Lugosi and Daniell (Hollywood's greatest sourpuss) leaving no dead body unturned in 19th century Edinburgh.
- 70The New YorkerThe New YorkerA horror item considerably better than most. [09 Jun 1945, p.56]