Monster, The

Once you're in the lair of vile Dr. Ziska, is there any way out? That's what Johnny Goodlittle -- fresh from receiving his correspondence school detective's diploma and a starter kit containing a badge, handcuffs and a handgun -- must figure out as he tries to rescue other captives and escape The Monster. Lon Chaney plays the monstrous, dourly expressive Ziska, who gathers candidates for his eerie experiments by causing roadway accidents. While The Man of a Thousand Faces provides the creepiness, a nimble cast and droll title cards provide the comedy of this dark-house tale. Roland West, whose The Bat Whispers would be cited by comic-book legend Bob Kane as an inspiration for the creation of a certain hooded crime fighter, directs.

• drama
• silent