Black & White Movies

Horror

The Amazing Mr. X (1948)
4/5 (1)

“The Amazing Mr. X” is a 1948 American film noir directed by Bernard Vorhaus. The film stars Turhan Bey, Lynn Bari, Cathy O’Donnell, and Richard Carlson. The story follows Christine Faber (played by Lynn Bari), a young widow who visits a psychic named Alexis (played by Turhan Bey) to contact her deceased husband. Alexis claims to be able to communicate with the dead, and he tells Christine that her husband is trying to reach her. However, Alexis is not what he seems, and he has a sinister plan for Christine.

Alexis has a reputation as a medium, and many wealthy clients come to him seeking his services. However, Alexis is not a psychic at all. He uses his skills in hypnosis and psychology to read people’s minds and manipulate them. He is also a con artist and a thief, and he uses his abilities to steal from his clients. When Christine comes to him, he sees an opportunity to exploit her vulnerability and take her money.

Alexis begins to visit Christine at her home, and he starts to influence her thoughts and emotions. He convinces her that her deceased husband is still with her and that he wants her to be happy. He also suggests that she invest in the stock market, using his predictions to make a fortune. Christine becomes infatuated with Alexis and trusts him completely.

However, Christine’s sister Janet (played by Cathy O’Donnell) becomes suspicious of Alexis and starts to investigate him. She discovers that he is a fraud and warns Christine, but Christine refuses to believe her. Meanwhile, Alexis continues to manipulate Christine, convincing her to withdraw all her money from the bank and give it to him. He plans to flee the country with the money and leave Christine behind.

In the end, Janet and a police detective confront Alexis at his apartment. Alexis tries to escape, but he falls to his death from the balcony. Christine is left alone, but she realizes the truth about Alexis and decides to move on with her life.

“The Amazing Mr. X” is a classic film noir that explores themes of deception, manipulation, and the dangers of trusting strangers. The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, clever plot twists, and strong performances by the cast.

Directors:
Bernard Vorhaus

Writer:
Crane Wilbur, Muriel Roy Bolton, Ian McLellan Hunter

Stars:
Turhan Bey, Lynn Bari, Cathy O’Donnell

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Inner Sanctum (1948)
3/5 (1)

“Inner Sanctum” is a 1948 film noir directed by Lew Landers and starring Charles Russell and Mary Beth Hughes. The movie follows the story of a woman named Mary who is found murdered, and her husband, a successful physician named Richard, is the prime suspect in her death. Richard becomes increasingly paranoid as the investigation unfolds, and he begins to see visions of Mary’s ghost, which seem to be trying to lead him to the real killer.

As Richard’s mental state deteriorates, he becomes more and more convinced that his neighbor, a wealthy and eccentric old man named Melton, is the murderer. Meanwhile, Richard’s secretary, Evelyn, has developed romantic feelings for him and is determined to help clear his name.

As the investigation continues, the true identity of the killer is revealed, and Richard is finally exonerated. However, the experience has taken a toll on his mental health, and the film ends with him being taken away to a sanitarium for treatment.

Directors:
Lew Landers

Writer:
Jerome T. Gollard

Stars:
Charles Russell, Mary Beth Hughes, Billy House

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The Monster Walks (1932)
3/5 (1)

“The Monster Walks” is a 1932 black-and-white horror film directed by Frank R. Strayer. The plot revolves around a wealthy but ill-tempered man named Robert Earlton who dies suddenly, leaving behind a sizable estate that includes a creepy mansion and a fortune in diamonds. His will stipulates that the diamonds are to be divided equally among his surviving relatives.

The film opens with Robert’s daughter Ruth, her fiancé Dr. Ted Clayton, and a group of other relatives arriving at the mansion for the reading of the will. They are met by the housekeeper, who warns them that strange things have been happening in the house and that there may be a monster on the loose.

Soon after the reading of the will, strange things start to happen. Doors mysteriously open and close, strange noises are heard, and someone or something seems to be lurking in the shadows. The tension escalates when the family’s butler, Hanns, is found dead, apparently killed by the monster.

As the family members try to figure out who or what is responsible for the murders, they discover that there are hidden passages and secret rooms in the mansion, and that someone is determined to get their hands on the diamonds at any cost.

As the bodies pile up, the remaining family members realize that they must work together to solve the mystery and stop the killer before it’s too late. In the end, the true identity of the monster is revealed, and justice is served.

Overall, “The Monster Walks” is a classic horror film with all the trappings of the genre – a creepy old mansion, hidden passages, secret rooms, and a monster on the loose. It’s a fun and entertaining movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Directors:
Frank R. Strayer

Writer:
Robert Ellis

Stars:
Mischa Auer, Martha Mattox, Rex Lease

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Invisible Ghost (1941)
2.5/5 (2)

“Invisible Ghost” is a 1941 American horror film directed by Joseph H. Lewis. The movie follows the story of a wealthy man named Charles Kessler (played by Bela Lugosi) who is haunted by the memory of his wife, who disappeared several years earlier.

Kessler’s wife, who was presumed dead, suddenly reappears in his life, but only he can see her. Whenever Kessler sees her, he becomes possessed and is driven to commit murder. Despite his attempts to control his actions, Kessler cannot resist the influence of his invisible wife, and the body count begins to rise.

As the murders continue, Kessler’s daughter Virginia (played by Polly Ann Young) and her fiancé Ralph (played by John McGuire) become suspicious of Kessler’s behavior. They begin to investigate the strange occurrences in the house and eventually discover the truth about Kessler’s invisible wife.

Overall, “Invisible Ghost” is a classic horror movie that blends elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. The film is notable for Bela Lugosi’s performance as Charles Kessler, a man tormented by his own guilt and haunted by his past. The movie is also known for its eerie atmosphere and spooky soundtrack, which add to the overall sense of dread and unease.

Directors:
Joseph H. Lewis

Writer:
Helen Martin, Al Martin

Stars:
Bela Lugosi, Polly Ann Young, John McGuire

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Werewolf in a Girls’ Dormitory (1962)
3/5 (1)

“Werewolf in a Girls’ Dormitory” is a horror movie directed by Paolo Heusch and starring Barbara Lass, Carl Schell, and Curt Lowens. The movie was released in 1962 and is also known as “Lycanthropus” and “Monster Among the Girls.”

The story is set in a remote girls’ boarding school in the Italian countryside, which is plagued by a series of brutal murders. The local police are baffled by the murders, and tensions rise when a new teacher, Dr. Julian Olcott (Carl Schell), arrives at the school. Dr. Olcott has a mysterious past, and some of the students suspect that he may be responsible for the killings.

As the murders continue, the students become increasingly frightened and paranoid. They suspect one another and even start to turn on Dr. Olcott, who they believe is hiding something. But as the full moon approaches, it becomes clear that there is a real werewolf on the loose, and the students must band together to survive the night.

In the end, the identity of the werewolf is revealed, and the surviving characters are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. “Werewolf in a Girls’ Dormitory” is a classic example of 1960s horror, with Gothic atmosphere, suspenseful music, and over-the-top acting. It has gained a cult following over the years and is a must-see for fans of classic horror cinema.

Directors:
Paolo Heusch

Writer:
Ernesto Gastaldi

Stars:
Barbara Lass, Carl Schell, Curt Lowens

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The Human Monster (1939)
3/5 (1)

“The Dark Eyes of London” (1939), also known as “The Human Monster,” is a 1939 British thriller film directed by Walter Summers, based on the novel of the same name by Edgar Wallace. The film stars Bela Lugosi as a mysterious figure who preys on the vulnerable and murders them for their insurance policies. Detective Inspector Larry Holt (played by Hugh Williams) investigates the string of murders and uncovers a criminal organization behind them. Along the way, Holt becomes romantically involved with one of the potential victims, Anne (played by Greta Gynt), which complicates matters as he tries to solve the case.

The film is known for its dark and atmospheric cinematography, as well as Lugosi’s chilling performance as the villainous Dr. Orloff. Lugosi’s character is a master of disguise who poses as a wealthy philanthropist, using his position to lure his victims in and then murder them. As the investigation progresses, Holt and his team begin to unravel the tangled web of deception and criminal activity, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the killer in the film’s climax.

Overall, “The Dark Eyes of London” is a classic example of British horror cinema, with its eerie atmosphere, suspenseful plot, and memorable performances by its cast.

Directors:
Walter Summers

Writer:
Edgar Wallace, Patrick Kirwan, Walter Summers

Stars:
Bela Lugosi, Hugh Williams, Greta Gynt

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Man with Two Lives (1942)
3/5 (1)

“Man with Two Lives” is a 1942 horror film directed by Phil Rosen. The movie follows Dr. John Meredith, a physician who is conducting experiments on the human brain to try and cure a wealthy patient’s paralysis. However, when the patient dies during the experiment, Meredith decides to transplant his brain into the body of a deceased man to keep the experiment going.

The procedure is successful, but the new body’s previous owner was a notorious criminal, and Meredith soon finds himself plagued by the man’s violent impulses and memories. As he struggles to control his new body and mind, Meredith is forced to confront the consequences of his unethical experiment.

As Meredith’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, his wife and friend begin to suspect that something is wrong. Meanwhile, the criminal’s former accomplices seek out the new body in order to exact revenge.

“Man with Two Lives” is a classic horror film that explores the theme of identity and the consequences of playing god. The movie features strong performances by Edward Norris as Dr. Meredith and Marlo Dwyer as his wife, and is known for its atmospheric cinematography and suspenseful plot.

Directors:
Phil Rosen

Writer:
Joseph Hoffman

Stars:
Edward Norris, Marlo Dwyer, Eleanor Lawson

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Hands Of A Stranger (1962)
3/5 (1)

“Hands of a Stranger” is a 1962 horror-thriller film directed by Newt Arnold. The movie follows a concert pianist named Vernon Paris who loses his hands in a car accident. After being fitted with prosthetic hands, Vernon begins to experience strange sensations and realizes that the hands belonged to a murderer.

As Vernon struggles to come to terms with his new hands and their sinister past, he becomes increasingly paranoid and begins to suspect those around him. His girlfriend, Francie, and his doctor, Dr. Benbow, try to help him through his trauma, but Vernon’s obsession with the hands and the crimes they committed leads him down a path of madness.

As Vernon becomes more unstable, he is eventually confronted by the real killer, who wants his hands back. In a dramatic finale, Vernon must fight for his life and overcome the evil influence of the hands.

“Hands of a Stranger” is a tense and unsettling film, featuring strong performances by Paul Lukather as Vernon Paris and Joan Harvey as Francie. The movie’s exploration of the psychological effects of trauma and the idea of being haunted by one’s own body parts has made it a classic of the horror genre.

Directors:
Newt Arnold

Writer:
Newt Arnold, Maurice Renard

Stars:
Paul Lukather, Joan Harvey, James Noah

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The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1936)
3/5 (1)

“The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is a 1936 British crime-horror film directed by George King. The film is based on the story of Sweeney Todd, a fictional character who murders his customers and then sends their bodies to be turned into meat pies by his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett.

The film follows Todd, a barber who has returned to London after being wrongly imprisoned in Australia for 15 years. Todd sets up his barber shop above Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop and begins luring his customers into a trap, killing them with a razor and then disposing of their bodies. Mrs. Lovett then uses the corpses to make her meat pies, which quickly become popular in the neighborhood.

Todd’s crimes are eventually discovered by a young sailor named Mark Ingerstreet, who has fallen in love with Todd’s daughter, Johanna. Mark sets out to expose Todd and put an end to his reign of terror, but Todd has other plans for Mark and Johanna.

“The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is a dark and suspenseful film, featuring strong performances by Tod Slaughter as Sweeney Todd and Stella Rho as Mrs. Lovett. The film’s blend of horror and crime elements has made it a cult classic and a notable adaptation of the Sweeney Todd legend.

Directors:
George King

Writer:
Frederick Hayward, H.F. Maltby, George Dibdin-Pitt

Stars:
Tod Slaughter, Stella Rho, John Singer

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The City of the Dead (Horror Hotel) (1960)
4/5 (1)

“The City of the Dead,” also known as “Horror Hotel,” is a 1960 horror film directed by John Llewellyn Moxey. The movie follows a young student named Nan Barlow, who travels to the small town of Whitewood, Massachusetts to research witchcraft for her thesis.

Upon arriving in Whitewood, Nan finds the town to be unsettling and unwelcoming. She checks into the Raven’s Inn, run by the mysterious Mrs. Newless, and begins her research with the help of the local history professor, Alan Driscoll. However, Nan soon discovers that the town has a dark past involving witchcraft and human sacrifice, and that the residents are all part of a coven of witches who worship the devil.

As Nan delves deeper into the town’s history, she becomes the target of the witches’ sinister plot to sacrifice her in a ritual to bring back their deceased leader. With the help of Alan and a local pastor, Richard Cutts, Nan must fight for her life and escape the clutches of the coven before it’s too late.

“The City of the Dead” is a classic horror film known for its atmospheric cinematography, eerie score, and effective use of suspense and terror. The movie is a chilling exploration of witchcraft and the occult, and features a standout performance by Christopher Lee as the sinister Professor Driscoll.

Directors:
John Llewellyn Moxey

Writer:
Milton Subotsky, George Baxt

Stars:
Patricia Jessel, Dennis Lotis, Christopher Lee

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House on Haunted Hill (1959)
4/5 (1)

“House on Haunted Hill” is a horror film directed by William Castle in 1959. The film stars Vincent Price as eccentric millionaire Frederick Loren, who invites five guests to spend the night in a supposedly haunted house in exchange for $10,000 each.

The guests, including a test pilot, a newspaper columnist, and the house’s owner, arrive at the house and are met by Loren and his wife Annabelle. As the night progresses, strange and terrifying events occur, including a severed head that appears out of nowhere, a ghostly apparition, and the discovery of a pit filled with acid.

As tensions rise, it becomes clear that one of the guests is trying to scare the others and possibly even murder them. In the end, the identity of the villain is revealed, and a dramatic confrontation takes place, resulting in a thrilling climax.

“House on Haunted Hill” is known for its use of gimmicks, such as “Emergo,” a skeleton that would fly over the audience during certain scenes in theaters. The film has since become a cult classic and is often cited as an influential horror film of its time.

Directors:
William Castle

Writer:
Robb White

Stars:
Vincent PriceCarol OhmartRichard Long

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Der Golem (1920)
4/5 (1)

“Der Golem” is a silent horror film directed by Paul Wegener and Carl Boese in 1920. The film is based on Jewish folklore and follows the story of a Rabbi who creates a golem, a giant clay creature, to protect the Jewish people in the 16th century.

The golem, brought to life through a mystical ritual, proves to be a powerful protector for the Jewish community against the oppression of the city’s ruling class. However, as the golem becomes more and more uncontrollable, it starts to pose a threat to the people it was created to protect.

In the end, the Rabbi is forced to destroy the golem and bury it in the attic of the synagogue. However, the film ends with the suggestion that the golem may still be alive, and could be reawakened if needed.

“Der Golem” is considered a classic of German expressionist cinema, known for its innovative use of special effects and its haunting visual style. The film has been highly influential, inspiring numerous other horror films and has become a cult favorite among horror movie fans.

Directors:
Paul Wegener, Carl Boese

Writer:
Paul Wegener, Henrik Galeen

Stars:
Paul Wegener, Albert Steinrück, Ernst Deutsch

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The Phantom Carriage (1921)
5/5 (1)

“The Phantom Carriage” is a silent Swedish film directed by Victor Sjöström, released in 1921. The film is based on the novel “Thy Soul Shall Bear Witness!” by Nobel Prize-winning author Selma Lagerlöf. It tells the story of David Holm, a troubled alcoholic who dies on New Year’s Eve and is forced to relive his past through the supernatural power of the phantom carriage.

David Holm is a cruel and abusive man, who has abandoned his wife and children and spends his days drinking and getting into fights. On New Year’s Eve, he is involved in a brawl and is fatally injured. As he dies, he sees the phantom carriage approaching, a vehicle that is said to be driven by Death himself, which collects the souls of the dead.

The driver of the carriage, Georges, informs David that he will be the new driver, and that he will be forced to collect the souls of the dead for the next year. David initially tries to resist, but Georges shows him a vision of his past, revealing the pain and suffering he has caused others throughout his life.

Throughout the night, David is forced to relive his past, including the moment when he abandoned his wife and children, the death of his friend and the consequences of his cruel behavior. He also witnesses the effects of his actions on the lives of those he has hurt, including his wife and a Salvation Army worker named Edit, who tries to save him.

In the end, David realizes the depth of his wrongdoing and begs for forgiveness. He is granted a second chance at life and awakens on New Year’s Day, determined to change his ways and make amends for his past mistakes.

“The Phantom Carriage” is a haunting and powerful film, exploring themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of one’s actions. Its innovative use of special effects and non-linear storytelling techniques made it a groundbreaking film in its time and has influenced generations of filmmakers since.

Directors:
Victor Sjöström

Writer:
Selma Lagerlöf, Victor Sjöström

Stars:
Victor Sjöström, Hilda Borgström, Tore Svennberg

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Vampyr (1932)
4/5 (1)

“Vampyr” is a German-French horror film directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer and released in 1932. The movie is loosely based on the novel “Carmilla” by Sheridan Le Fanu, and it follows the story of a young man named Allan Gray who arrives in a small French town and becomes embroiled in a supernatural mystery.

Gray becomes fascinated with the supernatural and begins to explore the town’s eerie surroundings, including an old mill and a nearby castle. He soon discovers that the town is plagued by a group of vampires who are preying on its inhabitants.

Gray finds himself drawn into a strange and terrifying world of the undead, and he must use all of his wits and resources to fight against the creatures of the night. Along the way, he meets a doctor who is also investigating the vampire activity in the town, as well as a young woman who is in danger of becoming the vampires’ next victim.

As Gray delves deeper into the mystery, he realizes that he himself may be in danger from the vampires. In the end, he confronts the vampire leader and manages to destroy her, bringing an end to the town’s nightmare.

The film is known for its dreamlike atmosphere and unique visual style, with Dreyer using innovative techniques such as double exposure to create a sense of otherworldly horror. It has been recognized as a classic of the horror genre and continues to be influential in modern horror filmmaking.

Directors:
Carl Theodor Dreyer

Writer:
Sheridan Le Fanu, Christen Jul, Carl Theodor Dreyer

Stars:
Julian West, Maurice Schutz, Rena Mandel

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Dracula (1931)
4/5 (1)

Dracula is a horror film released in 1931, directed by Tod Browning and starring Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula. The movie is based on the 1897 novel of the same name by Bram Stoker.

The story begins with a young British solicitor named Renfield (Dwight Frye) traveling to Transylvania to meet with a nobleman, Count Dracula. Renfield is warned by the locals about the dangers of visiting the castle, but he persists and ultimately falls under Dracula’s spell.

Dracula then travels to London, where he begins preying on the city’s inhabitants, particularly women. He is eventually discovered by Professor Abraham Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan), who leads a group of people to hunt him down and stop his reign of terror.

The film is notable for its use of shadow and lighting to create a moody, atmospheric tone, as well as for Lugosi’s iconic performance as Dracula. Despite its age, the film remains a classic of the horror genre and has been cited as a major influence on subsequent vampire movies.

Directors:
Tod Browning, Karl Freund

Writer:
Bram Stoker, Hamilton Deane, John L. Balderston

Stars:
Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners

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Black & White Series

Series List A-Z

Top Rated Moveis

1 Great Expectations (1946)
5/5 (1)
2 Strike (1925)
5/5 (1)
3 The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
5/5 (1)
4 Intolerance (1916)
5/5 (1)
5 The Phantom Carriage (1921)
5/5 (1)
6 Charade (1953)
5/5 (1)
7 His Girl Friday (1940)
5/5 (1)
8 Rebecca (1940)
5/5 (1)
9 The Intruder (1962)
5/5 (1)
10 Arizona Gunfighter (1937)
5/5 (1)