Average Rating: 6.5/10
Reviews Counted: 15
Fresh: 13 | Rotten: 2
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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 2
Fresh: 2 | Rotten: 0
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Average Rating: 3.3/5
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Bedlam is one of the costlier psychological-horror efforts from RKO producer Val (Curse of the Cat People) Lewton. Boris Karloff stars as the supervisor of the notorious 18th century British insane asylum St. Mary's of Bethlehem, better known as "Bedlam." Anna Lee, who co-stars as the feisty mistress of a fatuous government official, is appalled by the miserable treatment afforded the Bedlam inmates and insists that reforms be initiated. The crafty, politically connected Karloff responds by
Jan 1, 1946 Wide
All Critics (15) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (13) | Rotten (2) | DVD (2)
Nicholas Musaraca's excellent cinematography contributes a number of fine effects, and there's a strange and witty aside on the invention of movies.
While the film has a tendency to wander into unadulterated Hollywoodisms in spots, it is a generally straight-forward and imaginative estimate of a two-century-old sociological theme.
Lewton had something to say. Perhaps inevitably, he found less interesting ways of saying it over the course of nine films in a short four years.
The feminist-political fable is couched in absorbing grey zones
Another strong chiller from brilliant producer Val Lewton.
As a sociological tract it's right on the money, as a psychological thriller it wanders at times too far away from the money.
Notable only for a nuanced performance by Boris Karloff.
A fine feature in the Val Lewton series for RKO is not so much a horror film, though it does contain one of Karloff's more deliciously sadistic performances.
Robson's notably unpoetic direction doesn't help, either; yet few Hollywood films ever had such ambition.
One of Val Lewton's final films, this collaboration with Boris Karloff is also one of his most tragically underrated.
Creepy doings with Karloff amok in asylum.
Last gasp in the famed Lewton horrors. Frankly, pretty dull.
The film's single most resonant image -- that of the grasping arms of the Bedlam inmates straining to reach through the bars of their cells -- has inspired countless other movies.
Creepy, atmospheric, yet underrated Val Lewton thriller.
an interesting film, more a gothic costume drama than horror and producer val lewton's last film for rko. the story takes place in st mary bethlehem in london, a notorious madhouse. in the 18th century people were allowed to visit 'the loonies' as they were known and the hospital was a popular tourist attraction.
February 22, 2011
Super Reviewer
A very poor story executed decently. Tries to be a horror film at times and tries to be a politcal statement at times, while shoehorning in a love story. It fails at becoming any of these, but it does have some pretty decent scenes - mostly the ones with Karloff (of course).
February 22, 2011
Super Reviewer
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