The Haunted Strangler (1958)

Starring Boris Karloff, Jean Kent, Elizabeth Allan, Anthony Dawson, Vera Day
Directed by Robert Day

(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)

A novelist tries to prove the man convicted and executed for the strangling murders of women was not the guilty party, not realizing he may have his own personal connection to the crimes. 

We have here a nice vehicle for Karloff, one of a couple of films he made for producer Richard Gordon in England.  He is quite believable as a dogged investigator of the crimes of the "Haymarket Strangler," trying to prove his point that the man executed was not only innocent, but would have never been convicted if he had the money for a good lawyer.  The film has fine production values illustrating its period setting well, and Karloff is well supported by a good cast around him.  Eventually, the identity of the true strangler is revealed, prompting a return to his terrible killings in a clever and gruesome makeup in scenes well-staged by Day and his crew.  It's a well-done horror film, well-suited to the film's legendary star.

Mark Of The Vampire (1935)

Starring Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allan, Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill, Jean Hersholt
Directed by Tod Browning
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)

A modern community is convinced that vampires haunt a castle whose owner has been recently murdered, and the police inspector calls in an expert on the legend to help.

A sound remake by Tod Browning of a lost silent film few have seen, London After Midnight, the movie may follow the same story, but it looks a lot like Browning's Dracula, and returns that film's star, Bela Lugosi, although he has a limited role.  Filled with creepy imagery and featuring the photography of acclaimed cinematographer James Wong Howe, it's a perfect film for Halloween-viewing with numerous scenes of skulking rodents, crawling spiders, and swooping bats, and although some of the creature effects appear obvious today, I relished them for their contribution to the film's dark mood.  Fans expecting more from Lugosi's presence may be surprised to see Carroll Borland as the chief vampire here, but her icy stare is very effective, and Howe lights her menacingly as she stalks Allan throughout the film.  We may never know if the movie is an improvement or not as good as London After Midnight, but it's certainly another memorable foray by Browning into gothic horror.

The Mystery Of Mr. X (1934)

Starring Robert Montgomery, Elizabeth Allan, Lewis Stone, Ralph Forbes, Henry Stephenson
Directed by Edgar Selwyn
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)

After his latest theft is tied in with the crimes of a serial killer, a debonair jewel thief tries to help the police find the murderer.  

A worthy showcase for the talents of Robert Montgomery, this unusual mystery affords the actor a choice role he imbues with charm and cleverness.  The beautiful Allan makes a tempting prize for his character on the right side of the law and Forrester Harvey is quite good in one of his many blustery character parts.  The rest of the film is as winningly assembled as the cast, as the filmmakers move along the story at a logical pace, and build a suspenseful climax as Montgomery hunts the killer in an abandoned warehouse.