boris karloff name be what bring me to this picture and and without him and i think and the film might have be just another b movie programmer from the forty . i have just learn a little about producer val lewton and and their collaboration here be what give the picture some of it momentum . while watch however and i never really get the impression that this be go to be much of a horror film . yes and there mention of evil spirit and malignant force and and even a word about the dreaded vorvolaka and an undead vampire like creature that part of greek folklore . but even with a mysterious madame kyra ( helen thimig ) professing such belief and and others in the story buying into it and the production make it pretty plain that the reason folk be in danger be because of a plague that have infect the island . the attempt to link thea ( ellen drew ) to malevolent force do not really work for me and she be just too wholesome and good look to imply a serious threat . that role should probably have go to madame kyra and perfect for someone warn about vorvolakas to actually be possess by one . what work best i guess be the way general pherides ( karloff ) slowly unravels from a man of strong principal and belief in science to a mad man intent on eliminate a superstition come to life . it that psychological aspect to the drama that hold more water than the implied horror component and even if mrs. st. aubyn escape from her coffin . enough explanation reveal her bout with cataleptic trance and fear of be bury alive to make that an expected part of the story and and one would presume that that be enough to put her over the edge with the old poseidon sword . nevertheless the film be enjoyable on a number of level while for one and lover of old film will delight in the great ambiance of an isolated and wind swept island and the dark and moody atmosphere of the albrecht home . the character never wear out their welcome and and a others on this board have suggest and those that might have make an early exit . be prepared though for a karloff you haven not see before and all the while i just couldn not get use to see him in a military uniform with curly hair .