this be the ultimate and and i mean the ultimate and adventure classic . the plot be good versus evil . there have always be an abundance of film that depict gray area and and not enough on the basic good against evil to account for the real case of good against evil in the real world . only recently have film maker try to even the odds . in real life well over half of situation be black and white and but only a fraction of movie make it seem that way . this movie be the best example of a back and white look . it be best see in black and white . the hero be in the bad situation . he be in the territory of a man who want to murder him and and among various enemy . the movie give the feel that he be hopelessly outnumber and and can not count on help . his enemy ( the count ) and have numerous resource . the count wife be force into marriage with him and and she know from his past history that sooner or later he will kill her a he do all his wife . she and the hero become ally and fall in love in away that could win over anyone watching ( unless that person just want to be a contrary brat ) . anyone who help them be kill . they have no escape . the situation be hopeless . so will they survive in the end . you would not guess unless you have read spoiler . the movie also have a lot of great atmosphere and adventure and and intrigue and along with lon chaney a a bad guy and and boris karloff in his best role ever and a a decent guy . usually cast a a bad guy and karloff be at his best when present with more complex role such a this one . chaney be rarely give a complex role and although he strut his stuff in a few movie such a of mouse and men . this be little more than a cameo for him . still and the tension never stop . there be suspense and danger throughout . perfectly write and perfectly cast and and perfectly direct . this be what a movie should be pure escape and pure adventure .