Vintage Horror That Almost Rose From the Dead

Read Time:4 Minute, 13 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Revenge of the Zombies (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 1943, 2024 Kino Lorber
Runtime: 1h 2m
Director(s): Steve Sekely
Writer(s): Edmond KelsoVan Norcross
Cast: John Carradine, Gale Storm, Robert Lowery, Bob Steele, Mantan Moreland, Veda Ann Borg, Mauritz Hugo
Where To Watch: available now here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Stepping into the murky waters of Louisiana during World War II, REVENGE OF THE ZOMBIES offers a foray into horror that interlaces scares with a twist of history under the direction of Steve Sekely. The film throws the spotlight on Dr. Max von Altermann, a character brought to life by John Carradine, who embarks on a grim quest to serve the Third Reich through unnerving and unorthodox scientific experiments. While the blend of supernatural elements and war-time tension promises an engaging spectacle, the film struggles at times, stitching these components into a narrative that is as patchy as the eerie swamps it portrays.

The film centers on Dr. von Altermann's sinister mission to amass an undead army, adding a personal twist when his wife, Lila, played by Veda Ann Borg, is unwillingly resurrected to join this squadron. Despite her zombified state, Lila retains a semblance of will, subtly undermining her husband's dark ambitions. The storyline deepens as her brother, Scott (Mauritz Hugo), alongside detective Larry Adams (Robert Lowery), delves into the suspicious circumstances of her demise. Their investigation into the gloomy recesses of von Altermann's mansion uncovers a tangled web of secrets, enhancing the film's complexity but occasionally muddling its focus.

The oscillation between horror and, at times, unintentional comedy in REVENGE OF THE ZOMBIES sometimes dilutes the suspense the film aims to cultivate. Mantan Moreland, portraying the witty chauffeur Jeff, injects a dose of humor that, while lively, is steeped in the racial stereotypes of the period. Nonetheless, Moreland's portrayal breathes life into scenes that might otherwise languish in the shadows cast by his co-stars' less dynamic performances.

Contrastingly, Carradine’s portrayal of the mad scientist, typically a staple of his career, lacks the expected depth and menace. Rather than exuding the chilling aura of a formidable antagonist, his performance comes across as disengaged, leaving Dr. von Altermann feeling more like a routine character than the mastermind of a chilling plot.

Unfortunately, the film’s heroes, Hugo and Lowery, don’t leave a memorable mark, their portrayals failing to anchor the narrative. Gale Storm, who plays the secretary, is similarly confined to a reactive role that scarcely taps into her potential to influence the unfolding events. Borg's Lila, intended to be a poignant blend of life and afterlife, is underexplored, with only fleeting moments suggesting what could have been a more compelling personal struggle.

Despite these shortcomings, the film secures a place in the annals of zombie cinema as one of the pioneers in portraying zombies without the need for an explanatory backstory, assuming a level of audience familiarity with these horror icons. This approach reflects a broader shift in the genre, although it does little to polish the overall execution of the movie.

For enthusiasts of classic horror and B-movies, REVENGE OF THE ZOMBIES will still hold a peculiar charm. Its campy dialogue and unintended humor provide a nostalgic return to the genre's past. Moreland's performance adds a much-needed zest, making the darker scenes palatable.

While REVENGE OF THE ZOMBIES stumbles in its aspiration to meld horror with drama, it remains an intriguing piece from a bygone era of filmmaking. It's a film that, with a more cohesive script and more profound character development, might have transcended its genre. Instead, it remains an entertaining spectacle, capturing a moment in cinematic history but leaving audiences yearning for more substance from its ghostly tale.

Product Extras:
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Tom Weaver and Gary D. Rhodes
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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