The Black Room

"Dead or Alive... He could kill!"

Jul 15 1935 Approved 1h 8m
Crime, Horror

In a 16th-century European town, the ruling family has been given a prophecy that, should there ever be twin boys born, the younger will murder the older; so is dismayed when twins are born to the popular baron. The older grows to be a selfish, slovenly man, who inherits the castle at his father's death and becomes ruler over the formerly happy villagers. He enjoys his power until he learns his younger brother is returning from abroad and, afraid of the prophecy, he determines to murder his sibling, hide his body in the "black room" - an old torture chamber sealed away behind the fireplace - and then impersonate him, right down to his withered arm. In this way he hopes to not only avoid the prophecy, but also escape consequences of his other criminal deeds and obtain marriage to a local girl of the nobility...

Official Trailer
Plot

Prophecy has it that younger twin Anton will kill brother Gregor in the castle's Black Room. Anton returns to the castle after a 10 year hiatus. Gregor, a Baron, has many attempts on his life as his subjects detest his tyranny. However, good natured Anton earns the subjects' respect, and the admiration of Col.Hassel, uncle of the beautiful Thea. When Gregor kills young servant Mashka, his subjects storm the castle to remove him. Devious Gregor renounces his title in favour of brother Anton to appease them. He then kills Anton to assume his identity and the Baronship again. He is free to pursue Thea with Col.Hassel's blessing. When Col.Hassel discovers Gregor's impersonation, he also meets death. With Thea's true love, Lt. Lussan, wrongfully convicted of Hassel's murder, it appears nothing can stop evil Gregor from ambushing her into marriage. But what of that prophecy?

Written by

Arthur Strawn, Henry Myers

Directed by

Roy William Neill

Cast

Boris Karloff, Marian Marsh, Robert Allen

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Columbia Pictures

Languages

English

Awards

N/A

Trailers
KARLOFF AT COLUMBIA (Eureka Classics) New & Exclusive Trailer
Featurettes
Joe Dante on THE BLACK ROOM
Scores
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Average Rating
6.9 out of 10
Metascore
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Popularity
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