that became Universal Pictures
' biggest box office hit of the year. It was the first of eight movies (six of which were produced by Universal) to pair actors Béla Lugosi
and Boris Karloff
. Edgar G. Ulmer directed the film; Peter Ruric (better known as pulp writer "Paul Cain"
) wrote the screenplay. The classical music
soundtrack, compiled by Heinz Eric Roemheld
, is unusual for its time, because there is an almost continuous background score throughout the entire film.
Two young honeymooners, Peter and Joan Alison, are vacationing in Hungary when they learn that due to a mix up in the reservations, they must share a train compartment with Dr.
You must be indulgent with Dr. Werdegast's weakness. He is the unfortunate victim of one of the commoner phobias, but in an extreme form. He has an intense and all-consuming horror of cats.
[to Karen] Oh, it's nothing. Only an accident in the road below. I want you to stay in this room all day tomorrow Karen. You are the very core and meaning of my life. No one shall take you from me. Not even Vitus, not even your father.
Did you hear that, Vitus? The phone is dead. Even the phone is dead.
After all, better to be frightened than to be crushed.
[to Peter, about his stroking Joan's hair while she sleeps] I beg your indulgence my friend. Eighteen years ago, I left a girl so like your lovely wife to go to war...She was my wife. Have you ever heard of Kurgaal? It is a prison below Amsk...Many men have gone there. Few have returned. I have returned. After fifteen years, I have returned.
It has been a long time Hjalmar. The years have been kind to you.
[to Peter, about Poelzig's house] It is indeed hard to describe. It's hard to describe his life — or death. It may well be an atmosphere of death. This place was built upon the ruins of the same Ft. Marmorus that our unfortunate friend, the driver, described so vividly. Herr Poelzig commanded Marmorus during the last years of the war. He is perhaps sentimental about this spot.
Supernatural, perhaps... Baloney, perhaps not. There are many things under the sun.