From Cat People to Bedlam: The Horror Films of Val Lewton

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Thanks for watching, do check out our other Val Lewton video about the Cat People and its sequel kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3PEf2B-aLt6fJo

[@H3len50]

Another stunning review.

[@clarencewalker3925]

Bravo, redux for reminding people what real filmmaking is all about.

[@davidaston5773]

Your ending analogy was beautiful. Thank you for educating and inspiring me. ALL the videos I've watched recently, including this one of course, have re ignited my imaginations and ideas. Happy New Year and here's to you. The shadows hold the secrets and fire the mind. David

[@kali3665]

As Boris Karloff said, Lewton was "the man who rescued me from the living dead and saved my soul." And all of ours as well. Val Lewton deserved so much more than he got, but we got some incredible films from him. An extraordinary tribute, Robin. A genuine pleasure to see this. Thank you!

[@deansneed3243]

Thank you for re-introducing Val Lewton to a younger audience, who might never have known his work even existed . His films, with their atmospheric use of light and shadow, intelligent dialog and fear of what lurks unseen in the dark, will never be surpassed.

[@skylx0812]

This episode is practically art itself. Great writing.

[@ronmcnamara403]

YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!!!

[@leoinsf]

At 86 years of age, these movies came out in my youth. I still remember "The Leopard Man" at the age of 6 on a Monday night dish night at the Lyceum Theater in San Francisco. When the opening of the film was screened and the little girl is killed by the leopard behind the locked front door with the blood seeping under the door, many in the theater stood up in horror with the dish they had acquired as they walked in the theater falling to the ground. This shows the power and originality of Val Lewton who did much to establish horror and mystery leading to film noir. I have all the Val Lewton movies on blu-ray except "Seventh Victim" which never made it to blu-ray.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

You guys are absolute saints for doing this. The Lewton films have inhabited my soul for decades. The ending of The Seventh Victim will always haunt me. I don't think anyone will understand the art of cinema unless they confront the Lewton canon, watch them again, think about them and let them simmer and blossom. There's no sense in me going on about it, as I probably will just type a gushing hyperbolic essay. In short, you guys rock.

[@-BigMike-]

I couldn't agree more. I can still remember being stunned by the minimalist, physiological horror of the Val Lewton films. From the famous bus scene in Cat People to the private eyes death in The Seventh Victim. Lewton was definitely in a class of his own.

[@DeidreL9]

Definitely agree! They are definitely simmer films, utterly brilliant.

[@kylw3460]

Outer Galaxy Lounge:., WOW !! VERY Well said, man..!!!

[@rogerrendzak8055]

Loved Val's work since, I was a kid. But, just didn't realize it😁.

[@paulamiles9559]

Well said!

[@davidkurtz8517]

Carmilla and Blackbeard by Val Lewton? My mouth is watering! It's almost painful that we can only imagine what this legend could have done with those two films.

[@MightyMezzo]

Karloff’s three films for Val Lawton contain some of the best work he ever put on film.

[@lallancashire2201]

Brilliant 👌 Lewton still deserves wider appreciation. His contribution to psychological horror is arguably as great as Hitchcock's. Another top notch documentary 👍

[@tomsenior7405]

The amount of effort and hard work that must have been invested in this programme is well worth the on-screen result. Thank you Chaps. I really appreciate these longer episodes. Bloody marvelous stuff.

[@timhrklittimothyherrickvid169]

Best doc I've seen on Lewton, concise and yet detailed and comprehensive. I'm a cat people fan, the zombie film, but now I know what else I have to catch up with, thanks

[@ryandtibbetts2962]

One could argue that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre gave an updated version of the "Lewton Walk". The wheelchair-bound young man and his sister pushing through the dark woods in search of their friends is positively nail-biting right up to when Leatherface appears with the roar of his chainsaw.

[@JayRickard]

What a wonderful tribute to a brilliant man. His career was tragically short but what a filmography. Genius.

[@shannondore]

I love Val Lewton films and I can hear the passion you have for them in every line of this documentary Robin.... Your line at the end got to me a little.😢 And though I loved the two Cat People movies I gotta say his movies with Karloff were amazing, some of Karloff's best work. I love what he said about Lewton saving his soul.

[@Dr.Phibes71]

As a Lewton fan, I cannot praise this video highly enough. Thank you for bringing the man out of the shadows, so to speak. His films remain masterpieces, and more people need to know about them.

[@geraldmartin7703]

Admirable essay. Decades later, I still can't watch Curse of the Cat People without a painful sense of loss.

[@justinwilliams9631]

A sadly underappreciated master who's work has influenced far more well known artists. I especially liked your commentary and insight on "The Seventh Victim" and "Ghost Ship", two of my favorites. The first Val Lewton film I ever watched was "The Body Snatcher" and the wonderfully lugubrious villainy of Karloff made me hunt down first the other Lewton/Karloff pictures and then Lewton's broader filmography. Thank you for this entertaining and thought provoking look into his life and work.

[@robertszvetics210]

GOOD TO SEE YOUR STILL WITH US DARK CORNERS.

[@H3len50]

Absolute perfection. What a stunning tribute to a very talented and gifted man.

[@dfulce]

Val Lewton video..THANK YOU. BEDLAM contains one of Boris Karloff's finest performances one I prefer over his celebrated role in THE BODY SNATCHER.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Same...and Anna Lee's journey from self-indulgence to kindness, backed with a subtle understanding of mental health issues not seen in fact or fiction for at least two more decades helps as well.

[@ThreadBomb]

Lewton was yet another artist who dashed himself on the rocks of an ambition to produce "prestige" work, when he thrived best in a situation that was modest but more secure. After leaving RKO, perhaps the best thing for him would have been writing and producing Westerns, which were in their heyday at the time.

[@sarcastanaut]

Stellar overview of the master of shadows and ambiguous horror.

[@petrarchon2nd]

This was an absolutely wonderful tribute to a great, forgotten artist. Thanks for this!

[@Voodoomaria]

Lewton was a genius, and your documentary reflects it so well. Well done

[@klaatoris]

I LOVE Jacques Tourneur and "I walked with a zombie". The scene where Sir Lancelot creeps up on them singing gives me shivers just thinking about it.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

How can it not? He's dancing around the ugly fact no one wants to talk about, which always causes dread. Especially true with that peerless singing voice of his...only Robert Mitchum ever matched him in that kind of talent as screen presences went.

[@klaatoris]

I also must mention the much later Tourneur classic, "Curse of the demon" ("It's in the trees! It's coming!!") The seance scene, where the ladies start singing to a dusty old 78 RPM record, is creepy in the same kind of way.

[@klaatoris]

@@johnathonhaney8291 Yeah, Mitchum... Don't even get me started on "Night of the hunter". 😱

[@johnathonhaney8291]

@@klaatoris After hearing him give a sinister association with "Leaning On The Everlasting Arm", what more need be said?

[@paulamiles9559]

Shame and sorrow on the familee.

[@eliotmccann2589]

Another excellent essay! Bravo sir- this was a glorious tribute to an oft-ignored master of cinema.

[@District9Prawn]

I just want to go on record and say that 29:37 nearly gave me a heart attack. Not sure if I should place the blame on either you or Lewton but either way, phenomenal work as always.

[@farpointgamingdirect]

Bedlam isn't really a horror film; it's more like a psychological thriller. That being said, it's one of my favorite Karloff films

[@heinrichku6023]

Great essay, this channels clearly runs out of every competition. I would have loved to see more Cornell-Woolrich-adaptions (Leopard Man aka "Black Alibi") from him as most of them are good but not great. He would have nailed the tone of the "E.A. Poe of the 20th century" perfectly.

[@paulamiles9559]

I was lucky enough to be introduced to the films of Val.Lewton in 1969 when I was 14. Several of my 100 favorite movies, specially The 7th Victim. I always appreciated Lewton's respectful and authentic use of black characters played by terrific actors. Most excellent document , guys. Thank you for this.

[@NGMonocrom]

The Ghost Ship case in America illustrates how the civil court system works, to this day. It's not about morals, or standing up for your principles.... It's all about making the plaintiff go away, with as little money as possible lost; if you're the defendant. No admission of wrong-doing involved. If anyone is foolish enough to ask why you settled the case, you point out the truth. _It's just cheaper to settle than keep on fighting a case. What good is being right if your reward at the end is ending up in the Poor House._

[@DeidreL9]

Curse of The Cat People is an absolutely brilliant film, it has such lyrical horror and combines fairytale themes with darkness in a way I’ve seldom seen since. Thank you so much for this documentary. Subbed. Brilliant❤️

[@historylover]

Man, I feel bad I didn't watch this live. I've been sick with a bad cold all weekend and didn't even know this came out until after I woke up from my nap! Better late than never, right? And this is probably the thing I need to make me feel more myself.

[@Enevan1968]

Very informative as per usual. Never knew Val Lewton was only "around" for five years, he seems so omnipresent in cinematographic history.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

One need not last long to make an impression. Think James Dean, who only did three films establishing the angsty young man archetype before fatally totalling his car. Think Audrey Hepburn, who only hung around Hollywood for about 10 years and left the mold of the glamorous movie star forever. Never about the time...just what you do with it.

[@robinbailes5236]

The number of films he made in such a short time is deceptive. 11 films in under 5 years and they all turned a profit.

[@TomFrichek]

These specials are my favorite things that you at Dark Corners do, and this might be your best special. Cheers.

[@edisonlima4647]

I have to say I always avoided " I Walked With a Zombie" because that title, really... But now I'm quite curious! Thanks for teasing it.

[@ThreadBomb]

I think it's generally agreed to be Lewton's best, so don't avoid it.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Sir Lancelot's song alone at a key point makes it worth the watch.

[@catherineholden6388]

One of the most beautiful looking films I've ever watched. In my top 10. Just gorgeous.

[@janetcraft]

Thank you for putting this collection of great films together. I learned quite a bit.

[@SmartCookie2022]

Finally, a subject matter worthy of your talents. This is the exact type of content I want to see more of from you, Dark Corners. In other words, step away from the low quality schlock horror and focus more on the artistry of what makes a good horror movie.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

These take a long time to put together, so we like to have fun inbetween.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Uneven or not, I still hold Bedlam as my Lewton cycle favorite. Anna Lee's gentle words in the cage stay with me like the prayer scene in Bride of Frankenstein.

[@pedropinos8030]

Thanks for your Excellent English Speaking; Amazing for non native Brits. Best Regards from Zaragoza, Spain.

[@darrenlenoble2750]

Fantastic vid, a superb companion piece to Cat people beyond the shadows.

[@jspaingreene6350]

LOVE your content so much - thank you for this. The 7th Victim is one of my guilty pleasures. I'm so curious to hear your thoughts and trivia about it.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Nothing to feel guilty about. It's a great film.

[@ThreadBomb]

@@OuterGalaxyLounge Yes, I was about to say, it is a quality film and one of my favourite Lewtons.

[@billcutler8770]

This is a fantastic documentary that captures the magic and genius of Val Lewton. I have been a life-long fan of his films since I first saw The Cat People and I Walked With a Zombie in the 1950s on horror host Zacherley's New York TV.show. Nobody else has ever achieved so much with so little as a B-movie producer. Thank you for putting this wonderful piece together. As far as more modern films that show Lewton's influence, there are many. The key element is what Lewton referred to as "the horror of the unseen". My favorite post-Lewton horror film is Curse of the Demon, which was made in 1957, starring Dana Andrews and directed by Jacques Tourneur. It has all the characteristics of a Lewton production, including suspense, atmospheric photography, and some memorable, unique characters.

[@northeastbassfishing1501]

Excellent video guys, the Val Lewton collection is one my favorite DVD’s. I love all of his movies but The Seventh Victim is my favorite. Keep up the great work, Mark

[@stevenscibelli3326]

I still think this is one of your best productions. I watched it as well as your Godzilla piece numerous times. Great work!

[@caryblack5985]

Really excellent documentary. I appreciate it so much more than the reviews of bad movies. Your insight and appreciation needs to be directed to better and artistic film. You have the ability so you should go for it.

[@theimp5901]

I must tell you I have recently hit upon your videos. All I can say is Bravo ! on every level. Your narration is exquisite . Your research flawless and you flow beautifully in your dialogues. Editing and clips beautifully edited including work in blending the background music. Can't wait to watch some others . Thanks, I am , like you well read on this subject but your analysis dissects the movies and you are never too old to learn something. Thanks . I am 72 and grew up with horror from the 50s' . Thanks again.

[@Schneekardinal]

All of your longer, documentary style videos are insanely engaging. Great work.

[@stephenvelez9710]

One of my favorite aspects of Lewton’s films is the way women and POC are represented. Great video.

[@michaelbailes2223]

This was great! We have got to see The Body Snatcher!

[@VegimorphtheMovieBoy]

Amazing video. I didn't know much about Lewton growing up, only hearing about references to him in movies like The Bad and The Beautiful (and I feel bad that I haven't seen any of his work by now) but this made me want to seek his films out straight away (some of his unmade projects like a Blackbeard film starring Karlofff sound awesome as well). I found your channel through the Ray Harryhausen videos and these Val Lewton ones are an excellent follow up. Keep up the great work!

[@5809AUJG]

I've long loved the films that came out of Val Lewton's genius. They're terrifying, they're dark, they're intelligent....yet they all have a beauty to them that is so very haunting and memorable! You do him honor with this documentary about him and his brilliant work. And that is right and fitting....as it should be. I thank you. ❤

[@paulwelch1992]

Brilliant video. Well done (and thank you) for producing such a fine piece of work. Educational and entertaining I hope a lot of people like and share..

[@IronSalamander8]

Thanks for this video! I generally don't know much about what happens behind the scenes like this and this was a brilliant presentation. You're so versatile in your narrations; from the snide, sarcasm when you review the plethora of subpar horror films to near veneration of the amazing Christopher Lee and here with Lewton. I can't wait for your Vincent Price piece!

[@betamaxblocker]

The Ghost Ship is one of my favorite films of all time. Vastly underrated and unfairly overlooked (even by Lewton fans and film scholars on some occasions.) Lewton seldom gets the credit he truly deserves. Well done!

[@causticmedia3621]

Fantastic retrospective. Bravo DCR.

[@daleanderson1727]

An admirable tribute to a well deserving artist who gave us all so much and so many memories. Well done.

[@williamtsutherland8240]

Your Scholarship and Research into this Video should make All the Fans of Mr. Lewton proud. Mr. Bailes, it is a Joy to be able to appreciate your work and the way you present this important material. As it is an Equal Joy to have you 'take the piss out of' Films that So richly deserve it. Seeing you this Gifted in both aspects of Filmmaking, warms the cockles of my Gemini Heart.

[@aadamtx]

Excellent overview of Lewton's career - I've had the DVD box set for years, which includes a documentary of his work. THE SEVENTH VICTIM is one of my favorite horror films, and I'm constantly pushing it on people who think they know and love horror. But thanks also for the trivia - the re-use of Scarlett O'Hara's GWTW dress, the HUNCHBACK sets.

[@wanderslostify]

I always think about joining a Patreon, but I never have. This video will change that. These underappreciated movies are my favorite art. It is an interest no one else in my life shares. If nothing else, thank you for acknowledging that you also care about these movies.

[@robinbailes5236]

The best thing about doing these videos is connecting with like-minded people.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Many thanks. Even at the $1 a month level you get access to lots of exclusive content including Robin's 52 weeks of Hitchcock - Join in December and you can binge the full archive.

[@SlothinAintEasy]

You need a ton more subscribers bro. You’re incredibly passionate about films/story and it shows. Your videos are professional, informative and funny. Legit one of my favorite channels.

[@owensjl65]

Brilliantly researched and interesting essay as usual. Love your work guys!

[@joeporter5972]

Watched this a second time. Where else could someone who lives and breathes all things horror find a documentary production of this caliber? It is honestly astounding to me that DC consistently produces this kind of remarkable material. You make the tricky mix of superbly researched and genuinely entertaining commentary look easy. And then there's the media production. Again, you turn out a slick and professional media production that just looks so good. Great Job!

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Thank you.

[@neilcoligan8621]

This is a beautifully crafted overview and assessment of Lewton's films for RKO. It amazes me how much he was able to accomplish within the confinement of RKO's rules and the astonishingly short run time of the films themselves. Looking forward to the modern era with films running two hours plus and more on average it's a testament to the creatively focused imagination and discipline brought to these gems.

[@matthewh.9544]

So much time get invested in creating and writing these. It makes a pleasure to watch something that's clearly been a pleasure for you guys to work on.

[@sosonolow5094]

I just saw "The Seventh Victim" for the first time last night and it blew me away. Poetry.

[@Hamicus63]

A fantastic summation of Lewtons work 👍👍👍👍

[@nessiesearcher]

One of your best and most soul-satisfying videos yet. Thank you so much. I am going to become a Patron.

[@elf5012]

Thanks for this excellent program. I've seen all of the Lewton horror movies you covered, and The Body Snatchers is the most frightening.

[@collettewhitney2141]

Dark Corners Reviews Thank you for your excellent presentation. I do apologise for missing some of your videos. But I have been very poorly. And to be brutally honest I feel drained. I still not recovered. But enough for me rambling on. This was absolutely wonderful work. Keep up the good work ❤️👍

[@DarkCornersReviews]

The videos will always be here. Hope you feel better soon.

[@michaelfarrellsmith]

I am making a no-budget film, and Lewton's attitude of viewing budgetary constraints as challenges is inspiring.

[@markiangooley]

World War 2 joke (recorded for posterity by I think David Niven): “In case of an air raid, go directly to RKO: they haven’t had a hit in years!” They were indeed in trouble.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Reminds me a similar one regarding Tim Conway when he was struggling with his own TV shows in the 1960s: if the US was serious about canceling the war in Vietnam, just have him get involved.

[@Philbert-s2c]

Magnificent video. I've always loved "Cat People" since I saw it as a kid in the 70's on the local movie channel.

[@xspawn1387]

Awesome as always . I do prefer the longer videos . Its a bigger showcase for your talents .. Keep up the good work . .

[@20th_century_Ghost]

I really can't tell you guys how much I appreciate you for creating this channel. Reviews like this are so very special in these times we find ourselves in. 🖖🏼

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Thanks. That's always nice to hear. This video didn't do so well and it's great to know that those who found it, enjoyed it.

[@rogerrendzak8055]

I didn't realize, Val Lewton died that young. And, back in 1951. Most of Val's work, always creeped me out, since I was a kid😯.

[@augustragone1159]

A brilliant, engaging, and sincere tribute.

[@JosephAusbern]

"The best way to turn a light on Val Lewton is to turn out the light, out on one of his films, and you'll see him in the shadows." Why does that hit so hard? Gave me a lump in my throat

[@spews1973]

Thanks for another excellent video essay. I feel like a touch of class has rubbed off on me just by watching it.

[@lorensims4846]

I just finished watching The Cat People on Turner Classic Movies. They're really doing Halloween right this year and Cat People is one of my very favorites. Its sequel, Curse of the Cat People is a wonderfully sweet ghost story. I know the titles but I'm not familiar with the rest of the movies you talked about. They sound to be perfectly delicious. Thank you so much for this detailed retrospective. This is just the sort of thing I was looking for. Thanks again! And happy Halloween!

[@nathanjones1008]

Another great video from you guys,entertaining,informative,and thoughtful.

[@alanalan9242]

I've just found this and just wanted to say thank you. I've been a big fan of Lewton for a long time and this was a superb overview of his work. Looking forward to watching the rest of your stuff. Thanks again!

[@markukeley2924]

Tremendously moving dissertation on a creative life that lasted only 46 years. Kudos for your efforts, good sir.

[@mcguffinsoundstudios1524]

I want to thank you for your amazing KZbin channel. Been a devoted follower since I stumbled onto your “The Man who Laughs” video essay , the Harryhausen video, and your hammer deep dives that I saw early in the pandemic. As a classic horror lover ( as well as some of the cheesier bad movie reviews) I constantly look forward to your posts. I am a St. Louis Mo. based musician, animator and art director. I’m just now slowly building my own horror centric music / sfx space. I’m the guy that will fact check svengoolie if your aware of that American horror host. Also I’ve probably used the history of hammer dvd to fall asleep to more than any sane person should. This is a bit of a ramble to be sure but I loved you and your editor doing some recent Q&A ‘s. You guys talked about maybe wanting a new intro sound and If that would appeal to you I’d love to talk further- or maybe a small animation. If you liked it or not It would be my way of thanking you for the work your doing and the inspiration it gives. I’m not phishing I’m just a true fan - You can check your KZbin likes to see my engagement. Hope to hear back if not many thanks to you, your editor, and your scientific advisor dad!.

[@Carito_LIDU]

This was one of the best videos about Val Lewton and Hollywood I have seen in quite a while. TY.

[@cassyblack3346]

Great special. I didn't know so much about the man and his body of work.

[@Ryushinku]

A video so good, it made me go track down and watch all nine of these films, then come back and watch this again. I was particularly impressed by I Walked With a Zombie and The Body Snatcher.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Glad you enjoyed the video and the films. It's really great to think people might watch these movies because of us.

[@drummerwarrior1]

Another superb documentary. Thanks so much!

[@JohnnyComptonAuthor]

This is simply excellent. And the metaphor at the end, stretched a bit or not, is a perfect capper.

[@keithdonald6583]

Thanks guys ,this was fascinating and I learnt so much .

[@NellaCuriosity]

Amazing documentary! I love your deep dives like this. It's fun to watch the short reviews of good and bad movies but there's nothing quite like hearing someone talk about their passion.

[@sawg4607]

Thank you for this. I've always loved his movies since i first saw them. I must have watched Isle, Zombie, Leopard, and Body at least 50 times.

[@liladiskens5346]

Merci pour avoir mis en ligne cette pépite cinématographique d antan. Merci pour les sous titres en français. Merci pour tout. Je suis passionnée d anciens films d épouvante et burlesque américain. Votre chaîne dédiée aux films d épouvante est genialissime.👍

[@tomphillips2214]

Well done, I love Lewton's work, pure genius, an underrated man, and the father of psychological horror!

[@dalebaker9109]

Lewton films were magnificent they still look a treat today. Eerie and magnificent. A superb video, fantastic work

[@momster64]

I am in love with your videos, you’ve definitely done your homework, and your narrative is spot-on. One can tell you really love your classic movies. I’ve always been a horror movie fanatic, and you’ve given me a slew of new titles to check out. Cheers!

[@seasongchronicle7760]

Once again and outstanding treatment. Thank you.

[@Marigen1971]

Thanks, my watchlist in Imdb has grown a little longer 😘

[@matthewconstantine5015]

Lewton's stuff is just the berries. Great stuff.

[@ViaFerrataCH]

Good documentary as usual, don't think I have seen Body Snatchers