Michael Curtiz / Andre De Toth / Vincent Price
1933 / 1953
A great example of early non-Universal horror and depression era cinema, The Mystery of the Wax Museum is a two strip technicolor gem that satisfies on multiple levels. An obsessive wax sculptor, played expertly by Lionel Atwill and less so later by Vincent Price, begins to acquire human corpses by theft and murder to recreate a collection of figures that were lost in an insurance fraud fire. Hotheaded newshound Glenda Farrell needs a scoop for her unsatisfiable boss and begins to get wise to Atwill's little game.
The earlier version is far superior to the latter in terms of charm and entertainment value. Taking an "everything but the kitchen sink" approach Curtiz throws in various disparate elements to great effect. The comic quick-talk of Miss Farrell is worthy of His Girl Friday, the gruesome makeup worn by Atwill as well as the tawdry gothic plot set this film squarely in the horror section of the video store, throw in some signature Warner Bros fistfights and you've got an entertaining picture.
It seems kind of a shame that Fay Wray (RIP) got top female billing simply based on her dough-like vulnerability, ladylike scream and name, when Glenda Farrell definitely steals this show. Despite a head-scratcher of an ending where she forgoes the affections of a boozy yet handsome playboy for her dick boss, Farrell portrays a wonderful female role model in 1930's film.
The remake is disappointing in contrast to the original but not without some merit of its own. Vincent Price is a charismatic actor regarding of the role, and the lavish production design is excellent. However, the conservative treatment of plot and character can't compare to the risky qualities of the pre-code original.
Review by Brett Scieszka
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