Not to be confused with the later sci-fi "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," this film about grave robbing and murder rests on the shoulders of Boris Karloff, who gives a striking performance as the witty yet totally menacing John Gray. Out of all the... (read more) Not to be confused with the later sci-fi "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," this film about grave robbing and murder rests on the shoulders of Boris Karloff, who gives a striking performance as the witty yet totally menacing John Gray. Out of all the classic horror actors, I think Karloff is the only one skilled enough to easily pull off mono-syllabic monsters ("Frankenstein") and urbane, charismatic characters ("The Black Cat" and here).

What's with the accents? What's with the cheap sets and lighting tricks? And then only some of the time, as other times the sets are good. And it's boring. Karloff is the only interesting part.

A fantastic horror classic! Daniell & Karloff go head to head but its Karloff who wins with an effortless but outstanding performance! Robert Wise's direction is also fantastic, he is another brilliant director who didn't make enough films in his lif... (read more) A fantastic horror classic! Daniell & Karloff go head to head but its Karloff who wins with an effortless but outstanding performance! Robert Wise's direction is also fantastic, he is another brilliant director who didn't make enough films in his life time. All in all, another Val Lewton classic well worth seeking out!

A brilliant, moral film produced under the guise of a b-horror movie. The plot easily could have fallen from a collection of Edgar Allen Poe stories.

Robert Wise directed, Val Lewton produced RKO thriller from 1945 that co-stars Karloff and Lugosi (although Karloff is the true star). Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's short story, which likely found its muse in real life grave-robbers Burke and Ha... (read more) Robert Wise directed, Val Lewton produced RKO thriller from 1945 that co-stars Karloff and Lugosi (although Karloff is the true star). Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's short story, which likely found its muse in real life grave-robbers Burke and Hare (1828 Edinburgh), "The Body Snatcher" revolves around Karloff's character Gray the Cabman and his less-than-legal dealings with one Dr. Wolfe MacFarlane. Gray 'procures' subjects for MacFarlane, but eventually uses his knowledge of what is being procured as a mean for blackmail. Of course the scheming turns sour and many suffer. This is a minor classic in the Lewton cannon.

The first film of Karloff's I've seen, and the man was good. Daniell and the other actors gave solid performances as well; a very good movie.

Excellent - Karloff is great in this one. He's just extremely creepy. It's well written and it presents a few different types of horror - both the traditional Hollywood story (involving grave robbing) and also the very real horror of not being able... (read more) Excellent - Karloff is great in this one. He's just extremely creepy. It's well written and it presents a few different types of horror - both the traditional Hollywood story (involving grave robbing) and also the very real horror of not being able to make someone or something go away.

Good movie, but IMHO quite predictable. It was worth watching just to see both Karloff and Lugosi in the same picture, they really only had one scene together. This was their last pairing, I believe they did at least 5 movies together.

A great cast highlights this wonderfully moody horror film. It's beautifully lit and nicely paced. It's a shame they don't make films like this anymore.

Black and white/ shadows and lights masterfully used to emphasize how good/ evil are always connected. The little girl can be saved only after one murder...The ending is so thrilling and scary.