Watch Murders in the Rue Morgue

In the year 1932, Universal Studios released one of its most iconic horror movies- Murders in the Rue Morgue. Directed by Robert Florey, the film was loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe's short story of the same name. Set in 19th century Paris, the movie follows the story of a medical student, Pierre Dupin(Leon Ames), who investigates a series of gruesome murders in his neighborhood. His quick-wittedness and sharp observation enable him to get to the bottom of the killings, which involve kidnapped women, the razor-sharp guillotine, and the Rue Morgue, a house that is said to be haunted.

The film stars Bela Lugosi, the Hungarian-born actor famous for his performance as Count Dracula, in the role of Dr. Mirakle, a scientist and sideshow performer. He kidnaps women and uses them as subjects for his experiments to prove that human beings are descended from apes. The character of Dr. Mirakle shows Lugosi's range as an actor, and he delivers an outstanding performance.

Sidney Fox plays the character of Madeline Charron, a beautiful girl who is taken by Dr. Mirakle for his experiment. Fox's performance is convincing, and she brings out the terror and vulnerability of Madeline's character.

Apart from the primary cast, the film also features a troop of circus performers who provide an eerie and gory atmosphere to the movie. The highlight of their performance is a scene where a woman is killed and dismembered on stage, which would have been shocking at the time of the film's release.

The film is a visual treat, and the mesmerizing shots of the brothels, carnival stalls, and the dark alleys of Paris add to the eerie ambiance of the film. The scenes shot inside the Rue Morgue house, which is said to be haunted, are creepy and terrifying, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The film's screenplay, written by Tom Reed, is notable for its ability to capture the essence of Poe's story while injecting new life into the narrative. The inclusion of Dr. Mirakle as the killer and his experiments was a significant deviation from the original story, but it makes the movie stand out.

The music score by Karl Hajos complements the visuals and adds to the tension and suspense. The film's climactic scene, where Pierre Dupin confronts Dr. Mirakle, is a treat for horror movie fans.

Overall, Murders in the Rue Morgue is a significant contribution to the horror genre of the 1930s. The film's stunning visuals, gripping storyline, and excellent performances make it a must-watch for anyone interested in classic horror cinema. The movie's success also paved the way for more adaptations of Poe's stories by Universal Studios, solidifying his position as one of the greatest horror writers of all time.

Murders in the Rue Morgue is a 1932 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.