Watch The Brute Man

The Brute Man is a 1946 horror film directed by Jean Yarbrough and starred by Rondo Hatton, Tom Neal, and Jan Wiley. The film tells the story of Hal Moffat, a brilliant but disfigured former college athlete who seeks revenge on those who caused his injury. Experiencing constant taunts and ridicule, Hal finally snaps and begins a killing spree through the city.

The movie opens with the body of a man being found on the balcony of his apartment. Detectives and a coroner arrive to investigate the cause of death. They realize that the man, who was strangled, matched the description of a suspect in several other murder cases that have been happening around the area.

In a flashback, we are taken back to the college days of Hal Moffat, (played by Rondo Hatton). Hal was a star football player and was well-liked by his peers. However, his life changed when he was involved in a lab accident that left his face disfigured. Unable to bear the humiliation, Hal leaves the school and goes into hiding.

Throughout the movie, we see Hal traveling around the city, hiding in various places, and seeking revenge on those he feels have insulted or wronged him. His victims are chosen based on their class background, with Hal targeting those he perceives to be from affluent families, as he feels they are the ones who look down on him the most.

As the body count rises, the police are left scrambling to find the killer. They are able to narrow down their search after they find a scrapbook of Hal's belongings that contains personal items and a list of his intended victims.

Tom Neal plays Cliff, the boyfriend of one of Hal's victims, and becomes a prime suspect in the investigation. Cliff is determined to prove his innocence and is convinced someone else is behind the murders. With the help of a friend, he eventually uncovers Hal's hiding spot and confronts him in a thrilling showdown.

The Brute Man is a classic horror film that showcases Rondo Hatton's unique physical appearance, which is due to acromegaly. This condition caused his facial features to become distorted and provided him with a distinctive look that was perfect for the roles he played in horror movies.

The film carries a subtle social commentary on class divisions, as Hal's victims are chosen based on their perceived status in society. The movie also addresses issues surrounding acceptance and the challenges faced by individuals who are different, be it in appearance or otherwise.

Despite being a low-budget film, The Brute Man has a simple yet effective storyline and packs a punch with its thrilling scenes. The film may not have garnered commercial success at the time, but it has since gained a cult following and remains a popular choice for horror movie enthusiasts.

In conclusion, The Brute Man is a horror classic that showcases Rondo Hatton's unique acting abilities and physical appearance. Its storyline delivers a subtle social commentary and provides thrilling moments that will keep viewers at the edge of their seats. The film is a must-watch for horror movie fans, especially those who enjoy classic horror films.

The Brute Man is a 1946 horror movie with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.