Murders in the Rue Morgue (Universal, 1932). Window Card (14" X 22")....

Description

Murders in the Rue Morgue (Universal, 1932). Window Card (14" X 22"). After the enormous success of Dracula (1931), the film that made a superstar of Bela Lugosi, Universal lost no time in anointing the former Hungarian stage actor the new "King of Horror," and had every intention of featuring him in their upcoming Gothic chiller, Frankenstein, to be directed by Robert Florey. Although the exact reasons are unclear at this late date, both Florey and Lugosi were dropped from the picture after filming only a few make-up tests, to be replaced by Boris Karloff as the monster and James Whale as director. Instead, both Florey and Lugosi were transferred to this film, inspired by one of the Inspector Dupin stories by Edgar Allan Poe. In this dark and twisted tale of obsession and murder, mad doctor Mirakle (Lugosi) seeks to create a mate for his pet gorilla Erik by injecting ape blood into the veins of attractive young women, with decidedly deadly results. Due to Lugosi's bravura performance and Florey's inspired direction, what was intended as a low-budget thriller is elevated to the level of an enduring classic. Many commentators have noted similarities between this film and the German Expressionist classic, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919), in terms of atmosphere and tone. Like all Universal Horror films from this period, paper from this movie is very scarce and highly desirable. Offered here is a lovely window card in astonishing, unrestored condition. The top imprint area has been airbrushed, and the corners are slightly rounded, but otherwise, this piece is in impeccable condition, sure to be the centerpiece of any collection. Very Fine+.

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