The Undying Monster (1942) Review

Title: The Undying Monster
Year: 1942
Director: John Brahms
Country: US
Language: English

The Undying Monster is based on a novel by Jessie Douglas Kerruish, who seems to have only written two known novels of which this is the most well received. Director John Brahms, who was best loved for his decadently decorated murder mysteries, The Lodger (1944) and Hangover Square (1945) read the original source material and decided it must be shown on the silver screen. It is a literal and metaphorical tale similar to Cat People, released the same year.

Surviving members of an aristocratic English family are threatened by a legendary monster when they venture out on chilly, foggy nights.

The Undying Monster attempts to do far too much in its mere 63 minute run-time. It jumps from being a haunted house picture to being a monster flick to being a Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery. The rushed nature of the narrative also extends to the actors as they seem to endlessly run from place to place, the camera barely being able to catch up with them. If the film was an hour longer or slowed down then perhaps it would have worked overall.


That's not to say all is bad; Lucien Ballard’s cinematography plays up the shadows creeping into every corner and the smokey fireplaces hiding everyone’s true intentions. Beautiful shot compositions almost make up for the clunky narrative that makes each character lack any measure of depth. Unfortunately there isn't a character one can cling to; even the detective is a bit too much of a misogynistic jerk to be likeable.


The actual mystery is not the least bit suspenseful mainly due to the spastic nature of the narrative. Characters come and go as the actual conclusion is a bit clunky and doesn't entirely make sense. It has a good atmosphere, but ultimately I'd go for many other horror films from this period before I revisit this.