The Island of Dr. Moreau

Synopsis: A shipwrecked survivor named Braddock washes up on the shore of a deserted island, or so he thinks. The island is actually inhabited by a Dr. Moreau and a few of his servants. They take Braddock to their home and nurse him back to health. Eventually Braddock becomes suspicious of the strange sounds and appearance of some of Dr. Moreau’s servants. It seems that the good doctor has been up to some experiments and not all is, as it seems.

The Good: If you don’t know already this movie is based upon an H.G. Wells novel. The writers do an excellent job of adapting the novel into a very fast paced and enjoyable script. There isn’t a wasted scene or slow part of the movie during its 99-minute runtime. Also of note is an excellent cast with Burt Lancaster and Michael York as the leads. Lancaster is especially good as the well meaning, but twisted Dr. Moreau. Finally I wish to point out the makeup effects on the actors who play the results of Moreau’s experiments. Each of the lead “animal men” is a work of art. These are effects that took days to create and hours to apply. The effort really pays off in the finished product.

The Bad: Then ending sequences leave a bit to be desired. The scenes involving the destruction of the doctor’s lab, and the release of his animals are pretty rough. Especially cringe worthy are the fight sequences between the freed animals and the doctor’s creations.

The Score: 3 out of 4

This is a fun monster movie from the 70’s that I really recommend. If you enjoy this movie check out the first adaptation on film the 1933 classic Island of Lost Souls with Bela Lugosi and Charles Laughton.

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