On this day in 1933 (in the U.S.), that sterling mecca that is New York City, New York hosted the very first theatrical screening of Supernatural. Directed by Victor Halperin from a story by Garnett Weston, Harvey F. Thew, and Brian Marlow, the film starred Carole Lombard, Randolph Scott, Alan Dinehart, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A serial black widow murderess returns to life in the body of a young woman to exact revenge on a former lover, a phony spiritualist who betrayed her."
-- EZ
Supernatural (1933) is a pre-code horror film directed by Victor Halperin (White Zombie) starring Carole Lombard as Roma Courtney, a grieving woman possessed by the vengeful spirit of executed serial killer Ruth Rogen (Vivienne Osborne). The film focuses on themes of spiritualism, possession, and revenge, featuring early special effects and a notable dramatic performance from Lombard before her breakthrough in comedy.
Plot and Key Details
- The Possession: Ruth Rogen, a murderess executed for strangling men, seeks revenge on Paul Bavian (Alan Dinehart), a fraudulent spiritualist. Through a psychic experiment conducted by Dr. Carl Houston (H.B. Warner), Ruth’s spirit is unleashed and possesses the vulnerable Roma Courtney (Lombard).
- The Conflict: Roma, under the influence of the evil spirit, attempts to kill Bavian, while her fiancé, Grant Wilson (Randolph Scott), tries to save her from the possession.
- Style: The film is characterized by its eerie, atmospheric, and macabre tone, typical of early 1930s horror, with scenes showcasing "full-on pre-code eyes" for the possessed character.
- Significance: It is considered one of the earliest Hollywood films to explore the theme of spirit possession and is highly regarded as a must-see for fans of Carole Lombard, showcasing her acting range in a rare horror role.
The film, which runs approximately 65 minutes, is often cited as a "pre-code gem" and was produced following the success of the Halperin brothers' White Zombie (1932).
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