Bodysnatcher - Der Leichendieb

While classic horror films from the 1930s, in which Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff gained fame, now seem somewhat naive and far from having the impact they did at the time of their creation, horror films that emerged a decade later, although generally not a favorable era for this genre, look much more modern and are easily watchable. The Body Snatcher is, in essence, still relevant today in terms of its message, primarily concerning the conflict between scientific progress and ethics. The film's protagonist, a gifted doctor, is a proponent of the idea that in the name of scientific knowledge, it is possible to discard moral restraints and disregard one's surroundings. On another level, it is a classic conflict between the extortionist and his victim, and finally, it is also a film about human envy and the pettiness of so-called ordinary people who have to do with obvious talent. It would be worth three stars, but Boris Karloff elevates Wise's film by a whole with his excellent performance. Overall impression: 75%. (19.10.2009)

If you watch The Body Snatcher, you will do so primarily because you want to see Boris Karloff's acting skills. He shows us that alongside Frankenstein, The Body Snatcher is another film where he displays his great acting skills. Wise's direction also earns points, given that the final scene is superbly shot and gives you chills. (07.06.2019)