Horror Island is a neat little programmer designed as mindless entertainment. On that level it scores triumphantly; to assess it with a more critical eye is unnecessary. Director George Waggner keeps the story moving with the help of a likable cast, familiar sets, and a bit of atmosphere to distract from the inanities of the story. This is a perfect example of a kiddie matinee crowd pleaser.
The plot is way more convulted than it needs to be and to delve into the minutiae of the narrative will leave plenty of questions and gaps in logic. Enterprising hustler Bill Martin (Dick Foran) concocts a treasure hunt tour of a property he owns called Morgan's Island; this landmass comes complete with a spooky castle wherein Sir Henry Morgan may or may not have hidden $20 million in looted treasure. Salty, peg-legged sea dog Tobias (Leo Carrillo) is an acquaintance who owns half a map that he insists points out the location of the booty while a mysterious man dubbed "The Phantom" possesses the other half. Martin assembles his guests for a weekend excursion to the island unaware that The Phantom is already there and determined to eliminate all who might be interested in the loot.
Despite the spooky trappings of the decrepit old castle and a rogues gallery of suspicious-looking characters the film functions more as a romp than a serious melodrama. There is plenty of lighthearted banter amongst the cobwebs to mix with several murders and other attempted mayhem. Director Waggner pulls every haunted house gag out of the sack including fogbound exteriors, sliding panels, secret passageways, homicidal suits of armor, and The Phantom scurrying around with his cape billowing behind him. As The Phantom Foy Van Dolsen is photographed evocatively lurking in the darkness, casting creepy shadows on the wall, leering around corners, and creating all kinds of mischief. Fans of the genre will recognize the castle interior from many Universal chillers such as Ghost of Frankenstein and Night Monster in addition to many of the props decorating the sets.
Dick Foran is reunited with his Mummy's Hand costar Peggy Moran to form the romantic couple; once again they demonstrate wonderful chemistry and are an engaging duo. As Foran's two pals, Leo Carrillo and Fuzzy Knight tend to become irritating with their dated shenanigans particularly Carrillo fracturing the English language with his wincing dialect. Standing out from the ensemble is Iris Adrian as the gangster's moll Arlene; she is a hoot rattling off street slang like she's in a Warner Brothers crime flick. Meanwhile Van Dolsen is atmospherically photographed in ways that emphasize his striking face, long fingers, and angular stature.
If one is in the mood for breezy, lighthearted entertainment with that old Saturday matinee feel Horror Island will fit the bill. By no means a masterpiece - critiqued by the same standards as one would apply to Frankenstein this film could be torn to shreds - it is very agreeable and will likely bring a smile to one's face. As for myself it left me longing for more Dick Foran - Peggy Moran team-ups.
The plot is way more convulted than it needs to be and to delve into the minutiae of the narrative will leave plenty of questions and gaps in logic. Enterprising hustler Bill Martin (Dick Foran) concocts a treasure hunt tour of a property he owns called Morgan's Island; this landmass comes complete with a spooky castle wherein Sir Henry Morgan may or may not have hidden $20 million in looted treasure. Salty, peg-legged sea dog Tobias (Leo Carrillo) is an acquaintance who owns half a map that he insists points out the location of the booty while a mysterious man dubbed "The Phantom" possesses the other half. Martin assembles his guests for a weekend excursion to the island unaware that The Phantom is already there and determined to eliminate all who might be interested in the loot.
Despite the spooky trappings of the decrepit old castle and a rogues gallery of suspicious-looking characters the film functions more as a romp than a serious melodrama. There is plenty of lighthearted banter amongst the cobwebs to mix with several murders and other attempted mayhem. Director Waggner pulls every haunted house gag out of the sack including fogbound exteriors, sliding panels, secret passageways, homicidal suits of armor, and The Phantom scurrying around with his cape billowing behind him. As The Phantom Foy Van Dolsen is photographed evocatively lurking in the darkness, casting creepy shadows on the wall, leering around corners, and creating all kinds of mischief. Fans of the genre will recognize the castle interior from many Universal chillers such as Ghost of Frankenstein and Night Monster in addition to many of the props decorating the sets.
Dick Foran is reunited with his Mummy's Hand costar Peggy Moran to form the romantic couple; once again they demonstrate wonderful chemistry and are an engaging duo. As Foran's two pals, Leo Carrillo and Fuzzy Knight tend to become irritating with their dated shenanigans particularly Carrillo fracturing the English language with his wincing dialect. Standing out from the ensemble is Iris Adrian as the gangster's moll Arlene; she is a hoot rattling off street slang like she's in a Warner Brothers crime flick. Meanwhile Van Dolsen is atmospherically photographed in ways that emphasize his striking face, long fingers, and angular stature.
If one is in the mood for breezy, lighthearted entertainment with that old Saturday matinee feel Horror Island will fit the bill. By no means a masterpiece - critiqued by the same standards as one would apply to Frankenstein this film could be torn to shreds - it is very agreeable and will likely bring a smile to one's face. As for myself it left me longing for more Dick Foran - Peggy Moran team-ups.