THE MONSTER MAKER (1944)
I watched a VHS reissue of this cozy b-quickie, a joint release by Lunchmeat and The Video Pharmacy (check down below for more info on Lunchmeat founder Josh Schafer). This isn't a paid advertisement, although I'm still waiting for a company like Hostess to sponsor my reviews. Did you know that twinkies are the official snack cake of Random Reviews Incorporated? But I digress! If The Monster Maker was produced today, it would exist in a space far removed from the studio system. While technically not an independent feature, it was hatched on "Poverty Row," a humble enclave within Hollywood that pottered around with low-budget projects. You may have heard of PRC. They were also responsible for The Devil Bat starring Bela Lugosi. I'm getting mired in trivia. Let's cut to the brass tacks, the nitty-gritty, the sum and substance of the matter.
The storyline follows Dr. Ivan Markoff, a deliciously mad scientist who has brewed a serum that cures acromegaly, a disorder of the pituitary gland that causes disproportionate bone growth. He has also brewed a serum that spreads acromegaly. When a renowned pianist spurns Dr. Markoff's advances toward his daughter, the brilliant bedlamite sees an opportunity to use his discovery as a bargaining chip. This results in some pretty gnarly make-up effects that would make Jack Pierce proud. The methodical pacing did test my patience, but this whimsical artifact only runs for 62 minutes. I didn't get a chance to say that I was ever truly bored. There is a subplot involving a caged primate that doesn't go anywhere. Eh, you can't win 'em all. Recommended to fans of neurotoxins.
Josh has released a VHS-themed joke book...buy it HERE!
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