MYSTERY
OF THE WAX MUSEUM (1933)
Starring
Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, Glenda Farrell, Frank McHugh, Gavin Winton,
Edwin Maxwell. Directed by Michael Curtiz. (78 min)
ON
BLU-RAY FROM
Review
by Mr. Paws😸
Long-thought
lost to the ravages of time, this little obscurity is historically
noteworthy for inspiring the much-better-known remake, House of
Wax, widely considered one of the best horror films of the 1950s
and a high point in Vincent Price’s career. Though not as
atmospheric or creepy, Mystery of the Wax Museum is a nifty
film in its own right.
Morbid
premise aside, this one doesn’t really unfold like a horror film.
As per the title, it’s more of a mystery and almost upbeat in tone,
largely thanks to a highly amusing performance by Glenda Farrell as
fast-talking, wise-cracking reporter Florence Dempsey (a persona she
would soon take to the bank in the Torchy Blane series).
Despite being third billed, she’s the main protagonist with the
most screen time. Her quasi-antagonistic banter with beleaguered
newspaper editor Jim (Frank McHugh) is witty enough to be
right-at-home in His Girl Friday.
 |
| "All I'm saying, honey, is maybe lay-off the tanning visits for awhile." |
As
deranged, vengeful sculptor Ivan Igor, Lionel Atwill makes a suitably
menacing villain. However, fans of legendary scream queen Fay Wray
will probably be disappointed. Not only is she largely absent
throughout the first half of the film, her character largely exists
to be put in peril. Speaking of which, it isn’t until Igor’s
grisly agenda is revealed – during the final act - that Mystery
of the Wax Museum ventures into horror territory, but does so
quite effectively. Sinister production design and imaginative make-up
effects (for its time, anyway) provide some punch to a genuinely
suspenseful climax.
Additionally,
let’s give a shout-out to those who restored this film. All
existing prints were apparently in pretty bad shape, but you couldn’t
tell from this transfer. Nearly scratch and blemish free, this
doesn’t look or sound like an 87 year old movie. Restoration
efforts are also the subject of a revealing featurette and one of the
audio commentaries.
From
a historical perspective, Mystery of the Wax Museum is an
interesting early foray into big screen horror, even if it only dips
a toe in the water. The film itself is no House of Wax, but a
lot of old-fashioned fun and still a damn sight better than the
second remake (you know, the one with Paris Hilton).
EXTRA
KIBBLES
"REMEMBERING
FAY WRAY” - An affectionate interview Victoria Riskin, Fay’s
daughter.
FEATURETTE
– Seven-minute short on the restoration, with before &
after comparisons of certain scenes.
2
AUDIO COMMENTARIES – 1) Scott McQueen from
UCLA’s Film & TV Archive; 2) Film historian Alan K. Rode
KITTY CONSENSUS:
PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS.
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