Living Ghost with Bela Lugosi

Living Ghost, also known as A Walking Nightmare, is a suspenseful horror-thriller film that was directed by William Beaudine. Released in 1942, this film is packed with all the ingredients that make the genre great, with Bela Lugosi and Polly Ann Young taking on the lead roles.

In this black-and-white masterpiece, Bela Lugosi, popularly known for his portrayal of Dracula (1931), takes on the role of Lazlo, a mysterious professional who is a private detective cum master hypnotist. The character of Lazlo is multilayered and engrossing, keeping the audience captivated with every scene. Lugosi's portrayal of Lazlo is both charismatic and chilling, showcasing his vast range as an actor. His dark and intimidating presence adds depth to his character and makes an impressive contribution to the overall suspense-filled atmosphere of the film.

Polly Ann Young plays the character of Tina Lloyd, a dedicated and headstrong woman who is tangled up in the troubling disappearance of her wealthy father, Nicholas Lloyd. Young's performance invokes sympathy from the audience as she masterfully portrays the desperation Tina is plagued with, as she uses every means possible to find her missing father. Young's portrayal of Tina's emotional journey in search of the truth about her father's disappearance adds a heartrending layer to the thrilling story.

One of the key points to note in Living Ghost is the unique plot. A wealthy but disgruntled man, Nicholas Lloyd disappears without trace, leaving his housekeeper and butler extremely worried. They hire a detective to unearth the mystery behind his sudden disappearance which in turn takes an eerie turn when the same man reappears, but as a 'living ghost'. He’s semi-paralyzed and unable to talk, which turns the story from a simple missing-person investigation into a paranormal tinged mystery. The plot takes another twisty turn when a series of murders begins occurring, bewildering everyone involved especially when the unknown assailant leaves a mark in an attempt to frame Lazlo for the crimes.

As the story unfolds, the plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seat, periodically offering them small breadcrumbs of information while throwing them off with unexpected surprises. The chilling atmosphere, the sense of despair, and the menacing antagonist all combine to create a suspense-filled experience. The conflict between rational explanations and the supernatural adds an extra layer of tension to the story, forcing viewers to question what is really happening.

Furthermore, Living Ghost also excels in capturing the era, with careful attention to detail in terms of costume, props, and dialogue. This sense of authenticity captures the essence of the time, transporting viewers back to the 1940s, an era renown for its classic horror thrillers. Technically, the film increases the intensity and suspense through its dramatic use of lighting, the perfect musical score, and sharp editing.

Beaudine's direction is worth mentioning as he effectively leads the revival of Lugosi's career after the success of Dracula, by putting him in a collection of low-budget but richly atmospheric genre vehicles that kept Lugosi on-screen and present in the minds of horror fans.

Living Ghost is a must-watch movie for fans of the horror and thriller genre. It remarkably merges elements of mystery, suspense, crime, and horror into a movie that is likely to keep viewers hooked from the beginning to the end. The storyline and the performances of Lugosi and Young, combined with the direction and technical excellence, make Living Ghost into an intriguing and thrilling journey for viewers to navigate.