Bedlam (Mark Robson, US 1946, 79 min.)

In 1760s London, an actress campaigns to reform a horrific hospital for the insane, but instead finds herself committed to the institution by the corrupt head of the asylum. The final thriller from the Val Lewton production unit at RKO Studios, which gave us Cat People, Isle of the Dead and I Walked with a Zombie, Bedlam is one of the only films to have acknowledged not a novel, play or short story as the source material, but a visual image. The credit reads: "Suggested by The William Hogarth painting 'Bedlam' Plate #8 The Rake's Progress." It's also based, loosely, on a true story.

Reviews:

"A smash surprise climax! Karloff gives a brilliant portrayal."

--The Record American

"Far above the usual level of 'horror' films."

--The Daily Worker

“Several cuts above the average run of so-called horror films… As the sadistic chief warden of Bedlam, Boris Karloff is completely at home and is his usual sinister self.

--The New York Times

“Its tale of the celebrated 18th century madhouse is both intelligently written and admirably acted… Few Hollywood films ever had such ambition.”

--Time Out

"Well done! Excellent acting by Karloff!"

--South Bend Tribune

"It will shock you... Well above the average period movie."

--The Toronto Star

“Creepy, atmospheric, yet underrated Val Lewton thriller.”

--San Francisco Examiner

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