Monday Morning Maybe

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Poster for The Black Cat

The Black Cat

Seen it?

1934 | 65 min | Horror, Thriller

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (89% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and horror fans. If you loved Dracula, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Scary.
The pace
Fast-moving, at 1 hr 5 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1934: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

After a road accident in Hungary, the American honeymooners Joan and Peter and the enigmatic Dr. Werdegast find refuge in the house of the famed architect Hjalmar Poelzig, who shares a dark past with the doctor.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    89% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.7 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $236K worldwide on a $96K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 70K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer

  • Boris KarloffHjalmar Poelzig
  • Bela LugosiDr. Vitus Werdegast
  • David MannersPeter Alison
  • Julie BishopJoan Alison
  • Egon BrecherThe Majordomo
  • Harry CordingThamal
  • Lucille LundKaren
  • Henry ArmettaThe Sergeant
  • Albert ContiThe Lieutenant
  • John CarradineCult Organist