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Poster for The Body Snatcher

The Body Snatcher

Seen it?

1945 | 78 min | Horror, Thriller

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. 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 Invasion of the Body Snatchers or Coma, 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 18 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1945: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Edinburgh, 1831. Among those who undertake the illegal trade of grave robbery is Gray, ostensibly a cab driver. Formerly a medical student convicted of grave robbery, Gray holds a grudge against Dr. MacFarlane who had escaped detection and punishment.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 28K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Robert Wise

  • Boris KarloffJohn Gray
  • Bela LugosiJoseph
  • Henry DaniellDr. Wolfe 'Toddy' MacFarlane
  • Edith AtwaterMeg Camden
  • Russell WadeDonald Fettes
  • Rita CordayMrs. Marsh
  • Sharyn MoffettGeorgina Marsh
  • Donna LeeStreet Singer
  • Ted BillingsTownsman (uncredited)
  • Bobby BurnsMourner (uncredited)