Bedlam

Interesting that this was to be Val Newton's final horror film for Universal. Without giving away too many spoilers, this movie crosses soo many social, ethical and cultural notions regarding humanity, the treatment of the insane, social class...it goes on and on. Karloff's character, George, is like Voltaire - both a genius and a capricious scoundrel and toadie. His fear of lossing his influence amoungst the rich and "powerful" is only matched by his own type of insanity. The use of the Quaker ideology against the emotional indifference of the plutocracy exhibited in the film is fine and interesting counterbalance.

This movie plays on your worst fears, being declared insane when your not; having no power against those who have power and seek to silence your voice; the notion of proper care of those who are truly mental/physically hanicapped.

I could write an 25-page research paper analyzing this film and still leave things out...it is both deep and perplexing, as well as fearful and gut-wrenching to consider. Highly recommend for Val Newton & Karloff fans!