“The Mad Monster” is a 1942 American black-and-white science fiction horror film directed by Sam Newfield and produced by Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC), a studio known for its low-budget productions. The film stars George Zucco, Glenn Strange, Johnny Downs, and Anne Nagel.
Plot: Dr. Lorenzo Cameron, a scientist dismissed by his peers, develops a serum derived from wolf’s blood. He tests it on his simple-minded but strong gardener, Petro, transforming him into a wolf-man. Cameron plans to use Petro to exact revenge on the scientific community that ridiculed him. However, as Petro’s transformations become more unpredictable, chaos ensues, leading to a climactic confrontation during a thunderstorm.
Main Cast:
• George Zucco as Dr. Lorenzo Cameron
• Glenn Strange as Petro
• Anne Nagel as Lenora Cameron
• Johnny Downs as Tom Gregory
• Reginald Barlow as Professor Blaine
Production: Filming began on March 19, 1942, at Chadwick Studios. While some sources suggest the film was completed in five days, production likely spanned two weeks. The wolf-man makeup was created by Harry Ross.
Release: The film was released in the United States on May 15, 1942. It was re-released in 1945 as part of a double feature with “The Devil Bat.” In the United Kingdom, it was banned until 1952 due to concerns about its portrayal of blood transfusions.
Reception: Contemporary reviews were mixed. The Hollywood Reporter praised it as a “thriller-diller,” while Variety criticized its “childish” attempt at horror. Retrospective assessments have labeled it a classic B-movie, with some considering it among the worst horror films ever made, while others appreciate its unique charm.
Public Domain Status: “The Mad Monster” is currently in the public domain, allowing for free distribution and viewing.
Tags: The Mad Monster, 1942, George Zucco, Glenn Strange, Anne Nagel, Johnny Downs, Sam Newfield, PRC, horror, science fiction, wolf-man, mad scientist, classic horror, B-movie, public domain
Plot: Dr. Lorenzo Cameron, a scientist dismissed by his peers, develops a serum derived from wolf’s blood. He tests it on his simple-minded but strong gardener, Petro, transforming him into a wolf-man. Cameron plans to use Petro to exact revenge on the scientific community that ridiculed him. However, as Petro’s transformations become more unpredictable, chaos ensues, leading to a climactic confrontation during a thunderstorm.
Main Cast:
• George Zucco as Dr. Lorenzo Cameron
• Glenn Strange as Petro
• Anne Nagel as Lenora Cameron
• Johnny Downs as Tom Gregory
• Reginald Barlow as Professor Blaine
Production: Filming began on March 19, 1942, at Chadwick Studios. While some sources suggest the film was completed in five days, production likely spanned two weeks. The wolf-man makeup was created by Harry Ross.
Release: The film was released in the United States on May 15, 1942. It was re-released in 1945 as part of a double feature with “The Devil Bat.” In the United Kingdom, it was banned until 1952 due to concerns about its portrayal of blood transfusions.
Reception: Contemporary reviews were mixed. The Hollywood Reporter praised it as a “thriller-diller,” while Variety criticized its “childish” attempt at horror. Retrospective assessments have labeled it a classic B-movie, with some considering it among the worst horror films ever made, while others appreciate its unique charm.
Public Domain Status: “The Mad Monster” is currently in the public domain, allowing for free distribution and viewing.
Tags: The Mad Monster, 1942, George Zucco, Glenn Strange, Anne Nagel, Johnny Downs, Sam Newfield, PRC, horror, science fiction, wolf-man, mad scientist, classic horror, B-movie, public domain
- Category
- CineMovis
- Tags
- horror, science fiction, werewolf

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